Q: Can I make minor changes in my revised manuscript that weren't suggested by reviewers?

Detailed Question -

I have been asked to complete moderate revisions for a journal. I am aware that you have to track changes made to the manuscript in reference to reviewers comments and also for this particular journal provide a (separate) response to reviewer comments detailing all changes made. I therefore have two questions regarding the tracking in the revised manuscript.

1. First, if I observe simple errors that can be corrected, for example using 'that' instead of 'which' or other grammatical errors, do I need to highlight these in the 'track changes' mode as well. In other words, can I just make the appropriate change and accept the changes.

2. Secondly, if I observe areas/sentences that can be rearranged to improve the organization and clarity of the manuscript do I need to include these in the "track changes" mode given the reviewers/editors did not find problems, especially in reference to the layout, or can I just reshuffle without highlighting the changes? Would this be advisable? Note the content hasn't change just some shuffling of sentences to improve the flow and clarity of the manuscript.

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

It should be fine to correct basic grammar, spelling, or typographical  errors  that the reviewers might have missed out on. You need not use track changes for these corrections. If you spot several such errors, you can consider adding a sentence in your response letter saying that you have corrected a few language errors that you had missed in the original version.

However, it is best to avoid making any major changes such as changing the sequence of sentences, since the reviewers have already reviewed the paper and have not felt the need for this. However, if you strongly feel that this change will improve your paper, you can either ask the editor or make the change using track changes and add a comment explaining why you made the change. 

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