Writing without the help of a computer is hard, but with the right desktop software, it can be made easier. Grammarly is one such tool that helps you write better and faster. It has a range of features to aid in your writing process and gives you an edge when you’re working on important projects. Grammarly is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Grammarly Features
Grammarly for Windows is a desktop software application that helps you with your grammar. It checks for grammar mistakes and gives you suggestions on how to improve your writing. The software is available in both free and paid versions. The free version offers basic features, while the paid version provides more advanced features.
Grammarly for Windows has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. It also integrates with Microsoft Word, so you can check your grammar as you type. The software includes a grammar checker, spell checker, punctuation checker, and plagiarism detector. It also offers a thesaurus, dictionary, and style guide. The paid version of Grammarly for Windows includes additional features, such as a sentence “rephraser,” vocabulary builder, and advanced proofreading tools.
The main difference between Grammarly Chrome Extension and Grammarly for Windows (When I used Grammarly it cited “with” and wanted me to change it to “between.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
If you’re a fan of the Grammarly Chrome Extension, you might wonder what the difference is between that and the Grammarly for Windows desktop software. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences:
First, the most obvious difference is that Grammarly for Windows is a standalone program that you install on your computer, while the Grammarly Chrome Extension is just an extension that you add to your Google Chrome browser.
Second, Grammarly for Windows has many more features than the Chrome Extension. (When I used Grammarly it cited “the Chrome” and wanted me to change it to “Chrome.” – Mesch) For example, it can check for more than 250 types of grammar errors, whereas the Chrome Extension only checks for about 150. Additionally, Grammarly for Windows can checks for plagiarism and provides more detailed explanations of errors than the Chrome Extension. (When I used Grammarly it cited “checks” and wanted me to change it to “check.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Third, because Grammarly for Windows is a standalone program, it can work offline whereas the Chrome Extension requires an internet connection to work. This means that you can use Grammarly for Windows even when you’re not connected to the internet.
Fourth, Grammarly for Windows integrates with Microsoft Word, so you can check your grammar as you type in Word documents. The Chrome Extension does not have this feature.
Finally, Grammarly for Windows costs $11.66 per month (or $139 per year), while the Chrome Extension is free to use. So if you’re looking for a more comprehensive grammar-checking tool and don’t mind paying a monthly fee, then Grammarly for Windows might be a good choice.
Tips for Using Grammarly Windows Version.
If you’re a fan of the Grammarly app but haven’t yet made the switch to the desktop version, now is the time! The Grammarly for Windows app is every bit as good as the web-based version, and it offers some additional features that can come in handy. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of Grammarly for Windows:
1. Use the app offline. One of the best things about Grammarly for Windows is that you can use it even when you’re not connected to the internet. This means you can continue working on your writing even if you’re on an airplane or in a remote location with spotty internet service. Simply enable offline mode in the settings and you’ll be all set.
2. Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts. If you’re someone who likes to work quickly, you’ll be happy to know that Grammarly for Windows supports keyboard shortcuts. For example, pressing Ctrl+Shift+1 will open up a new document, Ctrl+Shift+2 will open up a saved document, and so on. Check out the full list of shortcuts in the help menu so you can start using them right away.
3. Customize your settings. Not everyone needs or wants the same things from their grammar checker, which is why Grammarly for Windows lets you customize your settings to suit your needs.
Pros & Cons
When it comes to grammar checking tools, Grammarly is one of the most popular choices out there. (When I used Grammarly it cited “grammar checking” and wanted me to change it to “grammar-checking.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch). Grammarly is mostly accurate, user-friendly, and affordable. But like any software, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a detailed look at Grammarly for Windows desktop software so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros:
1. Accuracy: Grammarly uses artificial intelligence to identify errors in your writing and suggest corrections. This means that it can catch errors that other grammar checkers would miss, making it one of the most accurate options on the market.
