Free Grammar and Punctuation Checker

Grammar and punctuation are extremely important for any type of writing. Whether you’re creating a paper for college, university, or work, it’s significant to have a trusted source to automatically proofread your text.

In this blog post, you may find the best grammar checker that works for you and is handy to use. What should you analyze before choosing a specific tool? Firstly, determine your goal. Should the tool you’re looking for just eliminate misprints or do you need advanced software to improve your writing style as well? Is it necessary for the tool to set punctuation signs or check readability? These questions will help to define the functions you need.

Secondly, think about how much you’re ready to pay for software. Of course, there are lots of free options, but for some features, it’s necessary to pay for a subscription.

If you’re ready to find the best spell and grammar check tools, read proofreading guidelines, or learn about the most common mistakes, then use our content table.

Let’s start with the list of software and websites to help you with proofreading.

🏆 10 Best Grammar Checkers

In this chapter, you’ll see the best websites for grammar and spelling check. Choose the one you like most or try every one of them—it’s up for you.

Name Files import format Platform Extra features Word limit Pricing IvyScore
Grammarly Direct input, DOC, DOCX, ODT, TXT, RTF Desktop app, web version, mobile app, extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari Tone detection, conciseness, auto-citations; for premium users: suggestions for formatting, tone, word choice, word & sentence variety 100,000 characters (with spaces) per document Free; premium starts at $12/month 5/5
LanguageTool Direct input, DOCX Desktop app, web version, email add-ons, Office plugins, mobile apps, extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari Supports 30+ languages 20,000 characters per check (free); 150,000 characters per check (premium) Free; premium starts at 4.99/month 5/5
ProWritingAid Direct input, DOCX, RTF, ODT, FDX Desktop app, web version, extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari 20 writing reports, including readability, style, etc. Free: 500 words/check; premium: unlimited but works best with up to 10,000 words Free; premium starts at $10/month (billed yearly) 4/5
Linguix Direct input only Web-based app, MS Office and Google Docs add-ins, mobile app Supports 7 languages None, but recommended 25K-30K words for higher speed Free; premium starts at $5.8/month 4/5
Ginger Direct input only Desktop app, mobile apps, MS Word add-in, extensions for Chrome, Edge, Safari One-click correction 450 characters/check (free); 3000 characters/check (premium) Free; premium starts at $4.99/month 4/5
Virtual Writing Tutor Direct input only Web-based app Text-to-speech, GPT detector, CEFR level check 1000 words (unregistered); 3000 words (membership plan) Free; membership plans start at $2/week 4/5
QuillBot Direct input, DOC, PDF Desktop app, web-based app, extension for Chrome Export as a Word file, paraphraser None Free; premium starts at $8.33/month 4/5
WhiteSmoke Direct input only Desktop app, web-based app Translator for 50 languages Free plan is limited to 250 characters; premium — 10,000 characters per check Free; premium starts at $5/month 3/5
Reverso Direct input, Word document Desktop app, web-based app, mobile apps, extensions for Chrome and Firefox Grammar checker supports 4 languages; translator for 15+ languages 360 characters per check (free); 5000 characters per check (premium) Free; premium starts at €4.21/month 3/5
Hemingway App Direct input only Desktop app, web-based app Readability check None Free (web-based editor); desktop app requires a one-time payment of $19.99 3/5

1. Grammarly

This image shows the pros and cons of Grammarly.

Grammarly is one of the best grammar checkers out there. It offers a free plan, which allows you to check your texts for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.

If you go premium, you can also check your writing for word choice mistakes and engagement, as well as get suggestions regarding formatting, tone, and citations. In addition, the premium plan gives you access to a plagiarism checker.

2. LanguageTool

This image shows the pros and cons of LanguageTool grammar checker.

LanguageTool is one more tool to fix your mistakes and correct stylistic issues, but there’s one special feature it has—you may use it in various languages! Not only do you have more than 30 languages to choose from, including Greek, French, Russian, and Swedish, but also there are several English variants. This can be useful when you translate some fragments into Australian English or American English, for example.

Even though some people consider LanguageTool to be less accurate than Grammarly, it is still the best option for those looking to proofread their works in languages other than English.

