Quality Assumptions

What counts as an error?

We consider an error to be anything that violates the rules of the relevant language as defined
in reputable references (e.g., dictionaries, grammar guides, recognized style manuals),
or that contradicts explicit client instructions or reference materials.

Examples of errors include:

  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes

  • Mistranslation: misinterpretations, meaning shifts, omissions, or unwarranted additions

  • Factual inaccuracies

  • Noncompliance with client style guides, preferred terminology, form of address
    (e.g., “You/Sir,” gender-neutral language), or other client-provided references

These are situations where one can clearly, objectively, and demonstrably show that
the translator made a mistake.

What is not considered an error?

For most longer texts, two qualified translators will rarely produce identical translations.
Individual style and voice naturally differ—even in highly technical content.
Preference-only changes that do not breach objective rules or client instructions are not errors.

Examples that are not errors (based on client feedback):

  • Using valid synonyms (e.g., “notebook” vs. “laptop”), unless a glossary mandates one term

  • Delivering text that faithfully conveys the source meaning but uses different,
    equally acceptable phrasing (e.g., “the device offers 5 hours of operating time”
    vs. “the device can be used for 5 hours straight”)

  • Not guessing unstated updates (e.g., changing www.XYZ.pl to www.XYZ.com/pl
    without being told the new URL)

  • Leaving a good sentence as is rather than endlessly searching for a better variant

  • Sticking to the source content rather than “correcting” the author’s intent without
    instruction (e.g., “Yes” remains “Yes,” not “No” or “Yes, of course, Sir”)

In short, preference-driven edits that don’t violate objective rules or explicit instructions
aren’t errors. We’re happy to implement preference updates on request; these are billed
at our standard editing rate. (If you want us to optimize tone and style beyond strict fidelity,
ask about our editing or transcreation tiers.)