2. User-friendly interface: The Grammarly for Windows interface is clean and easy to use. It’s intuitive and straightforward, so you won’t waste time trying to figure out how to use the software.
3. Affordable: Grammarly offers a variety of pricing plans to fit different budgets. (When I used Grammarly it cited “fit” and wanted me to change it to “suit.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
And if you sign up for a yearly plan, you’ll get a significant discount. This makes Grammarly an affordable option for both individuals and businesses.
Cons:
1. Limited features on the free plan: If you want to take advantage of all that Grammarly offers, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan. The free plan only gives you basic grammar checking and doesn’t include features.[1]
What are the Disadvantages of Grammarly?
Writers ask lots of questions about Grammarly, including the following: How does Grammarly fix human writing? What are the disadvantages of automated editing? Is Grammarly worth it? Is Grammarly legit? These are especially important questions.
As you proofread and edit your documents, know that there are several disadvantages of Grammarly. So, when weighing pros and cons of Grammarly, make a wise decision. (When I used Grammarly it cited “pros” and wanted me to change it to “the pros.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Before using Grammarly for your documents, let’s consider a handful of the disadvantages. (When I used Grammarly it cited “the” and wanted me to change it to “its.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Disadvantage 1: Automation
Let’s start with the obvious: Grammarly is automated. You do not get help from a human being, and if you want full service, which means paying more money.
This is problematic because computers have limitations. While computers have advanced, and continue to advance, they will never “be human.”
Despite advances in AI, computers cannot write as well as human beings. This means you are “limiting your writing quality, according to the limitations of the automation.”
Rhetoric is a key example of Grammarly’s limitations. Computers can analyze grammar and sometimes even tone. However, they cannot always match words to the proper context. Being nimble rather than programmed, a human is much more able to adjust and consider real-life situations.
Grammarly and ChatGPT have some similar downsides because automation has limits. While AI has a place, we strongly recommend going beyond that and asking a human editor to help. That way, you’ll receive personalized assistance from a real person.
Even if you like the idea of automation, you should use both – that is, start with automation but then ask a professional editing service to check your document. That way, you still benefit from a human reviewer. We have a number of clients who come to us after automation has failed them, and we welcome them, too!
Disadvantage 2: Price
Grammarly charges a hidden price for extra, premium service. This means the free service is limited. In other words, for full service, you need to pay money. In that case, you are better off going with a professional editing company in the first place – since you will save time as well.
As you consider the disadvantages of Grammarly, know that price can be a problem. When you need more advanced help, it is better to use human editing rather than automated editing. You’ll end up saving money in the long run since professionals will increase the overall quality – which can then lead to more sales, job promotions, higher pay, and much more.
Your words deserve investment. Paying for editing can be very beneficial. However, if you’re going to pay, you might as well pay for real editing rather than automated editing.
Disadvantage 3: Speed
Sure, Grammarly seems to be quick, as it offers “real time” feedback. However, “real time” does not mean “no time.” (When I used Grammarly it cited “real time” twice and wanted me to change it to “real-time.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch). This distinction is significant.
After Grammarly provides corrections and feedback, the writer still need to review, assess, and apply all the “errors” some of which may be unclear or incorrect. This can be a very time consuming process. (When I used Grammarly it cited “time consuming” and wanted me to change it to “time-consuming.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Contrast that with PaperBlazer, for example, which applies all necessary changes for you, only leaving “author only” decisions. (When I used Grammarly it cited “author only” and wanted me to change it to “author-only.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch). The remaining choices will be far less than Grammarly, so you end up saving time. (When I used Grammarly it cited “less” and wanted me to change it to “fewer.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Disadvantage 4: Vagueness
Another disadvantage of Grammarly is vagueness. (When I used Grammarly it cited “vagueness” and wanted me to change it to “its vagueness.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch) You must make most changes yourself. (When I used Grammarly it cited “most” and wanted me to change it to “the most.” I would rewrite the sentence as “most of the.”- Mesch) If you’re asking Grammarly for help, then some choices might be too complex. Vague suggestions are not very helpful.
