> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usemargent.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understand expected vs heard

> Read the comparison without mistaking a transcription for the recording.

| Comparison | Meaning |
| - | - |
| **Expected (manuscript)** | The manuscript text used for this proofing run. |
| **Heard (narration)** | The words the transcription associated with that part of the recording. |

For example, a manuscript may contain “streetlamps” while the transcription says “street lamps.” Listen to the excerpt to decide whether the reading is correct.

## When one side has no words

An apparent omission can have manuscript text without matching heard text. An apparent addition can have heard text without matching manuscript text. Check the surrounding sentence and audio before deciding what happened.

**Approximate position** means you may need to listen a little before or after the displayed timecode.

## Choose what to do

* The reading is correct: [mark no change needed](/qa/no-change-needed).
* The reading needs work: [create a pickup](/pickups/create).
* A correct pair keeps recurring: consider a [book equivalence rule](/equivalences/use-rules).
* The transcript is broadly wrong: check [transcription mismatches](/troubleshooting/transcription-mismatches).

An equivalence rule requires text on both sides. It cannot represent an empty-sided addition or omission.


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