3. ProWritingAid

This image shows the pros and cons of ProWritingAid grammar checker.

ProWritingAid is a grammar checker available as a desktop app, web application, and extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It also integrates with MS Office and Google Docs.

This tool provides writing reports on 20 parameters, including grammar, style, overused words, readability, and many more. You can use it without charge, but a free plan is limited to 500 words per check.

4. Linguix

This image shows the pros and cons of Linguix grammar checker.

Linguix is a web-based app that allows you to check content for grammatical errors for free. It is an AI-powered tool that can not only identify mistakes but also suggest instant rewrites to improve, shorten, or lengthen your text. With a PRO plan, you can also simplify and translate the text as you check it.

Another outstanding feature of Linguix is that it supports 7 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish.

5. Ginger

This image shows the pros and cons of Ginger grammar checker.

Ginger is an excellent online service and software to use for the grammar errors search. It examines not only the mistakes and misspellings but also the context to make the right decision.

The service promises to increase your writing productivity by identifying mistakes and suggesting ways to fix them.

6. Virtual Writing Tutor

This image shows the pros and cons of Virtual Writing Tutor.

Want to polish your essay or report? Then, take a look at this software. It allows users to start a complete edit of the spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

Virtual Writing Tutor can also count words and check paraphrasing. Here, you can also record your voice by clicking on the microphone—the tool will recognize your speech and put it into the field. After that, you can download it either in .doc or .mp3 or make a print.

7. QuillBot

This image shows the pros and cons of QuillBot grammar checker.

QuillBot is a powerful AI writing assistant with many features. Its grammar checker can highlight grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes and suggest correction options.

You can use QuillBot Grammar Checker for free with apparently no word limit. Or you can choose to go premium and get access to its other features, like AI-powered paraphrasing, summarizing, plagiarism checks, and others.

8. WhiteSmoke

This image shows the pros and cons of WhiteSmoke grammar checker.

WhiteSmoke is another tool you may want to pay for! It identifies spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in seconds. You can fix them just by clicking and choosing the right word or phrase.

WhiteSmoke has many amazing features for school and college students that are easy to use and save you a lot of time.

9. Reverso

This image shows the pros and cons of Reverso grammar checker.

Is writing in English a challenging task for you? Then, you may want to use this service.

Reverso detects mistakes and offers alternatives to use. It has a colorful system of labels to show you what kind of mistake you have.

On the right side of the tool, you can type in any word and know its definition, synonym, or conjugation information. You’re also free to translate the text you’re proofreading into French, Spanish, Italian, or German.

10. Hemingway App

This image shows the pros and cons of Hemingway App.

Hemingway App isn’t a usual service—it focuses on readability and writing style. This tool highlights sentences that are too difficult to read, the usages of passive voice or unnecessary adverbs, and phrases that can be simplified.

Some problematic parts can be edited just by clicking on them and choosing the right option from the list of words. This service is a fantastic place to boost your writing and increase readability, which is important not only for academic papers but any type of content.


Now that you know how to check grammar with any of these reliable sources, let’s proceed to the next step—the most common mistakes English speakers make in their writing.

✅ 7 Common Grammar Mistakes

Whether you’re writing a dissertation, research paper, or essay, a single miswritten letter can lead to a lower grade.

The worst part is—sometimes we make mistakes that Microsoft Word or grammar checkers can’t identify. This mostly happens when you want to write a specific word but put a similar one instead (like “affect” vs. “effect”).

Here’s the list of most common mistakes ESL and native English speakers make.

1. It’s or its

People often miswrite these two words due to their similarity. “Its” is a possessive form of pronoun, while “it’s” is a contraction of “it is”. Using one instead of the other, you make a grammar mistake that is difficult to identify with a tool.

It’s Jim’s scooter.

A parrot cleaned its wings.

2. Any or some

These aren’t completely different words as long as they are determiners that share the same meaning. The difference is: you should use “some” for positive statements and “any” for negative ones and questions.

Do you have any snacks?

Give them some time.

3. To, two, or too

“To” is a preposition which you use as a part of a prepositional phrase or an infinitive; “two” is a number; and “too” is an adverb with the meaning “also”.

I’m going to write a test tomorrow.

