Grammarly Review: The Ultimate Guide to This Grammar Checker

In this Grammarly review, we will explore the key features of this popular writing tool and determine if it's worth the investment. As a former sub-editor for a national newspaper, I understand the importance of finding and fixing grammar errors in written content. I have tested numerous grammar checkers and writing tools and have found Grammarly to be the most reliable.

Why I Use Grammarly

As a freelance writer, author, and content publisher, I rely on Grammarly Premium to proofread my work and check articles from other freelancers. In this review, I will explain why Grammarly is a vital tool for my business and how it can help you improve your writing skills.

Grammarly 's Evolution

Several years ago, Grammarly started as a free grammar and spelling checker for proofreading articles, book chapters, and blog posts. Since then, it has evolved into a powerful writing assistant with advanced features.

What to Expect

In this review, I will provide a background on Grammarly before diving into its key features. I will also explain how to maximize its value and determine if the Premium version is worth the investment. So, let's get started and see if Grammarly is the right writing tool for you.

What Is Grammarly ?

Overview

Grammarly is a popular grammar checker that was first introduced in 2009. It has since grown into a comprehensive writing assistant powered by AI technology.

Features

• Basic grammar checker
• Plagiarism detector
• Advanced writing assistant
• Readability improver
• Sentence rewriter

Availability

Grammarly offers a suite of desktop and web applications, as well as software plugins.

Founders and Headquarters

• Co-founded by Max Lytvyn, Alex Shevchenko, and Dmytro Lider
• Headquarters located in San Fran Cisco

Grammarly Website

Pricing Breakdown: How much does Grammarly cost?

Grammarly is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. It offers a free version and a premium version that comes with additional features. Here's a breakdown of the pricing:

Grammarly Free

The free version of Grammarly includes basic grammar and spelling checks. It's entirely free, and there are no hidden fees. Most people find the free version is robust enough for their needs.

Grammarly Premium

Grammarly Premium offers more in-depth recommendations, vocabulary enhancements, writing style suggestions, and plagiarism checks. The premium version costs a maximum of $29.95 per month, but there are pricing options that allow you to purchase it at a discounted price:

• $30.00 per month
• $60.00 per 3 months ($20.00/month value)
• $144.00 per year ($12.00/month value)

If you're wondering whether Grammarly Premium is worth it, the answer is yes. The annual plan saves you 61% every year, making it a worthwhile investment, especially for writers, bloggers, marketers, students, academics, and anyone in corporate America.

Grammarly Business

If you're looking for a tool to use with your team, Grammarly Business is an excellent choice. It costs $12.50 per member per month, with a minimum of three members.

Differences Between Grammarly Free & Premium

The main difference between the free and premium versions of Grammarly is that the premium version offers more features, including:

• More recommendations
• Vocabulary enhancements
• Writing style suggestions
• Plagiarism checks

Grammarly Premium Features

Some of the features you get with Grammarly Premium include:

• Plagiarism Checker
• Genre-specific suggestions
• Vocabulary Enhancement
• Context-optimized alternatives and synonyms
• Formatting tools

Differences Between Grammarly Desktop and Mobile

You can use Grammarly on both your computer and your mobile devices. The main difference between the two is that on your computer, you'll get real-time suggestions with colored underlines. On your mobile device, it works as a keyboard, offering real-time corrections right above the letters and numbers. It suggests corrections to spelling and grammar, and when there are no grammatical errors, it offers synonyms for whatever you're typing.

Grammarly Website

11 Key Features of Grammarly

Grammarly is an all-in-one writing tool that offers a range of features to help you improve your writing skills. Here are the 11 key features of Grammarly :

