Summary

The article discusses the benefits of using free writing tools like Grammarly, spellcheck, and find and replace functions to improve one's writing.

Abstract

The web content titled "How to Use Free Tools for Better Writing" emphasizes the utility of digital writing aids such as Grammarly, spellcheck, and find and replace features in enhancing written work. The author argues that despite the occasional inaccuracies, these tools can help writers catch errors like duplicate words, missing commas, and incorrect homophones, ensuring consistency and clarity in their writing. The article provides examples of how these tools aided the author in preparing a book for publication, noting their effectiveness in detecting grammatical slip-ups, punctuation mistakes, and overused adjectives. It also suggests that writers can personalize spellcheck by adding unique words or names to its dictionary. Furthermore, the article highlights the often-overlooked proofreading potential of the find and replace function, which can correct recurring errors that writers may overlook when focused on content creation.

Opinions

The author positively endorses the use of Grammarly and spellcheck, dismissing the notion that reliance on these tools is akin to cheating.
There is an acknowledgment that while these tools are helpful, they are not infallible and should be used in conjunction with careful manual proofreading.
The article expresses that Grammarly can help maintain a writer's consistency in punctuation usage, specifically the Oxford Comma.
The author views the find and replace function as an underutilized proofreading asset, particularly for correcting frequently misused words.
The author suggests that spellcheck's ability to flag unknown words can prompt a beneficial review and confirmation of word usage.
There is an appreciation for the nuances of language, such as the different meanings of "capital" and "capitol," and the importance of using words correctly.
The article conveys a personal struggle with certain grammatical errors, like the correct use of "its" versus "it's," and presents find and replace as a practical solution.
The author expresses a desire for a tool that can identify overly long paragraphs, indicating a personal inclination towards shorter paragraphs for readability.
The author offers to provide a free review of readers' written pieces and an e-book on readable writing, suggesting a commitment to helping others improve their writing skills.

READING | WRITING | WRITING TIPS | SPELLCHECK | GRAMMAR

How to Use Free Tools for Better Writing

Grammarly, Spellcheck, and Find and Replace

Licensed from 123rf; copyright christianchan

Grammarly and spellcheck often have a bad reputation with “professional” writers. Some equate them with cheating on an exam. Others like to point out how often one or both are wrong.

Please, stop right now!

Why wouldn’t you use these handy tools? Are they wrong sometimes? Of course. Do they catch everything? Or course not.

However, these free tools can save you from mistakes you may have missed in proofreading. They won’t find every error. You still have the responsibility to go over your work carefully.

I recently used these tools for my soon-to-be published book, Oh Look . . . There’s a Squirrel and Other Stories.

What Did Grammarly Do?

It caught where I had repeated a word: “ He went to to the store.” Found the duplicate word. Duplicate words, especially short and frequently used words, are easy to miss during proofreading, even when reading out loud. (Read about the importance of reading your work out loud.)

Reminded me to add a comma. Not sure if the punctuation tool on Grammarly is set for finding a lacking third or last comma in a group, i.e. the Oxford Comma. Or if it found that I usually use the Oxford Comma and noted where I had forgotten. Doesn’t matter but means my work is consistent.

Caught a run-on sentence and a couple goofy punctuation marks that seemingly came out of nowhere.

Detected over-used adjectives, awkward sentence structure, and lack of punctuation or too much punctuation.

Did I always agree? Usually but not always. Obviously, you have a choice to accept the suggestion or not.

What Did Spellcheck Do? It found misspelled words. Some were typos, some were my misspellings. I would never have found my misspellings as I thought I’d spelled the words correctly.

And it found words that were correct but spellcheck didn’t recognize. For example, I use the word “ADHDers” for people with ADHD. I made up the word.

Discovered words that have two spellings and mean different things: “capital” and “capitol.” This nudged me to look up the words. Sure enough I’d used “al” when I should have used “ol.”

Picked up names which can be annoying, but can also be a trigger to look carefully to see that the name is spelled correctly.

Even noticed that “cliche” was missing the accent over the e and inserted it!

By the way, although I’ve never used it, if you have a odd word or a name you use a lot, you can add these to Spellcheck’s dictionary.

What Did Find and Replace Do?

Find and Replace has lots of uses. But who ever thought about it as a proofreading helper?

I used it for words I often get wrong: one of my favorites is “its” versus “it’s.” On autopilot I type “it’s” whether it is correct or not. I know the rule, but I’m typing lickety-split, not thinking about rules.

So, I used F & R to look for “it’s.” Then each time the tool found it, I checked to make sure I used “it’s” correctly.

Spellcheck and Grammarly wouldn’t know that the proper title is Gone with the Wind, not Gone with a Wind. But you know which is correct, and Find and Replace can change “a” to “the.”

Most of us probably don’t need a refresher on when to use “there,” “their,” or “they’re.” We know the rules. But our fingers forget the rules when we’re focusing on the content of our blog post. Again, it’s Find and Replace to the rescue.

I’m betting that you have a couple of autopilot words that aren’t always correct. Find and Replace can take care of your issue.

Now if only we had a parargraph-length checker, a tool that would find all long paragraphs and tell me to shorten them. On autopilot, I do 5-sentence paragraphs. (At least that’s shorter than 7 which I learned in school.) I could use such a tool.

What are your autopilot words? You inconsistencies with comma usage? Your tendency for run-on sentences? Take your next post through Grammarly, Spellcheck, and Find and Replace. You may be surprised. And your writing will benefit.

If you’d like to be added to the list to receive a free copy of a short e-book, “9 Tips for Readable Writing” and a free review of one piece you’ve written (no longer than 1,500 words), send an email to [email protected].

Watch for my forthcoming e-book, Oh Look, There’s a Squirrel and Other Stories.