There are two cats on a fence.

I want to watch this movie, too!

4. Then or than

Automatic proofreading tools not always identify this mistake as well. “Than” is a conjunction that is used in comparisons, while “then” usually is an adverb used to show actions in time.

I’ll prepare research, have a launch, and then call her.

I’d better go to this lecture than stay at home.

5. Affect or effect

The word “affect” is verb and means to influence something. The word “effect” is a noun, it’s the result of being affected. It’s significant to know the difference.

They were affected by new school rules.

Better sleep and positive mood are effects of yoga sessions.

6. Accept or except

“Accept” is a verb that means to receive or to put up with. “Except” is a conjunction or a preposition that means not including.

You should accept this work offer.

Everyone except Sue came to the party.

7. Every day or everyday

People are often confused by these phrases. Use “every day” to determine something that literally happens each day and “everyday” as an adjective for daily actions.

You should remove makeup every day.

Everyday routine is the first step to be productive.

These were the most common mistakes from academic papers of both ESL and native English speakers. Be careful when editing your draft and keep these mistakes in mind.

🔍 How to Proofread a Document?

For students, content managers, and fiction writers, there’s one thing in common—all of them need to polish their texts perfectly before giving them in.

We hope, this chapter will help you with basic knowledge on how to edit a paper.

Always check after your tools

If you use a grammar checking tool, always analyze what mistakes it tries to fix. Unfortunately, there’s no tool that understands context perfectly, so these services often suggest the most popular option, not the one you meant. This leads to some misunderstandings which you should control.

The easiest way to use such tools is to check every sentence they fix and think over every suggestion. Trust yourself—if you think the tool is wrong, don’t correct the issue. It’s also important to google every case you’re not sure about—there are lots of sources online to help with grammar or punctuation.

Focus on one proofreading area at once

It’s challenging to concentrate on many things at once even for professional editors. Read one time to search for grammar mistakes, the second time for a spell check, and the last time to correct punctuation.

If you have difficulties with a specific section of grammar like tenses or articles, then read the text again to correct only this type of problem. Sooner, you’ll start making fewer mistakes and spend less time on proofreading.

If you figure out, there’s a specific mistake you make several times, use CTRL+F to find all these mistakes in the text and fix them at once.

Watch out for the most common mistakes

In our reviews, we mentioned that not every mistake is visible to grammar checking tools because they can’t understand the context perfectly. That’s why you should be extremely careful with the most common mistakes like “accident” vs. “incident”, “amount” vs. “number”, “should” vs. “would”, and, of course, those we’ve listed in the second chapter.

Read aloud

This technique is great for any type of writing—essays, official documents, letters, even personal e-mails. When you read aloud, you receive information both visually and auditory. That helps to spot difficult mistakes and poor stylistic choices.

Moreover, people often skip many words when they read. Reading aloud allows looking through every phrase without missing anything.

Print your text

Often, you’re too tired of writing a text, so you can’t really concentrate on errors during proofreading. To make it easier, just copy and paste your text into Microsoft Word and just print it.

You won’t believe how different reading from paper feels! Especially if you’ve spent hours writing this piece on computer.

Collaborate with friends or colleagues

If you’re a student, ask your classmate to proofread your academic papers. And you can proofread theirs in return. The same goes for copywriters—it’s nice to unite and proofread papers for each other.

Other people can tell what is puzzling them in your text. Just ask them to read your document line by line.

Take your time

Always think about your deadline when you’re planning the time for proofreading. You need to leave enough time to review the paper several times without being in a hurry or too exhausted.

It’s always better to proofread twice—once when you finished your writing and the next time hours later. So, take some time to have a rest from the text and return to it later full of energy and motivation.

Divide the text into parts

When you write a paragraph, take some time to reread it. Make sure it has proper grammar and fits the structure you’ve outlined.

At this point, you don’t have to dig into punctuation or stylistic issues but simply fix the issues you spot. However, this method has its benefits, for example, you won’t miss repeated words or unfinished sentences.

Double check facts and names

Writers sometimes ignore this rule and find themselves in embarrassing situations when spelling someone’s name wrong or applying wrong statistics.

