So, you have written a great blog post and are all set to publish it. But you decide to give it one last read before making it available to your audience.
That’s when you find out that your blog post contains quite a few spelling errors.
Now, imagine what would have happened if your readers had spotted those errors.
Whether you are writing an academic research paper or a comprehensive e-book, it is crucial to proofread your content.
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors will act as potential turn-offs for your readers.
What’s more?
Such mistakes diminish your reputation, credibility, and authority as a writer.
However, spotting and fixing spelling and grammatical errors can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
And that’s not all.
Even if you thoroughly read the content multiple times, a few mistakes might slip through the process.
So, what can you do to avoid this?
You should curate an arsenal of reliable proofreading tools to improve the quality of your content.
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the best content proofreading tools to make your life easier.
But before delving further, let me explain what is proofreading and why it is important.
Table of Contents
Proofreading: What It Is & Why You Need It
Simply put, proofreading is the technique of scanning written content to identify and rectify spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
Additionally, it involves evaluating the formatting and ensuring that the overall tone, grammar, and style are consistent.
It is the final step in the editorial cycle before a piece of content is ready for publishing.
It is worth mentioning here that proofreading isn’t restricted to just offline publications such as newspapers, magazines, novels, etc.
Even if you are writing for the web as a content writer or are freelance writer, it is crucial to proofread your content before publishing it.
You can always hire a professional proofreader for this purpose.
However, if you are a solo blogger or content writer, you are more likely to benefit from using content proofreading tools.
Proofreading is crucial to keep your readers hooked to your content.
If your content is laden with misspellings and grammatical inconsistencies, your readers will likely focus on these errors.
This, in turn, will take their attention away from the quality and depth of your content.
It does even more damage.
These readers may not ever return to your blog or website.
Not convinced yet?
In addition to boosting engagement, proofreading also helps reinforce your reputation as a writer or content creator.
Even if you are drafting a simple caption for an Instagram post, you must proofread it.
Why?
Otherwise, your followers can question your credibility as a reliable source of information.
This is particularly crucial when your audience includes C-suite executives and senior-level decision-makers.
Moreover, proofreading plays a crucial role in your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.
Search engines constantly strive to deliver the best search experience to their users.
Consequently, they have an affinity with websites and blogs that publish high-quality and error-free content.
So, if you want your website to climb to the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs), you must proofread your content.
Now that you know why proofreading is important, let’s take a look at the best proofreading software available on the internet.
Best Proofreading Tools You Must Use
If you are a beginner, it is only natural to wonder whether you even need a proofreading tool.
After all, you will anyway read your content a plethora of times before hitting the “Publish” button.
I know, I’ve been there.
However, as a writer, you will often pay more attention to the quality, structure, and overall outline of your content.
This, in turn, means you might overlook a few errors despite reading it over and over again.
You might think that the built-in spell checker of Google Docs or Word can proofread on your behalf.
But that’s not quite correct.
These spell checkers are only programmed to identify rudimentary spelling and grammatical errors.
They often don’t highlight inconsistencies in language, tense, and sentence construction.
So, what can you do?
The good news is that you will find numerous robust and user-friendly proofreading tools to choose from.
You just have to find one that fits your budget and requirements.
If you are still trying to make your mark as a writer, you can even use a free proofreading tool.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best proofreading and content writing tools.
1. Grammarly
When you think about online proofreading tools, Grammarly is likely the first name that will come to your mind.
It is a powerful AI-driven software that identifies errors and inconsistencies in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and tone.
Additionally, it explains every error and even provides you with suggestions to fix it.
This is particularly helpful for non-native English speakers and new writers.
But what makes it really convenient to use?
You just need to click on the suggestion and the tool will make the change in your text automatically.
Apart from basic spelling and grammar checks, Grammarly also provides detailed insights to improve your writing style and readability score.
And the best part?
It works on any online writing platform and provides real-time suggestions.
You just have to install the Grammarly browser extension.
Post that, you can use it to proofread blog posts, social media captions, emails, etc. on-the-go. The paid version provides detailed suggestions and also includes an efficient plagiarism checker.
Alternatively, you can head to Grammarly’s website, login to your account, and paste the content on your dashboard.
You can also use the desktop/mobile app for different operating systems as well as the plugin for MS Office.
Pricing for Grammarly Premium starts at $29.95 per month. However, if you are a beginner, the free version will suffice your needs.
Image via Grammarly
Pros
- Offers an online editor, browser extension, plugin as well as desktop and mobile apps
- Compatible with various online writing platforms including Google Docs, email, social media platforms, etc.
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use
Cons
- Free version lacks sophisticated features
- Doesn’t support multiple languages
Pricing
Free or $29.95 per month onward
2. Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is an easy to use proofreading tool that helps improve your writing style and strengthen your content’s readability.
It checks crucial aspects of your content such as the use of long and complex sentences, passive voice, complicated words, etc.
What’s more?
It color-codes the errors to help you identify them easily.
The tool also provides useful suggestions to improve your sentence structure and style.
However, it doesn’t provide an in-depth analysis like other proofreading tools.
You can either use the online Hemingway Editor or download the desktop app.