In other words, Grammarly makes suggestions, but you need to implement them yourself. However, if you are overwhelmed and limited on time? (When I used Grammarly it cited “on” and wanted me to change it to “in.” – Mesch)
“What if you don’t want to read all the explanations? Grammarly requires some knowledge on the writer’s part. If you’re confused by grammar, automation does not always help. You end up doing additional work yourself.”
“In contrast, a service like PaperBlazer does most of the edits for you. Our human editors can “know” what you mean and then implements for you. (When I used Grammarly it cited “for” and wanted me to change it to “it for.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch) Of course, some review might be required, but in comparison, PaperBlazer saves you time. (When I used Grammarly it cited “review” and wanted me to change it to “reviews.” – Mesch)”
According to the PaperBlazerweb page
We simplify proofreading and editing.Upload your document, and our professional editors will correct, change, and commenton your document. Just upload your document, and you’re good to go.
Best of all, we offer world-class support and avoid technical jargon (no “dangling participles” here!), so anyone can use our services. With PaperBlazer, there’s also no need to mess with AI or proprietary software. In short, we make editing easier for you.
We do the hard work required for the best-quality editing. Unlike automated services, PaperBlazer provides help from a real editorfor personalized service. We are considered the “best online editor” because we make better edits and answer unlimited follow-up questions.
However, PaperBlazer comes with a cost. The cheapest plan with a 72-hour turnaround is $0.025 per word. That translates to $2,500 for a 100,000-word book. If the price of your book is $20 and you have a 30% royalty, you would need to sell 417 books to pay for the service. Most self-published authors will likely sell around 250 books or less.[2]
Disadvantage 5: Mistakes
Grammarly makes mistakes. Computers err and “have a mind of their own.” Don’t take our word for it. As one writer explained: (When I used Grammarly it cited “err and” and wanted me to change it to “errand” – Mesch)
It sometimes gets simple things wrong. On several occasions, for instance, I’ve written a grammatically correct phrase which Grammarly then wants to “correct” into nonsense. (When I used Grammarly it cited “which” and wanted me to change it to “that.” Good catch Grammarly. – Mesch)
Take this sentence:
This was, I decided, my house. I couldn’t trust this to anyone else: I searched its every nook and cranny by myself.
Stilted? No doubt. Incorrect? Well, you tell me. If you run it by Grammarly now, the software will suggest a revision to “I searched it is every nook and cranny […].”
So don’t just take our word for it. Consider the problems that other writers have noticed. The errors can be very problematic.
Rather than struggling with the disadvantages of Grammarly, try another way. Use a professional editing service with professional editors who can help you.[3]
I use Grammarly and will continue to use the free version. It helps me from committing dumb mistakes in everything I write. I don’t always agree with their suggestions and use my judgment. That’s why God gave me a brain. I try to exercise it as often as possible. My biggest peeve with the software is how it treats quoted material. It corrects errors in the quoted text, despite the requirement to maintain grammatical errors and misspellings in the material. This causes a problem for authors of non-fiction books.
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[1] “Grammarly for Desktop,” APPCONNER, https://www.appconner.com/windows/grammarly-desktop?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=407_grammarly_cpc&utm_term=app%20grammarly&utm_content=10110_grammarly_windows, retrieved May 2, 2023.
[2] “How Many Books Can You Expect to Sell? The Truth About Book Sales and the Keys to Generating Income from Publishing,” Non-fiction Authors Association, https://nonfictionauthorsassociation.com/how-many-books-can-you-expect-to-sell-the-truth-about-book-sales-and-the-keys-to-generating-income-from-publishing/, retrieved May 3, 2023.
[3] “Four Disadvantages of Grammarly,” PaperBlazer, https://paperblazer.com/four-disadvantages-of-grammarly/, retrieved May 2, 2023.