In proofreading, numbers should be verified against the original source document.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Numbers are high-risk elements in proofreading, so the main idea is to verify them against the original source to ensure exact, faithful reporting. When you check numbers, you’re not just looking at digits; you’re confirming decimal points, currency signs, units, percentages, dates, and even formatting. The original source is the authority for those values, so cross-checking prevents misreads, typos, or transcription mistakes from slipping into the final text. For example, a copied figure like 2,547 should match the source exactly, and a date such as 2024 should be kept consistent unless the source indicates a change. Even when numbers appear in different forms (numerals vs. spelled-out numbers), verification ensures the meaning remains correct and consistent throughout. This practice is standard because errors with numbers can undermine trust and accuracy, so you verify against the source every time.