When it comes to proofreading tools, the first tool that most people think of is Microsoft Word’s spell checker. After that, another common proofreading tool that many people use today is professional proofreading services, where a human proofreader completes the check rather than an artificial intelligence (AI).
However, Microsoft Word is pretty basic today. This is especially true when compared to more advanced editing apps such as Grammarly. Even though Microsoft Word has received several updates, including some as recent as August 2021, it is really just a spell checker, whereas Grammarly includes features such as spell checking, grammar checking, style checking, and even plagiarism checking.
While Microsoft Word is somewhat limited in its capabilities compared to the other proofreading tools available today, the main features that you should look for in a proofreading tool are:
- Spell checking
- Grammar checking
- Style checking
- Plagiarism checking
Especially if professional-grade proofreading services are unavailable, authors should look for proofreading tools that offer each of the four features mentioned above.
Altogether, there are four main categories of proofreading tools that have the above-mentioned four features. When you integrate one of these tools into your proofreading workflow, you will be in a better position, to check and correct for any spelling errors, grammar mistakes, plagiarism, and style consistency throughout your file.
The four main categories are discussed separately in the rest of this article.
Image: Proofreading tools are available as desktop apps, browser extensions, and more
1. Chrome browser extensions
Instead of making use of the professional proofreading service, you can use a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These browser extensions are useful because they allow you to check for mistakes in your writing wherever you are in the online world. You can install proofreading extensions for chrome as you would all other browser extensions.
2. Online proofreading tools
A range of companies have developed freely available proofreading apps that can be accessed as websites. For example, Grammarly and other companies host websites where you can paste text into simple text boxes to receive feedback on spelling, grammar, style, and other issues.
With these websites, all you need is an Internet connection to improve your written work. However, because most of these websites are free, you tend to get what you pay for; that’s to say, there is a significant gap in quality between a professional proofreading service and these tools.
Image: Online proofreading tools are often available for free
3. Mobile and desktop proofreading tools
Similar to online proofreading tools, which are accessible via the Internet, it is also possible to install proofreading tools as locally available software on a smartphone (iOS or Android) or desktop computer (Windows, Mac, and Linux).
Many of these apps aren’t usually connected to the Internet, and so they can’t leverage some of the AI-powered strengths of web apps like Grammarly. However, one of their advantages is that mobile and desktop proofreading tools can be used without Internet access.
4. Microsoft Word add-ons
If you are a writer who regularly uses Microsoft Word, installing proofreading tools as add-ons directly into Microsoft Word can be a great time-saver. With Microsoft Word add-ons, you can receive suggestions on spelling, grammar, and style straight into your word document as you type.
Professional Proofreading Services 