As a proofreader I am probably expected to be against automated grammar checkers and say, ‘No! No! No! You need a human to check your writing!’ Well, I might disappoint then, as in my opinion they are a pretty great tool to help any writer identify and correct a wide range of errors.

They let you focus on writing, allowing your creativity to take over and not worry about spelling, grammar, etc. The machine is taking care of that and will alert you when you have made a mistake. That’s pretty great, if you ask me.

What can automated grammar checkers help you with?

Spelling

From simple typos to complex misspellings, these tools leverage extensive dictionaries to ensure accurate word usage.

Punctuation

Missing commas, misplaced apostrophes, wrong punctuation marks, etc. – automated grammar checkers will highlight these.

Subject-Verb Agreement

‘There is’ or ‘There are’? Automated tools will recognise if you get it wrong.

Basic Sentence Structure

If you find yourself in a pickle with syntax, the machine will help you with grammar rules and often suggest how to re-phrase.

Formatting

Automated grammar checkers like consistency, so they will help you ensure that formatting is followed throughout.

Word Repetition

We all have favourite words or phrases that we use often. Grammar checkers can identify overused words and suggest alternatives.

Things to be mindful of when using automated grammar checkers

Context and Topic Nuances

We all interpret things in different ways and the words we choose play an important role in what we write. For example, there is a subtle difference between ‘speaking with you’ and ‘speaking to you’. Nuances is also what gives a writer their unique writing style, so when a grammar checker suggests a correction or a re-write, just pause for a moment and make sure that the change will not alter the intended meaning or tone of what you’re writing.

Idioms and Cultural Differences

Has this ‘piqued your interest’ or should it be ‘peaked’? Or maybe you are distracted, because you have ‘hunger pains’ (or ‘pangs’)? Even we humans often get idioms wrong; grammar checkers may misinterpret some expressions too and suggest changes to text that is actually appropriate for the topic or the intended audience.

Ambiguity and Complex Sentences

When something can mean two things, especially if you have accidentally misplaced a modifier, (more on this here), automated tools may fall short. Resolving these often requires ‘knowing’ what the writer is trying to say. Similarly, if your sentences are on the long side, or you are intentionally deviating from conventional grammar, pay attention when a grammar checker suggests a change – it may alter something that is actually absolutely fine.

Dialogue and Quotes

Mistakes in dialogue can be intentional to better portray a character or the intensity or authenticity of a conversation. Similarly, you might choose to intentionally overuse punctuation marks, purely for effect. Be careful when accepting changes – the grammar checker may highlight intentional deviations as errors.

When quoting text from another source, the sentence structure and word choice should be preserved. Be mindful of this when using grammar checkers to make sure they don’t change anything they are not meant to.

Automated Grammar Checkers – Use Them or Not?

In my opinion, automated grammar checkers can help improve writing and are a valuable asset. They can be very helpful especially when you choose to edit or correct your own writing. At the same time, I think that being aware of their potential limitations is important to be able to use them effectively. 

Should you use automated grammar checkers? That is entirely up to you and your writing style.