1. Spelling and Grammar Check
2. Grammarly checks your spelling and grammar with high accuracy.
3. It even helps with comma placement.
4. Its free version rivals any other free app out there.
5. Suggestions
6. Grammarly detects errors and provides suggestions to improve your writing.
7. Click on underlined words to see what the problem is.
8. Grammarly ’s suggestion will pop up with a concise but informative explanation.
9. Grammarly Cards
10. Grammarly gives comprehensive explanations of grammar rules and tips for avoiding similar mistakes in the future.
11. Reporting
12. You can receive a report detailing your accuracy in grammar, spelling, plagiarism, and vocabulary.
13. This helps you improve over time.
14. Language Preferences
15. Easily switch between English dialects.
16. Grammarly recognizes American English , British English , Canadian English , and Australian English .
17. Grammarly Online Editor
18. Grammarly has an Online Editor that allows you to store all your documents and access them from any Internet-connected computer.
19. You can type within it or upload your documents to it.
20. Browser Extension
21. Available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
22. The Grammarly extension is intuitive, easy-to-use, and highly accurate.
23. Automatically checks your comments, blog posts, tweets, Facebook posts, and emails.
24. Grammarly for Microsoft Office
25. Grammarly can integrate with Word on Windows and Mac.
26. It can only integrate with Outlook on Windows.
27. Grammarly for Your Phone
28. Grammarly Keyboard for iOS or Android will check all your writing through your keyboard.
29. Unfortunately, you cannot swipe text with the Grammarly keyboard.
30. Grammarly for Your Desktop
31. Quickly drag and drop files into the Grammarly icon on your desktop and get your works checked at ludicrous speed.
32. Plagiarism Checker (Premium Only)
33. Grammarly checks over 16 billion websites to cross-check and ensure your copy contains no plagiarism.
34. This is a super-powerful feature if you employ ghostwriters, are an academic writer, or you want to ensure your content isn't stolen.

Grammarly Website

How to Use Grammarly (Web, Online, App, & More)

Grammarly is a versatile tool that can be used across various platforms to help you write mistake-free, professional-grade content. Here are the different ways to use Grammarly :

Browser Extension

The Grammarly Browser Extension is available for Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Chrome. Here's how to use it:

1. Download the Grammarly Browser Extension .
2. When you're writing an email, a LinkedIn post, or anything else online, Grammarly will offer real-time spelling and grammar suggestions.
3. Grammarly 's suggestions will vary depending on the site you're writing on. For example, it will make stricter suggestions on LinkedIn where professional language is expected.

Online Editor

The online Grammarly Editor is accessible through app.grammarly.com. Here's how to use it:

1. Go to app.grammarly.com.
2. Upload a file, or drag and drop one onto the editor. Note that Grammarly can only check 100,000 characters at once, which is about 16,000 words or 60 pages.
3. Supported file formats for upload include DOC, DOCX, ODT, TXT, and RTF.

Microsoft Office

Grammarly for Microsoft Office is available on both Mac and Windows computers. Here's how to use it:

1. Install Grammarly for Microsoft Office .
2. On Windows, Grammarly can integrate with Microsoft Word and Outlook . There is no character limit on Windows.
3. In Word or Outlook , you'll see a Grammarly tab on your toolbar. Click Open Grammarly , and the Grammarly sidebar will appear, offering real-time suggestions.
4. On Mac, there is a 150,000 character limit on how much Grammarly checks at once in MS Word .

Desktop App

Grammarly 's Desktop App can be downloaded from their website. Here's how to use it:

1. Download the Desktop App .
2. Supported file formats include DOC, DOCX, ODT, TXT, and RTF.
3. Open the app and drag and drop files to check your spelling, grammar, and more.

Mobile App

The Grammarly Mobile App is available for both iOS and Android. Here's how to use it:

1. Download the app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store.
2. Open the app and go through the setup process.
3. Whenever you type with your phone's Grammarly keyboard, you can rest assured that what you're writing is mistake-free.
4. Note that what you type is encrypted for your safety, and Grammarly does not spell check fields marked sensitive, such as credit card information.

By using Grammarly across various platforms and devices, you can ensure that your writing is professional, polished, and free of errors.

Grammarly Website

Can Grammarly replace human editing?

As much as Grammarly is a great editing tool, it cannot replace human editing and proofreading. Here's why:

Grammarly 's Limitations

• Grammarly can miss certain things that only a human editor can find.
• It can highlight "errors" that are purposeful in creative writing techniques.
• The feedback provided by Grammarly is limited in comparison to a human editor.

