The Different Types of Grammar Checkers

When people think about using a grammar checker, they usually have one thing in mind: a program that will find and correct grammatical errors. The truth is, however, that there are so many different types of grammar checkers. In fact, before investing in a grammar checker, it's important to know what options there are so you can invest your money wisely.

One of the first things that you should consider about a grammar checker is rather or not it has the ability to correct both grammar and spelling. Some programs will correct spelling, but don't have the feature to correct grammar at all. Other programs claim to be a grammar checker, but in reality, its quality is so poor that it's good for nothing. So, make sure your program has both features, as you will need them both for proofreading and making corrections in everyday typing.

Another thing that you should remember is that some grammar and spelling checkers are designed for specific groups of people. So, you should ask yourself why you need a grammar and spelling checker. Many people just use the features that come within their word processing program. However, there are other people who have learning disabilities who need much more. The checkers that come with most word processing programs are greatly generalized and may not find errors by people who have dyslexia or other learning problems. Another group of people who often need a top checker is those who are learning English as a second language. Again, most grammar and spelling checkers that come within word processing programs are not going to find these types of errors. So, be sure and get a checker that will meet your needs.

There are different ways that grammar and spelling checkers are made available. The feature is generally on any word processing software that you purchase. It is also becoming available on most blog sites and other online places. There are also separate grammar and spelling checkers that you can buy separately, either online or at a retail store. This would be a program that you would install on your computer, specifically for correcting grammar and spelling errors. These programs usually do a much better job at correcting errors and giving suggestions for corrections. There are also programs that you can purchase and download online that will allow you to make corrections while you are working online. This might be a networking site such as Facebook, an email program such as Outlook or a blog site such as WordPress.

Take time to make sure that any new program is compatible with programs you may use and also your operating system. Before investing in a grammar and spelling checker, make sure it will work with the programs you already have. Any checker that you consider should be using cutting edge technology and have the ability to work within the most up-to-date programs, operating systems and web browsers.

Text to speech capability is another handy feature for any spelling and grammar checker. This amazing technology actually allows each sentence to be read out loud so that the writer will hear what he or she has typed. For those who struggle with using correct grammar, this is especially helpful because you can hear the errors as they are read.

A contextual checker is absolutely the best kind. This is a spelling and grammar checker that makes corrections based upon the content of the sentence. It can be complicated to know which word to use in a sentence to make it grammatically correct. Spelling is the same way - words can sound the same, but the spellings are totally different. Content-based corrections are corrections that are made based on the other words in the sentence.

This brings us to the next feature that a grammar and spelling checker should have - automatic correction. Most checkers will only correct a sentence word by word. An automatic checker however, will correct the entire sentence, based on the content. Especially for those who struggle with using correct spelling and grammar, a one-click correction will give them a great advantage.

Another feature that some checkers have is error reporting. For those wanting to improve their grammar and spelling skills, this is a feature you won't want to miss. A report can be generated that will show the errors that were made and how often they were made. This will help someone who is working to do better and also a parent or teacher who is helping a student to improve their skills.

There are many things to consider with a grammar checker. It's not an easy decision to make, when you consider all of the options. However, like anything else, you get what you pay for. If you just use the checker on your word processing program, it's going to find some errors. However, if you are finding that your grammar and spelling checker is not doing the job for you, it's time to learn why and then invest in a program that will give you the greatest benefit and ability to write using the correct grammar and spelling.