While the online editor is free, the desktop app costs $19.99 for a lifetime license.
The app is available for both Windows and Mac devices and lets you directly export your documents in various formats.
You can test the online editor and check whether it suits your requirements before purchasing the app.
Image via Hemingway Editor
Pros
- Uses color-coded highlights to identify different types of errors
- Offers online editor and desktop app
- Affordable license fee
Cons
- Doesn’t offer in-depth grammar analysis
- No browser extension or mobile app
Pricing
Free (online editor) or $19.99 (desktop app)
3. ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid isn’t your average spelling and grammar checker.
It is one of the most powerful and feature-packed content writing tools.
In addition to basic proofreading, ProWritingAid analyzes your writing style, sentence structure, and word usage.
Then, it generates insightful reports and provides effective suggestions to improve your content.
And there’s more.
Additionally, it includes a robust “Word Explorer” that helps you find the right words to express yourself.
While the free version is suitable for beginners and hobbyists, the Premium version offers a treasure trove of useful features for professionals and academics.
If you’re considering a career in content writing, the Premium version is very helpful.
Priced at $79 per year, ProWritingAid Premium supports integration with Google Chome, MS Word, Google Docs, Gmail, Scrivener, WordPress, Medium, Windows, and Mac.
Plagiarism checks are also available for an additional cost.
Image via ProWritingAid
Pros
- Compatible with multiple writing platforms, internet browsers, and operating systems
- Advanced features such as Word Explorer
- Suitable for professionals and academics
- Premium version includes a 14-day free trial
Cons
- No mobile app
- Can be complicated and overwhelming for new writers
- Free version lets users edit only 500 words at a time
Pricing
Free or $79 per year onward
4. Slick Write
Slick Write is a straightforward, user-friendly, and free proofreading tool.
It scans your content for typos and incorrect grammar as well as styling and readability issues.
Additionally, it provides you with useful statistics on adverb usage, sentence structure, paragraph length, etc.
And there’s more.
You also get an insight into how your content is flowing and whether it is becoming monotonous.
So what does Slick Write offer?
Slick Write offers an online editor where you can write, edit, and proofread your content.
You can also import a document written using MS Word or paste your content in the editor.
What’s more?
You even get access to a handy “Associator” feature to help you overcome writer’s block. Additionally, it offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox to help you proofread on-the-go.
Image via Slick Write
Pros
- User-friendly dashboard
- Provides meaningful statistics to help improve readability and engagement
- Helps overcome writer’s block
Cons
- No desktop or mobile app
- Limited browser integration
Pricing
Free
5. PaperRater
PaperRater is a simple yet powerful proofreading tool that is particularly popular among students.
It offers all the essential features you’d expect from a standard proofreading tool including a plagiarism checker.
This makes it suitable for web content writers, copywriters, and bloggers as well.
It is a fairly straightforward tool that doesn’t require you to sign-up or download an application. How does PaperRater work?
You can simply paste your content in the online editors or upload your document.
The AI-powered tool even rates your content and provides suggestions to uplift your vocabulary and style.
While the free version is suitable for beginners, you can purchase the premium version (starting at $14.95 per month) to access advanced features.
Image via PaperRater
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing plans
- Offers a plagiarism checker
Cons
- No browser extension, plugin, or app
- Outdated interface
Pricing
Free or $14.95 per month onward
6. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular proofreading tools that uses a sophisticated algorithm to accurately identify and correct errors in your content.
It also helps you rephrase sentences to prevent repetition and boost engagement.
Additionally, you get access to a dictionary that lets you understand the meaning of the words you are using.
But here’s the real deal.
It even reads out your content aloud to help you determine whether it is conveying the right message.
Wait. It gets better.
What sets Ginger apart is that it translates your text to more than 50 languages.
You also get access to a “Personal Trainer” to improve your writing style and technique. Additionally, it is compatible with commonly used internet browsers and operating systems.
It also checks your content in real-time, irrespective of whether you are posting a Facebook update, or sending a WhatsApp message.
Image via Ginger Software
Pros
- Smart algorithm ensures higher accuracy
- Translates content to more than 50 languages
- Designed to help users hone their writing skills
Cons
- No plagiarism checker
- Doesn’t support integration with Google Drive
Pricing
Free or $29.96 onward
7. editMinion
If you perceive proofreading as a laborious and daunting task, editMinion will simplify things for you.
This simple proofreading tool features a quirky yet user-friendly interface.
What does editMinion do?
It analyzes your content to accurately spot errors, cliches, passive voice, adverbs, etc.
But what sets it apart?
Using it, you can select specific parameters to evaluate your content.
This is particularly useful when you have a propensity for certain grammatical or syntax errors. And the best part?
You can use the tool for free.
Image via editMinion
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Provides accurate suggestions
- Lets users check for specific types of errors
Cons
- No browser extension or desktop/mobile app
- Still in the beta testing phase
Pricing
Free
8. PerfectIt
PerfectIt is one of the best proofreading software for professional writers, editors, academics, lawyers, writing agencies, etc.
It is a robust software solution that does more than spotting typos and grammatical errors.