When to Use Grammarly

• Grammarly can serve as an extra set of eyes for authors writing dialogue-heavy scenes or utilizing creative writing techniques.
• It can be used for guest posts, blog articles, emails, comments, podcast notes, and social media to enhance your writing.

When to Hire a Human Editor

• Before publishing your eBook to Amazon, it is recommended to hire a human editor.
• Skimping on editing costs can result in poor reviews and sales.
• Hiring a human editor ensures a more thorough and personalized editing process.

In conclusion, while Grammarly is a valuable editing tool, it cannot replace the expertise and thoroughness of a human editor.

Grammarly Website

What I Love About Grammarly

Grammarly is an excellent tool that offers a lot of useful features that I love, even in the free version. Here are some of the reasons why I love Grammarly :

Real-time spelling and grammar checker

Grammarly 's real-time checker is one of the most convenient features of the tool. It highlights any errors in your writing with a red underline, making it easy to spot and correct mistakes without having to click any buttons.

Easy to use

Grammarly is designed to be easy to use, even for everyday people who don't have experience with writing tools. The interface is simple and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and understand.

Simple explanations

Grammarly provides simple and easy-to-understand explanations behind its suggestions. You can choose between quick-view or "See More In Grammarly " options to see concise but accurate explanations as to why Grammarly is suggesting a change.

High accuracy rate

Grammarly is highly accurate and offers accurate AI spelling and grammar suggestions. It is much more accurate than other tools, making it a reliable option for anyone looking to improve their writing.

Personal dictionary

Even in the free version, Grammarly comes with a personal dictionary that can be customized while writing or on your account. This feature ensures that Grammarly will never suggest you change a word again once it is added to your dictionary.

Desktop and mobile capabilities

Grammarly offers both desktop and mobile capabilities, making it a convenient option for anyone who needs to write on the go.

Weekly report card

Grammarly tracks your overall weaknesses and points out areas you can work on over time, providing a weekly report card to let you know how your writing has improved over weeks, months, or even years. This feature helps you keep track of your progress and see how much you have improved over time.

Grammarly Website

What I Don't Like About Grammarly

Despite being a top-rated grammar checker, there are a few things I don't like about Grammarly . Here they are:

No Scrivener Integration

• Grammarly only integrates with Microsoft Word and Outlook outside of a web browser.
• Unfortunately, it doesn't integrate with notable apps like Scrivener or OpenOffice , which many authors prefer to use.

Google Docs in Beta

• Grammarly is still in beta version for Google Docs , despite being one of the most popular proofreading tools in the world.
• In Google Docs , Grammarly can be super buggy and greatly slow down the performance of the application.
• Real-time suggestions and detailed suggestions can be shown through a sidebar, which can further worsen Google Docs ' performance.

Aggressive Advertising

• Grammarly frequently promotes its premium version through emails, which can be annoying for some users.
• However, users can easily unsubscribe from these emails.

Only Supports English

• Grammarly only supports English , which may not be suitable for those who proofread in other languages.

While these issues can be problematic, they are not dealbreakers. The benefits of using Grammarly outweigh its cons, and it remains a top choice for those who want to improve their writing.

Grammarly Website

Is Grammarly Right for You?

If you're someone who writes in English , Grammarly is definitely worth considering. Here are some reasons why:

Prevents embarrassing mistakes

Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps you spot and correct grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and spelling errors. This can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and improve the overall quality of your writing.

Helps you learn

Grammarly not only corrects your mistakes but also provides explanations and suggestions for improvement. This way, you can learn from your mistakes and become a better writer over time.

Free version is great

Even if you don't want to spend money on the premium version, the free version of Grammarly is still leagues better than Word's spell checker. It's a great tool to have in your proofreading arsenal.

Premium version is worth it

If you do decide to upgrade to the premium version of Grammarly , it's more than worth it. The premium version offers advanced writing suggestions, a Plagiarism Checker , and more. Plus, if you bill annually, you can save money in the long run.

Great for college students

If you're a college student with writing assignments to turn in, Grammarly is definitely worth it. The free version alone can improve your writing, and the premium version offers even more benefits, including a Plagiarism Checker .

