There’s nothing worse than sending a business email or posting a blog entry, only to realize later that you have a typo or poor grammar. how did this happen? After all, you use Microsoft Word, which has a built-in spell-checking feature. Unfortunately, this type of spell checker is basic, nothing fancy.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on word processing software to avoid embarrassment. There are other grammar checking and proofreading resources to aid your writing efforts.
Most of these tools have free versions with limited features, but you will still find them effective. What and where can you get one of these accessories?
Whether it’s through websites, browser plugins or apps, checking grammar has never been this easy. Here is a list of five popular checkers that you might want to try.
New writers and professionals alike will find Grammarly to be an affordable writing tool available as a Microsoft Word add-in, browser plugin, an app for desktop, Android, and iOS devices. Tap or click here for details on using Grammarly as a Google Chrome extension.
Unlike Microsoft Word’s spell checker, Grammarly will not automatically correct your errors. It is up to you to use the suggestions provided by Grammarly.
A premium subscription ranges from $29.95 per month to $59.95 quarterly. They offer additional features such as advanced checking for punctuation, grammar, context, and sentence structure, genre-specific writing style checking, and a plagiarism detector.
Prowriting Aid
ProWritingAid is another favorite editing tool for writers with integrations including the web, browser extensions, Google Docs, Microsoft Office add-ins, and a desktop app for Windows and Mac.
ProWritingAid is geared towards professional writers, including writers, editors, copywriters, and students. It will help improve content with an easy-to-use interface that includes a style editor and writing strength/weakness reports. Plans range from $20 monthly to $79 annually. There is also a lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $399.
Garlic
Like Grammarly and ProwritingEd, Ginger is a real-time proofreading tool for online use and a browser plugin. This powerful web app is ideal for writers of all levels and offers some unique features, such as translation of text in 40+ different languages and a text reader.
Both are available with a premium subscription plan, which costs $19.99 monthly or $89.88 annually. Ginger’s text reader helps by reading the text aloud, so you can hear and visualize any errors.
White smoke
WhiteSmoke’s features are comparable to other editing tools available for macOS, Windows desktop, web, and mobile use. While this grammar checking app is proficient in detecting mistakes and offering corrections, it offers over 100 document and letter templates and provides full text and word-by-word translations in 55 languages.
Another advantage WhiteSmoke has over its competitors is its video tutorials and error explanations that don’t leave you thinking about mistakes. Depending on your desired plan, prices vary from $10 to $22.9 per month. The bad news is that there is no trial or free version of WhiteSmoke.