Check the capitalization and spelling of companies, characters, people, brands, organizations, countries, etc. Also, always prove facts with credible sources—this is vital to show your professionalism.

With the help of these tips, you’ll be able to eliminate every mistake and get the perfect score for your paper. But what if you follow all these rules and don’t succeed? If you eventually don’t spot some mistakes despite being really attentive, you may lack some grammar knowledge.

No worries! This is easy to fix. Just look through the following chapter to pick the best materials to revise the grammar basics.

🗂️ Free Grammar Resources

In this chapter, you’ll find helpful resources to improve your grammar. Here you’ll find any type of content, including handbooks, worksheets, and YouTube videos.

1. Grammarly Handbook

Grammarly is the most popular grammar and punctuation checker online. There are five sections—grammar, punctuation, mechanics, techniques, and style. Every section consists of informative articles on linguistic topics.

Every guide has a detailed description of significant issues like contractions, passive voice, singular they, mixed constructions, and more.

2. Washington State University Common Errors

Washington State University Common Errors is an enormous library of common mistakes necessary to know for any editor or academic writer. Here you’ll learn the difference between “exited” and “excited”, “hail” and “hale”, “marital” and “martial”.

You can also listen to Common Errors podcast where you’ll learn to write medical terms, analyze speeches, use rare vocabulary, and more.

3. Grammar Girl

Grammar Girl is a blog for those who want to write English like a native. This project has a goal to educate ESL students but is a useful resource for natives as well. For example, Grammar Girl explains what stands behind the term ‘Spelling Bee’ or when to capitalize articles in titles.

Grammar Girl makes regular posts and investigates really interesting linguistic issues. Do you know how did dog breeds like Poodle, Husky, and Corgi got their names? Have you thought about how many prepositions you can use in a row? Want to know when to omit unnecessary parts and when to leave them? The website has answers to all these questions.

4. Perfect English Grammar

Perfect English Grammar is an exciting resource made by a successful blogger and teacher. Here you can find separate topics for many grammar issues like verb patterns, conditionals, irregular verbs, relative clauses, models, and more.

Every section is well-structured and helps to absorb the information quick. For example, in Phrasal Verbs section, there are explanation and exercise parts following one another.

5. British Council Grammar

Here you’ll find three sections of grammar—general, beginner, and intermediate. Each of them contains a lot of topics significant for ESL speakers and natives.

The best part about this resource:

Every page has an interactive test you can accomplish after finishing the theoretical part. Such exercises help to structure the knowledge and remember the rules.

6. BBC Learning English

BBC Learning English is a great resource for both EFL and ESL learners. It contains tips, masterclasses, lessons, and many more. If you want to improve your grammar, try to focus on The Grammar Gameshow. It’s a fun show that covers a huge number of issues—articles, tenses, phrasal verbs, and more. The questions are often extremely narrow. This can help you to learn grammar as a linguistics student. On this channel, you can also improve vocabulary and pronunciation, prepare for exams, and watch news.

7. James ESL

On this channel, you’ll find many grammar issues explained by a professional teacher. There are such topics as:

  • “I used to” and “I’m used to”
  • “Could” or “should”
  • The prepositions “on”, “in”, “at”, “by”
  • Adverb suffixes –ly, -words, -wise

On James’ channel, you’ll also learn vocabulary and find lots of speaking tips.

8. EnglishLessons4U

EnglishLessons4U is another brilliant resources hosted by a professional teacher. In the English Grammar playlist, you’ll learn about confusing words, stative verbs, tag questions, double negatives, and more.

On the channel, you’ll also watch videos on pronunciation which are extremely helpful for an ESL speaker. There are great picks of lessons on slang and vocabulary for you to improve speaking and writing skills as well.

This is the end of our pick, but there are lots of grammar sources like these online, and you can easily find more. Whether you prefer to read, watch, or search through the web, in this list, there are certainly options for you.

In this post, we’ve discussed:

  1. The best grammar check tools for academic or content writing purposes.
  2. The most common mistakes English language writers make.
  3. Some essential tips on how to be a professional proofreader.
  4. Helpful grammar sources including handbooks, websites, and YouTube channels.

With this information, you’ll improve editing skills in short time and will get higher grades for your academic papers.

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