Shouldn't replace human editing

While Grammarly is a great tool, it shouldn't replace a human editor for your book or other major writing projects. It's always a good idea to have a second set of eyes on your work.

Can strengthen your writing over time

Using Grammarly and its reporting system can help you identify patterns in your writing and improve your skills over time.

Switch between English versions

Grammarly allows you to switch between American English , British English , Canadian English , and Australian English . This can save you a lot of hassle and time, especially if you're writing for an international audience.

Grammarly Website

Grammarly Free Vs Grammarly Premium Version

Grammarly offers both a free and premium version of its grammar checker. Here’s what you need to know to decide which version is right for you.

Grammarly Free Version

If you’re on a tight budget, the free version of Grammarly is a good option. Here’s what it includes:

• Basic grammar checker
• Ability to switch between US, British, Canadian, and Australian English

However, there are some limitations to the free version:

• No advanced grammar checker
• No plagiarism detector
• No vocabulary enhancement suggestions

Despite these limitations, the free version is still a useful tool. It will catch more errors than a basic grammar or spellchecker, and you can use it without spending any money.

Grammarly Premium Version

Grammarly Premium is the paid version of the tool. It offers several additional checks and tools for those who write and publish content online. Here’s what you get:

• Advanced grammar checker
• Plagiarism detector
• Vocabulary enhancement suggestions
• Writing insights
• Ability to set writing goals
• Readability scores and reports
• Advanced writing assistant

The premium version is ideal for writers who regularly write and publish content online. It will find and fix more mistakes than the free version, and provides more in-depth Writing insights .

Is Grammarly Premium Worth It?

If you write and publish content online regularly, Grammarly Premium is definitely worth the investment. It will help you catch mistakes you might miss, and provide valuable insights into your writing.

Here are some of the best tools included in Grammarly Premium :

• Plagiarism report
• Overused words
• Inappropriate tone

However, the current price of $30 per month may be expensive for some writers. You can avail of a Grammarly discount to reduce the cost, or upgrade for the entire year if you use it regularly.

Areas for Improvement

While Grammarly is a great tool, there’s always room for improvement. Some areas for improvement include:

• Support for other languages beyond English
• A free trial for the Plagiarism Checker so users can see how valuable it is

Overall, Grammarly Premium is worth the investment if you’re serious about improving your writing. However, the free version is still a useful tool if you’re on a tight budget.

Grammarly Website

Grammarly Premium vs Grammarly Business

Grammarly offers two paid versions of their software: Premium and Business. While the Premium version is designed for individuals, Business is more suited to teams of writers or businesses that require advanced collaboration and security features. Here is a breakdown of the key differences between Grammarly Premium and Business:

Grammarly Premium

• Grammar and spelling checks
• Punctuation and sentence structure suggestions
• Advanced vocabulary suggestions
• Genre-specific writing style checks
• Plagiarism Checker
• Personal dictionary
• Integrations with Microsoft Word , Google Docs , and more

Grammarly Business

In addition to the features provided on the Premium model, the Business edition of the Grammarly software includes:

• Admin and user management controls for the privacy and security of your team’s work
• Priority 24/7 email support
• Centralized billing
• Monitoring tools for checking engagement trends
• A style guide
• Collaboration features

Is Grammarly Business right for you?

Grammarly Business is a viable option if you’re running a bigger content publishing team or work with freelance writers a lot. The advanced collaboration and security features provided by Grammarly Business make it easier to manage and monitor multiple users and their work. Additionally, the style guide can help ensure consistency in your team’s writing. However, if you are an individual or a small team, the Premium version may be more appropriate.

Check out our full review of Grammarly Business to learn more about its features and benefits.

Grammarly Website

Grammarly Competitors

When it comes to grammar-checking tools, there are several key players in the market. Here are some of Grammarly 's most popular competitors:

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a great alternative to Grammarly , especially for those who are looking for a more affordable option. While the free version of Grammarly can check 10,000 words at a time, ProWritingAid 's free version can only check 500 words at a time. However, ProWritingAid is almost as powerful as Grammarly . Check out our ProWritingAid review to learn more.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs

While Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have built-in grammar checkers, the free and premium versions of Grammarly caught more errors in our test. Plus, you can easily use Grammarly for free with these apps. Check out our guide on how to add Grammarly to Google Docs .

