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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Copyediting Test: Catch Errors and Polish Your Writing

Quick, free copy editing quiz with instant results and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nikhil KhattarUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut letters and grammar symbols on teal background with pencil and checklist illustrating fun free copy editing quiz

This copyediting test helps you spot grammar, style, and punctuation issues fast. Get instant answers, brief explanations, and see where to tighten your edits. Want more practice? Try our proofreading test, check your style choices with the AP style quiz, or sharpen punctuation in the comma rules quiz.

Choose the correctly punctuated series using the Oxford (serial) comma.
We bought apples, and oranges, and pears.
We bought apples and, oranges, and pears.
We bought apples, oranges and pears.
We bought apples, oranges, and pears.
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Choose the correct pronoun: She is the colleague to ____ I sent the draft.
whoever
whose
who
whom
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Choose the correctly hyphenated compound modifier before the noun.
a well known author
a well-known author
a wellknown author
a well-known Author
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US style punctuation with quotation marks: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
She said, "We are ready".
She said, "We are ready."
She said, "We are ready".
She said, "We are ready",
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Choose the correct word with a count noun: There are ____ chairs available.
least
fewer
fewest
less
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Choose the correct form: The company increased ____ revenue this quarter.
it27s
its27
it is27
it's
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Choose the correct use of a semicolon to join independent clauses.
We left early; because traffic was heavy.
We left early; traffic was heavy.
We left early, traffic was heavy.
We left early: traffic was heavy.
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In American English, choose the correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun.
The team is winning their game.
The team are winning their game.
The team is winning its game.
The team are winning its game.
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Choose the sentence free of a dangling modifier.
Running to catch the bus, the rain soaked my coat.
Running to catch the bus, the stop was too far away.
Running to catch the bus, I got soaked in the rain.
Running to catch the bus, the street seemed longer than usual.
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Choose the correct punctuation for a numeric range in Chicago style body text.
pages 10–12
pages 102012
pages 10-12
pages 10 3 12
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Choose the correct usage: The policy will ____ most employees but only ____ a few procedures.
affect; affect
effect; effect
effect; affect
affect; effect
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Choose the correctly punctuated nonrestrictive clause.
The car that is red, is fast.
The car, that is red, is fast.
The car which is red is fast.
The car, which is red, is fast.
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Choose the correct colon usage after an independent clause.
The box contained: apples, pears, and peaches.
The box contained three items: and they were apples, pears, and peaches.
The box contained apples, pears, and peaches: delicious fruit.
The box contained three items: apples, pears, and peaches.
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Chicago title case: Choose the correctly capitalized book title.
The Sun Also Rises
The Sun Also rises
The sun Also Rises
The Sun also Rises
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AP style: Choose the correct styling for the web infrastructure term.
the Internet
The Internet
internet
Internet
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In Chicago style, an ellipsis consists of three spaced periods, with spaces between the dots.
False
True
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After a colon in a sentence, lowercase the first word unless it begins a complete sentence or a proper noun (Chicago).
False
True
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Choose the correct usage of comprise/compose.
The committee is comprised of five members.
Five members compose the committee.
The committee composes of five members.
Five members are comprised by the committee.
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Choose the correct plural form: more than one attorney general.
attorneys general
attorney general27s
attorney generals
attorney27s general
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Choose the correct lay/lie usage.
Yesterday I was lying the book on the table.
I am going to lay down for a nap.
Lie the keys on the table when you arrive.
I lay the book on the table each night.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Errors in Text -

    Recognize spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes that often appear in editing tests for editors to boost your accuracy.

  2. Apply Style Guide Principles -

    Use industry-standard style rules to ensure consistency and clarity during any copy editing test or editorial test.

  3. Refine Sentence Structure -

    Adjust phrasing, tone, and flow to enhance readability and engage readers effectively in both web and print content.

  4. Analyze Copy for Consistency -

    Detect and correct inconsistencies in terminology, formatting, and style across different sections of your work.

  5. Evaluate Your Editorial Skills -

    Assess strengths and weaknesses through immediate feedback, helping you prepare for a real-world editing exam.

  6. Hone Speed and Accuracy -

    Develop strategies for quick, precise edits under time constraints to excel in high-pressure copy editing tests.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement -

    Ensuring the subject and verb match in number is crucial for a top score on your editing test; common pitfalls arise when intervening phrases obscure the true subject. Purdue OWL recommends isolating the core subject - verb pair (e.g., "The bouquet of roses smells fragrant," not "smell"). A quick trick: remove extra words to confirm singular or plural agreement.

  2. Serial Comma Consistency -

    Whether you're tackling a copy editing test or an editing exam, consistent use of the Oxford (serial) comma prevents ambiguity in lists. The Chicago Manual of Style endorses the serial comma - "apples, oranges, and bananas" - while AP Style omits it unless needed. Remember the mnemonic "two items need no comma, three or more always do."

  3. Style-Guide Conventions -

    Familiarity with major style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago, MLA) helps you adapt to any editorial test quickly; each has rules on numbers, capitalization, and punctuation. For instance, AP spells out numbers under 10, while Chicago often uses numerals for 10 and above. Keep a quick-reference sheet during practice quizzes to internalize these differences.

  4. Homophones and Common Confusables -

    Spotting errors like "their/there/they're" or "affect/effect" is a staple in editing tests for editors; misused homophones can undermine credibility. The University of Oxford's Style Guide offers clear definitions and example sentences to reinforce correct usage. Practice with targeted exercises to build instinctive recognition under time pressure.

  5. Fact-Checking & Reference Verification -

    Accurate sourcing and citation are essential in a rigorous editorial test; errors in names, dates, or data can slip past cursory reviews. Use the Council of Science Editors' checklist to confirm facts before finalizing edits. A reliable habit: cross-verify each fact against at least two reputable sources.

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