In addition to the variety of resources freely available online to help you get to grips with English grammar (see my blog Online English grammar resources for aspiring writers), there are also numerous free online tools which can help you with your editing and proofreading.
If you can’t afford your own editor or proofreader then check out my selection of online editing and proofreading tools below. You simply copy and paste in your text and let the tool(s) of your choice do the work for you.
Editing and proofreading with Grammarly
Grammarly checks for over 250 points of grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes. It can also catch contextual spelling errors such as there/their/they’re and it can help to improve the readability of your writing with its context word choice suggestions.
wordcounter
Wordcounter ranks the most frequently used words in your text and so you can quickly see which words you have overused.
Cliché Finder
Whether you are an inveterate cliché user or whether clichés only occasionally creep into your writing, Cliché Finder will seek them out.
If you wouldn’t recognise a cliché if it hit you in the face, check out my blog Clichés—why you should avoid them like the plague.
Use After the Deadline for your editing and proofreading
After the Deadline focuses on grammar, spelling and writing style. When you copy and paste your text into the box, it scans your work and highlights spelling errors, grammatical mistakes and any style issues such as using the passive voice and clichés. When you click on an error, suggestions for correcting the error pop up.
Sentence Checker
Sentence Checker is a free online spelling and grammar checker. You copy and paste in your text and then choose the appropriate language. English is available in a number of versions including GB English and US English.
HemingwayApp
Ernest Hemingway’s approach to writing was minimalistic. He wrote clearly and simply and avoided using long, complicated words. In the spirit of keeping your writing short and uncomplicated the HemimgwayApp highlights five different types of writing errors each colour coded so as you can easily see what needs to be changed. The app also gives hints on how you can correct any errors. You simply copy and paste your text into the app and a list of recommended fixes are automatically displayed.
Using OnlineCorrection for editing and proofreading
OnlineCorrection.com finds and highlights spelling errors and basic grammar and stylistic mistakes. When there are two or more correct options, you are prompted to choose one of them.
You can choose between American English, British English, Australian English, New Zealand English and South African English.
ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid helps you to turn your good writing into great writing by improving readability and eliminating errors. It checks for the use of passive, identifies overused words and repeated words and phrases, it eliminates vague, abstract and complex words and it removes clichés and redundancies.
Plagiarism
To make sure you haven’t inadvertently included something in your writing that was not originated by you, check out these recommended free online plagiarism checkers.
One-to-one editorial advice
If you would prefer to some one-to-one editorial advice, then check out our Editing and proofreading services. We specialise in helping writers like you to achieve your dream of being a writer and so we offer a range of Writing and editing services to give you the support you may need.