Whitesmoke

While Whitesmoke is cheaper than Grammarly , it lacks a free version or trial. Grammarly is also more powerful and user-friendly, containing more advanced grammar-checking features and tools. Check out our comparison of Whitesmoke vs Grammarly to learn more.

Turnitin

While Turnitin is great for academia, it's not easy to buy or acquire unless you're a student or in academia. On the other hand, anyone can try and use Grammarly to check their essays, papers, and more. Check out our guide to Grammarly alternatives.

Human Proofreader

While Grammarly is great for checking short blocks of text and articles quickly and easily, I recommend paying a professional proofreader for longer work, like a book chapter. They can assess fixes that Grammarly might overlook, especially in creative writing and fiction.

Non- English Writers

Grammarly is a great tool for non- English writers who want to learn English grammar. It's helpful because it teaches the finer points of grammar. It's also great for proofreading and grammar-checking a document for different types of English , like British English or American English .

Grammarly Website

Can Grammarly Be Trusted?

If you're considering using Grammarly but worried about the safety and security of your data, here's what you need to know about Grammarly 's trustworthiness:

Grammarly Business

Grammarly Business offers enterprise-grade encryption and has achieved several highly regarded security and compliance certifications, including:

• ISO 27001:2013
• GDPR compliance
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance
• PCI-DSS compliance

Personal Data Report

If you're still concerned about the safety of your data, you can request a personal data report from Grammarly . This report will show you what information Grammarly holds about you before proceeding.

Trustworthiness

Overall, Grammarly has a good reputation for data security and privacy. With its various security and compliance certifications, there's little reason to doubt the trustworthiness of the platform.

So, if you're a freelance writer, small business owner, or professional, it's safe to trust Grammarly with your writing and data.

Grammarly Website

Grammarly Pros

There are many reasons why Grammarly has become a popular grammar checker. Below are some of the advantages of using this software:

1. Real-Time Grammar Correction

Grammarly has a real-time grammar correction feature that detects errors as you type. This means you don't have to wait until you finish writing to check your work. With this feature, you can spot and correct any mistakes immediately, resulting in a cleaner final product.

2. Highly Accurate

Grammarly has a high rate of accuracy when it comes to detecting grammar errors. While it may occasionally misunderstand what you're trying to say or suggest unnecessary comma placements, it generally has a high level of accuracy. This is crucial when checking grammar as accuracy is always best.

3. Easy-to-Understand Explanations

Grammarly doesn't just tell you when something is wrong. It also provides explanations that are easy to understand. This feature enables you to learn and improve your writing skills. Grammarly has two options for explanations: a quick view that allows you to make changes with little help and a full explanation that elaborates on the error. By understanding these explanations, you can strengthen your writing in the long run.

4. Customization

Grammarly is customizable, even with the free version. You can select your preferred language, turn off certain websites' checking, and add new words to the dictionary. This is particularly useful if you use brand names, slang, or abbreviations that are not recognized by standard dictionaries. Adding these words to the dictionary means you don't have to correct them every time Grammarly flags them.

5. User-Friendly

Grammarly is very easy to use. All you have to do is install the plugin or Browser Extension , and you're good to go. The software underlines incorrect words or grammar and shows you what to replace them with when you hover over them. It's perfect for those who need help with their grammar but don't want to use a complicated software.

Grammarly Website

Grammarly Cons

While Grammarly has a lot of great features, there are a few cons to be aware of:

1. Limited Functionality on Certain Platforms

Grammarly doesn't work with Google Docs , which could be a major drawback for users who rely on this popular writing software. However, they are currently beta testing Grammarly with Google Docs , so this feature may be available soon.

2. Limited Free Version

The free version of Grammarly is very limited and only offers basic spelling and grammar checks. While this may be sufficient for some users, those who want more advanced features will need to upgrade to the premium version. Unfortunately, there is a large gap between the free and premium versions, and Grammarly could benefit from offering more free features.

