3 Legitimate Reasons Why I Can’t Stand Grammarly
(But I still use it.)
I was just writing a story and was getting into the flow of it.
When I’m in the flow, I don’t want to be interrupted.
But guess what happened?
These little yellow squiggles (they’re lines, but “squiggles” is more fun to write) started showing up everywhere, and it completely took me out of my flow!
Case in point…
Now, let me tell you the three reasons why I can’t stand Grammarly. (And then I’ll show you why I still use it anyway.)
1. I like to let it all out.
When I’m writing an article, I like to just write and let it all out. I don’t have any systems or strategies, and I don’t use any outlines because I like to let the words spill from my fingertips.
Then I go back later and clean everything up.
When I’m working and those squiggles come up, my mind immediately reacts and thinks:
“Woah! You suck! Look at all those mistakes!”
It takes me waaaayyyy out of the flow.
In fact, I got taken so much out of the flow this time that I opened a new window and immediately started this article.
2. It doesn’t like when I write how I talk.
I know we’re supposed to be clear, not clever.
I know words ending in -ly get used too much.
I know these things, but that’s how I talk. I don’t want to sound like some robot, I want to sound like me.
I write like I’m chatting with a friend. That means I use all kinds of stupid words and I use them in ways you’re not supposed to.
I like writing that way, even if it’s not correct.
I’m not here to present dissertations on how to properly use the English language. I’m here to connect with others and have a good time doing it.
(By the way, Grammarly, your name ends in -ly. You should probably cancel yourself.)
3. It gets in my way.
I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to use Grammarly when there’s a small window.
For instance, try using it on Twitter/X.
When you’re writing and everything isn’t perfect, you get a little dot that turns into this when you hover over it:
I accidentally hit that dot all the time, then the icon gets in the way, right where I’m trying to type.
It drives me bonkers!
But…I still like to use it.
While I can’t stand those three things about Grammarly, I still like to use it.
It shows me legitimately where I’ve messed up. Like here:
I missed the word “to” before “be.”
That’s helpful!
My brain goes faster than my fingers sometimes, and I end up missing a lot of important words.
So here’s my simple solution:
I turn Grammarly off before I start writing (when I remember!) and turn it back on when I’m done. It helps me with the editing process after I’m done flowing.
What’s your favorite way to use Grammarly? Do you keep it on all the time, or only turn it on at the end? (Or do you not use it at all?)
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t stand Grammarly sometimes, but I also think it’s a useful tool. I recommend using it, but in a way that makes the most sense for you.
I also recommend not using something just because everyone says you should. I found that out when I analyzed the headlines from my most-read stories.
Don’t be a contrarian just to be different. But also don’t blindly follow what everyone else says to do. Come up with your own thoughts, ideas, and ways to do things.
It’s more fun that way.
You’ll be able to ignore some of Grammarly’s stuffy rules and just be freeeeee to be yourself.
P.S. Thank you, Grammarly for annoying me so much. Without you, I couldn’t have written this article. I appreciate the help with content.
P.P.S. As I was editing this article, I got this pop-up box, and I got even more annoyed.
About the Author
Hey! I’m Christina, an introverted book nerd on the outside, and a raging metalhead on the inside. 🤘 I’m a married mom to two teenagers (and 3 cats and a dog). I love Vegas 🎰, the band Chevelle 🎸, and murder mysteries 📖.