ProWritingAid Review: Can This Grammar Checker Fix Your Writing Issues?
ProWritingAid is a web-based grammar checker and style editor that can help you improve and become a better author. What exactly is it? Is it a useful tool? It was a tool I tested and will be sharing my experiences with readers in this ProWritingAid review.
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You’ve probably written something. The same mistakes can be found in everyone, from typos to spelling mistakes and not knowing the right word, to a myriad of grammatical nuances that it is difficult to remember.
It’d be wonderful to have an editor or a teacher in writing who is always there to correct errors. (I am biased because I’m an editor, but it’s true. There is no substitute for the wisdom and experiences of a person who is able to comprehend language and assist you in communicating your thoughts effectively.
However, If you don’t have access an editor (or even if you do, but you do not want to pay them to edit your Facebook or email posts) Grammar checking software like ProWritingAid is an accessible, affordable alternative.
ProWritingAid: An Editor’s Review
ProWritingAid is highly recommended by writers I trust. As an editor, though, I was dubious. A piece of software could find all errors in my writing. It could be used in lieu of a human editor. It can help writers recognize and correct writing issues and improve their craft.
And I’ll admit too that I had one more question Could I write so perfectly that ProWritingAid could not find anything to critique?
ProWritingAid I decided to test it myself to see how it performed.
Before we begin, I wasn’t paid for this review, however I want to be fully open and inform you that the links in this article are affiliate links. ProWritingAid is a program which allows me to continue writing and offer editing tips. This won’t impact your overall cost and it didn’t affect my decision to purchase the program.
ProWritingAid can be found here.
How does it stack up? Here are my observations.
ProWritingAid Review, The Basics
A brief overview of ProWritingAid.
ProWritingAid promises to be “a grammar guru and style editor all in one package”. It is an application for writing that acts as a complex grammar checker as well as spell-checkers.
ProWritingAid is for editors, copywriters and students. It will help you write better, no matter whether you are experienced or brand novice you are to writing.
It’s available in both the free and premium version. Premium users will get more support and options.
What are its features? Let’s take it apart.
Grammar and Spelling Checkers
ProWritingAid’s primary features form the basis of all writing software. ProWritingAid has stronger grammar and spelling tests over Microsoft Word.
In red for spelling, and in blue for grammar mistakes are underlined. My favorite feature about this tool is that you can hover over the text that is underlined to see a small box with both a suggested correction as well as an explanation of the reason why it was suggested.
Additionally, you can use the real-time error-checking feature to track all errors and guide you to the correct direction with only one click. Are you not interested to see the number of issues it spots while you write? You can turn it on and off at any moment.
More than a Dictionary and Thesaurus
Most writing software comes with a built-in dictionary or thesaurus. ProWritingAid includes a dictionary, thesaurus and many other tools for word suggestions to make it more useful.
Is there a perfect word to use in English? You can use the thesaurus or the standard dictionary. Click on any underlined word to see a list with alternative options.
If you’re writing poetry, do you prefer to remain lyrical? There’s an alliteration analysis to help you with that.
If you’re writing a story, do not depend on the clichés. Redundancy reports and the cliche will catch them all.
Are you unsure if you used the correct here or there? The homonym checking will check your word usage to find any mistakes and correct them.
By using these tools, it’s simple to make sure you say the right thing at the right time each time.
Robust Reports on Your Writing
So far, so good. However, at this point I have to admit that I felt certain that I could the best ProWritingAid as an editor.
It gave me an analysis I couldn’t have gathered without ProWritingAid.
I’ve already talked about ProWritingAid’s reports, dictionaries, and checkers. These examples are just one of the many tools ProWritingAid can offer.
There are a variety of reports that you can use to analyze and improve your writing. Although I can’t list them all here but I would like to highlight my top reports.
The Writing Style Report
After the grammar and spell check tools, this might be among the most useful reports for quickly and easily editing your prose. Writing Style report Writing Style report assesses your writing and suggests modifications that can improve its readability. It provides information about writing style elements, including:
Passive voice
Hidden verbs
Excessive use of adverbs
Repetition of sentence starting points
In a glance, it’ll tell the areas where you could make minor adjustments to your writing to improve the style and create a better user experience for the readers.
The Word Count Report and Sentence Length Report
While many writing tools have word counters however, the Sentence Length report has a more powerful tool.
Yes, it will count the number of words and characters that are contained in your document. It will count every word within each sentence, and show the words in a visual. It will show the average length of your sentences and the variations in length. Additionally, it will alert you if there are any sentences that are unusually long.
Being aware of what you’re explaining can cause it to be difficult for readers to comprehend where your readers won’t get it. Sentence length reports can be a useful tool to identify unclear lines and assist you to cut them into smaller pieces.
Three Reports to Combat Repetition
ProWritingAid includes not only three but three reports that help you identify frequently used words.
The Overused Words report marks any words that are commonly used, and will make readers take a break. It will show you the number of instances it’s possible to eliminate from the report so they are not overused. It will also compare your writing with other published writing to help you understand how your style stacks against others.
The All Repeats report will identify phrases and words that have been repeated within your writing for at least four words. They’re not necessarily overused however they can be helpful in identifying repetitive words or phrases.