3. Aggressive Advertising

Grammarly is notorious for its aggressive advertising tactics. While they are justified in trying to convince users to upgrade to their premium version, their spam-like emails and notifications can be a bit overwhelming. However, you can easily opt-out of their email list and the notifications are tolerable.

Overall, while there are some cons to using Grammarly , the benefits of this writing software far outweigh the drawbacks.

Grammarly Website

FAQs About Grammarly Review

Does Grammarly work?

Yes, Grammarly is an exceptional tool that can find and fix more writing errors than traditional proofreading and grammar checkers. It provides insights into the reasons behind a mistake and suggests fixes. Both the free and premium versions of Grammarly are accurate, fast, and easy to use, making it a top tool for successful writers.

Does Grammarly cost money?

The basic version of Grammarly is free to use, and you can use it to grammar-check your writing. The premium version has additional tools for writers and costs approximately $30 per month. However, you can save money with a monthly subscription or discount.

What is the Grammarly cancellation refund policy?

If you try Grammarly Premium and don’t like it, you can visit Grammarly.com, contact Grammarly support, and get your money back without issue within ten days.

How can I get Grammarly Premium for free?

You can use the base model of Grammarly for free, and it is helpful. When you are ready or can afford to upgrade, you can claim a Grammarly coupon and save 20%.

Can Grammarly improve my writing?

Yes, Grammarly can improve your writing. It is exceptionally good at providing guidance, and while there is a lot of spoon-feeding in the Premium version, keeping in mind the service's comments as you go can lead to noticeable improvements.

Is Grammarly worth it for college students?

Yes, it is. Grammarly is one of the best grammar checkers in the market and can prove especially valuable for students looking to improve their writing and vocabulary in English . The Plagiarism Checker can also help avoid leftover impact from cut and paste research material.

Is Grammarly safe and legit?

Yes, it is. Grammarly is provided by a legitimate company that has been improving the ecosystem since 2009. Writing is backed up on their servers, and accounts are secured on multiple levels. This security includes 2FA, plus certification in PCI DSS, CSA, SOC2, and more.

How much does Grammarly cost?

Grammarly is free to use as a basic service. The Premium plan starts at $11.66/mo, and there is also a Business plan, which starts at $12.50/mo. Pricing can vary depending on your subscription model.

Does Grammarly refund?

Grammarly has a no-refunds policy spelled out clearly in their Terms of Use. However, if you buy and are dissatisfied, you can contact their support team to discuss the matter. You can always try out the free plan first.

Is using Grammarly considered cheating?

Not necessarily. The use of external aids is subject to the policies that your educational institute has in place. Instead of using it as a means towards assignment completion, consider looking at Grammarly as a learning tool.

What are the immediate benefits of using Grammarly ?

The immediate benefits of Grammarly include improved grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It also helps in forming the right impression on others with effective written communication.

Is Grammarly Premium worth it?

If you need advanced grammatical suggestions along with a Plagiarism Checker tool, you can switch to the Premium plan of Grammarly .

Do companies use Grammarly ?

Yes, popular companies like Cisco , Expedia , Magento , Expensify , and Trulia use Grammarly to proofread their content.

Is Grammarly safe and secure?

Yes, it is. Grammarly offers 2FA to secure your account and also shows logged-in devices. You can sign out of any device with one click.

Can Grammarly check a PDF for grammar and or spelling issues?

No, Grammarly cannot check PDFs. It only supports the following document formats: docx, odf, rtf, and txt.

Will Grammarly work on a Mac?

Yes, Grammarly features a dedicated app for the macOS operating system. It also has Browser Extension s for the Safari browser.

Is Grammarly accurate?

Yes, Grammarly is a pretty accurate tool for correcting your Grammar, spelling, writing style, and punctuation. It offers helpful and logical suggestions to improve your content.

How to use Grammarly with other tools and software?

For using Grammarly with online apps like Google Docs or Gmail , you need to download its Browser Extension . And for using it with offline tools like MS Word and Office 365 , you need its Desktop App .