Grammarly is one of the most widely used spelling and grammar checkers online. It can identify and correct errors in spelling, grammatical structure, word choice, style, tone and more.
It can be accessed through a web app, an MS Word plugin, and a browser extension. It offers various plans, including a free version with limited features and a premium option with advanced features.
1. Grammarly
Grammarly is a spelling and grammar checker that goes far beyond the built-in features of word processors. It can detect misspellings as well as confusing words in the context (like “effect” and “affect”) and correct many complex errors in grammar, punctuation, and word choice, including comma splices, subject-verb agreement, and sentence fragments. It also helps you avoid overused or repetitive words and suggests alternatives to improve clarity. It even identifies and explains homonyms and homophones, which is particularly useful for non-native English speakers. You can also customize its rules and settings to fit your writing style.
Grammarly uses machine learning to improve its accuracy and suggest corrections. The more you use it, the smarter it becomes. Its user interface is simple and intuitive. Errors and suggestions are displayed on the right side of the screen and each one is explained in detail.
It is important to note that Grammarly is not foolproof and it may flag legitimate things as mistakes. However, it is a great tool to have if you want to be sure that your writing is free of grammatical and punctuation errors. It can also help you with wordiness and tone to make your writing clearer and more effective. Unfortunately, it does not work with Google Docs, which can be a problem for some writers.
2. Ginger
Founded in 2007, Ginger is one of the oldest grammar check software programs still on the market today. It has gained a loyal following through the years due to its accuracy, affordable price, and clean UI design. The program also offers an online app that lets you edit content in real-time.
It can catch a wide variety of errors, including misspelled words, overused phrases, homonyms, and more. It can also detect contextual mistakes, such as using a formal tone when writing an informal message. It is ideal for students, small business owners, and professional writers who want to improve their writing skills.
Ginger offers a free version and two premium packages. Its web app is compatible with many writing apps, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs. The plugin for Office provides tight integration and allows you to view suggestions in a pop-up window. It is a good choice for people who use Microsoft Office frequently. Its desktop version is available on both Windows and Mac computers, and its mobile apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices. The software can be purchased for a month or an entire year at a time. The premium packages come with three solutions: a spelling and vocabulary check, a style review, and a plagiarism detector.
3. Whitesmoke
While it’s not as comprehensive as Grammarly, WhiteSmoke is a great choice for those who only need help with their grammar. It’s easy to use and works well with most applications, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It also has a browser extension and mobile app that make it even easier to check your writing.
The software underlines mistakes in different colors and provides explanations and tips. It also has a vocabulary builder and offers suggestions to improve sentence structures. However, the user interface has a less modern feel and the Windows desktop app only allows you to copy and paste 10,000 characters at a time. It also lacks a plagiarism detection feature and is not as accurate as Grammarly.
Another advantage of WhiteSmoke is that it includes hundreds of letter templates for common business activities, such as apologies and resignation letters. It also has a translation system that pulls from 55 languages, which is a huge plus for ESL students.
While both Grammarly and WhiteSmoke have a lot of helpful features, Grammarly is the clear winner. Its tone detection and clarity features make it more useful than the other software, and its price is reasonable. You can save money if you buy it through an annual subscription rather than paying monthly.