Echoes reports will highlight any repetitions of words or phrases in close proximity. It will also suggest alternatives words to make use of to break up repeated phrases.
The Sentence Structure Report
The Sentence Structure report is a interesting one for me. This report reviews how you organize your sentences to aid you in identifying where you are repeating certain syntax.
For instance 37, of my sentences start with a subject. None, however, start with the gerund. This is neither correct or incorrect however it does provide me with a useful guideline in how I can improve my writing’s diversity.
The Pacing Report
This is the kind report I was hoping for and so glad to have discovered it. The Pacing Report is a great tool for writers who are creative.
While some background information is okay but too much could cause boredom for your readers. This tool will help you identify sections in your writing that slow down the pace. It will then let you know quickly if it’s just right or too much.
The Plagiarism Report
Plagiarism is a major concern for writers, is the Plagiarism Report. ProWritingAid has been able to scan millions upon millions of books, articles, academic papers, and analyze what lines you have composed for other documents.
The ProWritingAid Plagiarism tool isn’t included in the Premium package. You can upgrade to Premium Plus and get fifty plagiarism checks per year, or purchase checks to be used as needed.
The House Report
Are you a writer working for an organization that follows the format of a stylebook for house? ProWritingAid can search for specific patterns or rules within your writing.
The House report is customizable to suit your needs. ProWritingAid can create reports by telling you what it is supposed to be analyzing.
Examine the Content of Your Heart
I’ve mentioned nine of ProWritingAid’s reports in the past, but that’s not even half of what this tool can do. I urge you to check out the complete list of reports, or even register for a free trial, so that you can try it out.
These reports will help you to be as exact as possible in your analysis of writing. Take a deep dive into readability using the Readability report, nitpick every inconsistent detail with the Consistency report, or just correct grammar mistakes and move on with the Grammar report.
No matter what kind of writing you’re working on, there’s a report to help you refine your piece and become a better writer.
Where can you use ProWritingAid?
You can access the ProWritingAid editor directly on the ProWritingAid website. Write your piece there using the editor tool or copy and paste it from a different document.
ProWritingAid doesn’t lock you in. Whether you compose in Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Scrivener, you can download a plugin to add ProWritingAid’s analysis of your writing to the word processor you prefer.
You can also download the Chrome extension. Your personal writing editor will be able to follow your every move on the internet. No need to worry about spelling errors in your status updates on Facebook!
ProWritingAid – Free Vs. Premium
So, what’s the deal? What is the ProWritingAid package?
Here’s how the premium and free versions compare.
ProWritingAid Premium Free ProWritingAid
Access to the Desktop Application in Online Version
Can analyse up to 500 words at one time. Also, it can examine full-length documents at the same time
25 Writing Reports 25 Writing Reports
Word Explorer tools Limited Results
Integration with MS Word. Google Docs. Chrome. Scrivener
Real Time Grammar and Style Score
Sign up for ProWritingAid here.
ProWritingAid’s free version can be an excellent option to start. Personally, I am a fan of the more flexibility and capabilities that the premium version provides.
What is the cost of premium membership? ProWritingAid is a subscription-based program. You can choose the number of years of membership you would like or sign up for lifetime access.
1 Year $ 60
2 Year $90
3 Year $120
$210 for Lifetime
Register here for ProWritingAid.
ProWritingAid offers a 14-day refund policy. You can end your subscription within two weeks if you’re not happy with the services. ProWritingAid will only issue one refund per customer.
The Editor’s Caveat
One caveat: I believe it is essential to mention this warning in any discussion about grammar checking tools or writing tools.
Grammar checks are intended to identify and propose solutions for grammar issues in writing. ProWritingAid has a remarkable ability to comprehend context and usage and recommend the correct solutions. That said, like other grammar checkers, it’s important that when you use it, you consider every suggestion with care and feel free to reject any that don’t help.
Whatever grammar checker you choose If you simply accept every change it suggests it will bring new mistakes into your writing. Grammar checkers can’t replace a good editor in that way.
These tools can help you get closer to editing your work. ProWritingAid has so many options that go beyond grammar checking. I believe it’s an essential tool for any writer.
The Bottom Line Is this Editor recommend ProWritingAid?
In truth, I was a skeptic when I first started. I strongly believe that an experienced editor is essential. Even with all the reports ProWritingAid provides, I do not think there can ever be a perfect replacement for human interaction.
ProWritingAid is an amazing tool for writers. I’ll tell you that ProWritingAid is a great tool for writers of all levels.
Do you want to give ProWritingAid a second chance?
ProWritingAid’s grammar and spelling checkers are an excellent method to master English grammar, enhance your writing skills and avoid making mistakes later on.
ProWritingAid’s powerful style and word selection tools can aid you in improving your writing skills.
I urge you to take another glance if you feel like me and believe you have more knowledge than what a writing tool can offer. I am awed by the fine analysis of my writing sentence-by-sentence as well as word-by-word. ProWritingAid will help me identify patterns that I didn’t notice in my writing so I can comprehend and modify my style.
ProWritingAid gives you the correct feedback to provide you with the assistance you require.
Do you want to try it?