Of all the resources I use
for writing, this is my
favourite

Do you wish you didn’t have to second guess your grammar and punctuation?

I think my spelling and grammar is pretty good but since I have started blogging and releasing my writing into the public space, I have been more conscious about making sure I am getting it right!

Of all the resources I use for writing, my favourite is Grammarly

I downloaded Grammarly a few months ago (the free version) and have found using it such a relief. It means I don’t have doubt myself and I’m way more confident with my writing.

Are you like me and pride yourself on having good spelling and grammar? But don’t always get it right?

Now I use Grammarly to improve my writing!

What is Grammarly?

Grammarly pitches itself as a free writing assistant especially useful for those of us writing essays, blogs, assignments and social media posts.

Grammarly is an automated spell checker and grammar coach.

I have been using the free version of Grammarly for a few months now, and have recently upgraded to the premium version.

It works as a plug-in on your desktop and reviews all your writing for errors.

Benefits of Grammarly

The basic version is free!

It assesses all your online writing for spelling and grammar mistakes and if there’s an error, it provides you with the correct option/s.

As someone who writes in Australian English, I really appreciate the fact I can select this on Grammarly. So when I write travelled instead of traveled, Grammarly knows this isn’t an error, it’s just Australian English.

I receive weekly reports on how I have tracked with my writing, including how many words have been checked, how I compare to other Grammarly users, and what my most common errors are.

And of course, Grammarly corrects typos and spelling errors. Which is super important when I am publishing blog posts to a savvy language learning audience.

This is how Grammarly works:

Screenshot of Grammarly in action on this blog post!

My top writing mistakes

Hyphenation

I often underuse hyphens and spend time wondering whether a word should be hyphenated or not! Now I don’t have to worry because Grammarly corrects it for me!

Commas

I both overuse commas and don’t use commas enough! So Grammarly has been helpful in reducing these errors in my writing.

My main mistakes to do with commas are a:

• Missing comma in a compound sentence
• Missing comma after an introductory phrase

Who knew that using commas could be so tricky?

Missing article

Articles are words that define a noun as specific or unspecific. Common articles are the and a.

Incorrect use of progressive tense

The present progressive tense indicates continuing action, something going on now.

Singular noun after a plural quantifier

Both lots and plenty are quantifiers. They can be placed before singular or plural countable and uncountable nouns. Although lots and plenty are acceptable in academic writing, their usage is considered to be informal. In formal academic writing, it is more appropriate to use many, much, and more.

Who knew I made so many mistakes??!

If you are into writing your best each and every day, check out Grammarly!

Are you already using Grammarly?

Are you finding it useful?

Let me know your thoughts below.

Until next time,

Lingo Mama

xx