See Advanced Grammar Checking in Action!
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Using Online Grammar Checkers
With the ready availability of the web, it isn’t uncommon for people to take advantage of online services in place of desktop applications. In fact, since they have their browsers open most times, they usually prefer it. For me, however, the distraction-free working conditions of a no-internet access PC, has always been preferable.
For writing help, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of online services offering various proofreading functions, including spellchecking, grammar checking and more. I’ve used many of them and, for the most part, their results are acceptable. They’re neither perfect nor exceptional – but a slightly corrected copy is always better than nothing.
Desktop-based grammar checkers like WhiteSmoke, on the surface, work much the same way as their online equivalents. Use both for any amount of time, though, and the difference will be apparent.
Since online services are largely limited by server resources, you can bet that they’ll only perform the most basic of grammar features. It will probably catch spelling, punctuation and a few other blatant faults, items that can be verified without using too much intensive processing. An English grammar software, on the other hand, won’t carry the same limitations. As such, it can perform the same functions that online checkers will do, while having the ability to do a lot more.
Apart from regular spelling and grammar checks, computer-based English writing software can also analyze writing styles, give suggestions in comprehensibility and facilitate advanced proofreading functions that can sometimes mimic a live editor. There’s really no comparison. If you need a grammar checker, ditch the online services and stick to desktop-based solutions – it will pay off better in the long run.
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