A request to “proofread this translation” can describe several different needs. You may want spelling errors corrected, awkward writing improved, or the translation checked against the original. Those tasks overlap, but they do not answer the same questions. Describe the problem and the intended use so the review can be scoped correctly.

Proofreading: check the text that readers will see

A proofread commonly focuses on surface errors and consistency: spelling, punctuation, formatting, numbering, and obvious presentation problems. The exact scope should be agreed. If the text has already been placed into a brochure or webpage, reviewing that version can reveal clipped lines, missing headings, or captions that are not visible in a plain text file.

Proofreading the target text alone cannot establish that it faithfully represents a source document. A sentence may be grammatical and still contain the wrong amount, omit a condition, or reverse the intended meaning.

Bilingual revision: compare the translation with its source

Bilingual revision checks the target text against the original. The reviewer looks for meaning, omissions, additions, terminology, and consistency, while also considering readability. Supply both versions and identify which source version was translated. Otherwise, an apparent translation error may actually be a change made to the original after translation.

Give the reviewer approved terminology and any instructions the first translator received. If wording is mandatory, say so. If the original contains an ambiguity, the reviewer may need a decision from your subject specialist rather than silently choosing an interpretation.

Editing: improve how the text works

Editing may address structure, flow, tone, and clarity in an original or translated text. For example, a reader-facing explanation might need shorter sentences, a clearer opening, or a better sequence of instructions. Agree how much rewriting is acceptable. A light edit and a substantive rewrite involve different decisions and levels of author approval.

If you need both source comparison and substantial editing, state both requirements. Asking for a “quick check” does not make a difficult source text or a weak translation straightforward to repair.

Choose the review by the question you need answered

  • “Are there spelling or layout errors before publication?” Discuss proofreading in the final format.
  • “Does this translation accurately reflect the original?” Ask for bilingual revision and provide the source.
  • “Will readers understand and follow this text?” Discuss editing for clarity and audience.
  • “Has the layout introduced errors?” Include a final check after design or implementation.

Make feedback easy to use

Agree on tracked changes, comments, and a clean final version. Appoint someone to resolve factual or terminology questions and consolidate feedback. After accepting changes, review the final file rather than an earlier marked-up draft. If the source changes again, identify the affected passages for another check.

For English, French, or Arabic content, send Idiomly the available files and explain what concerns you. That allows the proposed review to match the actual need instead of relying on a service label alone.