editing

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The work of checking and improving text, film, or other material before it is finished.

   Grammar: Uncountable: editing is a process; you don't say 'an editing'.

   Patterns

   • editing of something
   • do editing
   • editing work

   The editing of the report took several days.

   She is responsible for the editing of all articles.

   Good editing can make a big difference to a text.

2. 2noununcountable

   The process of arranging and cutting film or video to create a final version.

   Grammar: Uncountable: film editing is a technical skill.

   Patterns

   • film editing
   • video editing
   • editing software

   The film's editing won an award.

   He studied film editing at university.

   The editing of the documentary took months.

Common combinations

text editing

Text editing requires attention to detail.

film editing

Film editing can change the pace of a story.

editing process

The editing process often involves multiple drafts.

editing software

She uses editing software to polish her videos.

do some editing

I need to do some editing before I submit the essay.

Synonyms and how they differ

proofreading

Proofreading focuses only on spelling and grammar errors, while editing also improves clarity, structure, and style.

revising

Revising means making changes to improve content, often a broader term than editing, which can include correcting and polishing.

copyediting

Copyediting is a specific type of editing that focuses on grammar, style, and consistency.

Word family

edit verb

To make changes to text or film.

editor noun

A person who edits.

editorial adjective

Relating to editing or editors.

Commonly confused: editing or edition?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “editing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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