Quick Checklist for Reviewing Your English Translation Before Sending It to the Client

 Introduction:

Have you ever sent off a translation and then spotted a small mistake immediately after? 😬
It happens, but taking the time to do a quick, focused review can make all the difference between a “good enough” result and a polished, professional one.

Below is a quick checklist to help you catch some of the most common issues when translating from Portuguese to English and make sure your final version sounds smooth, natural, and client-ready.

✅ Final Review Checklist (PT → EN)

1. Does it sound natural in English?

  • Read your text out loud, or use a text-to-speech tool like Read Aloud (Chrome extension).

  • Ask yourself: Would a native speaker say it this way?

2. Do the sentences seem overly long or complex?

  • English prefers shorter, clearer sentences than Portuguese does.

  • Cut out any unnecessary commas, simplify structure, and remove filler phrases.

3. Did you double-check for false friends and literal translations?

Common traps:

  • “Actually” ≠ atualmente

  • “Realize” ≠ realizar

  • “Assist” ≠ assistir

Tip: When in doubt, check the word in a trusted monolingual English dictionary or with a context tool (e.g., Reverso, Linguee, or WordReference).

4. Have you adapted it to the culture and context?

  • Be careful with expressions, measurements, and idioms.

  • e.g. “Apresentou uma moção para votação”
    → Correct EN: “He tabled a motion for a vote”

5. Are terms and tone consistent?

  • Double-check your use of terminology, especially in technical and academic texts.

  • Be consistent with your use of verb tenses and level of formality.

6. Is your punctuation, capitalization, and formatting native-like?

  • Avoid overusing commas or copying Brazilian punctuation habits.

  • Use Title Case for English titles and headings.

  • Make sure spacing, paragraph breaks, and numbering are clean.

7. Have you scanned the text like your client would?

  • Are there any repeated phrases or awkward transitions?

  • Are the names, dates, numbers, and formatting all correct?

  • Have you followed any specific instructions from the client?

📄 Bonus Tip: Make Your Own Custom Checklist

You can use this list as a starting point. Copy it into your CAT tool, Word file, Notion workspace, or even as a printed checklist on your desk. Over time, you can adapt it to match your workflow and specialisms.

✨ Conclusion:

A good translator delivers an accurate translation.
A great translator delivers one that has been revised and is polished and natural.

Taking just 10–15 minutes for a final review can:

  • Pick up any overlooked errors

  • Improve tone and clarity

  • Show the client your commitment to quality

🎯 Want personalized feedback on your translations?

I offer one-on-one coaching for Brazilian translators who want to write more naturally in English, avoid the most common pitfalls, and develop professionally.

📩 Click here to get in touch
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