This content writing tool extensively analyzes your content and checks for incorrect usage of abbreviations, hyphens, capitalization, bullets, etc.
What’s more?
You can tailor-check a document according to your in-house style guide.
It is, however, worth mentioning that PerfectIt is available as a Microsoft Word add-in for Windows and Mac devices.
You have to download the software and install it on MS Word before you start using it.
It is a paid software, with prices starting at $70 per year. You can opt for the 14-day free trial before you purchase PerfectIt.
Image via Intelligent Editing
Pros
- Performs thorough proofreading that can be tailored according to your in-house style guide
- Supports multiple users
- Offers a free trial
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- No browser extension
Pricing
$70 per user for a one-year license (comes with a 14-day free trial)
9. Grammark
Grammark is a free and open-source grammar checker that is useful for students and aspiring content writers.
It checks for common grammatical errors such as overuse of passive voice, wordy phrases, nominalizations, etc.
What’s more?
The interface is easy to use; you just have to paste your content and click the “Submit” button.
Post that, the software generates an insightful report highlighting potential grammatical issues.
What sets Grammark apart is its speed and accuracy.
Moreover, you can modify the custom presets according to your writing style.
Apart from the online editor, you can also use the browser extension to make edits on other websites.
This makes it one of the most useful proofreading tools for beginners. However, Grammark doesn’t offer a desktop or mobile app.
Image via Grammark
Pros
- Fast and accurate grammar checker
- Free and easy to use software
- Customizable presets
Cons
- No desktop/mobile app
- Doesn’t offer useful suggestions to rectify the errors/issues
Pricing
Free
10. After the Deadline
After the Deadline is a fast and reliable proofreading tool developed by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.
You can use the tool from its official website (available under the “Demonstration” section).
How does After the Deadline work?
You just have to paste your text and click the “Check Writing” button.
It highlights contextual spelling and styling errors as well as grammatical mistakes.
You can hover your mouse over a particular error to check the suggestions too.
What’s more?
After the Deadline is also available as a WordPress plugin as well as an add-on/extension for various internet browsers and writing platforms.
The best part is that you can use the software for free.
Additionally, it supports multiple languages including French and Spanish. However, it lacks advanced features such as detecting lengthy sentences, cliches, wordy phrases, etc.
Image via After the Deadline
Pros
- Supports integration with various platforms and browsers
- Support multiple languages
- Provides accurate suggestions
Cons
- Doesn’t work with Microsoft Word
- No mobile app
- Limited capability
Pricing
Free
11. LanguageTool
Are you looking for free content writing tools that let you detect and rectify spelling, grammatical, and styling errors?
LanguageTool is the right choice for you.
While pricing for the Premium version starts at $19 per month, LanguageTool offers a powerful free version.
Moreover, it comes with a visually appealing and easily navigable interface.
LanguageTool performs accurate grammar and spelling checks and provides effective suggestions.
It is compatible with a wide range of devices, operating systems, and browsers. Moreover, it supports multiple languages including French, Italian, Dutch, etc.
Image via LanguageTool
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Feature-rich free version
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- No mobile app
- No plagiarism checker
Pricing
Free or $19 per month onward
12. WordRake
If you are looking for a reliable and powerful in-line proofreading tool, your search ends at WordRake.
All you have to do is download the software and install it as an add-on on MS Word.
Whenever you are writing, you can click the “Rake” button to spot errors in grammar, style, formatting, structure, spelling, etc.
Who is WordRake suitable for?
WordRake is suitable for professional writers, academics, and lawyers as well as publishing houses and agencies.
However, it doesn’t offer a free version or trial; pricing plans start at $129 per year.
Additionally, WordRake doesn’t provide browser extensions or plugins for online writing platforms.
Image via WordRake
Pros
- Reliable and intelligent proofreading software
- Compatible with Windows and Mac devices
- Detects errors in real-time
Cons
- No free version
- Not suitable for beginners
Pricing
Start at $129 per year
Bonus: Useful Proofreading Tips
Now that you know about all these amazing proofreading tools, you must be yearning to check them out.
While proofreading tools are extremely useful, you shouldn’t blindly rely on them.
Here are a few tried and tested proofreading tips to enhance your content:
1. Read Backward
When you have written something, it can be difficult to objectively review it.
Even after reading it multiple times, you will be caught up in the meaning and context.
Consequently, you’ll end up overlooking grammatical errors and misspellings.
A simple way of breaking this pattern is to read your text backward. It helps you focus on the structure, grammar, and formatting.
2. Read Aloud
Another easy technique for identifying errors and inconsistencies is to read your text aloud.
It helps you detect mistakes that you would have otherwise overlooked.
3. Get Help
Depending on what you are writing, it might be a good idea to ask a friend or colleague to proofread your content.
This is particularly useful when your content is lengthy and detailed.
Remember, a second set of eyes will definitely help you spot errors that you won’t be able to discover yourself.
4. Don’t Proofread While Writing
One of the most important content writing tips is that you shouldn’t proofread while writing.
This is one of the biggest mistakes that new content writers make. It breaks your flow of writing and adversely affects the overall quality of your content.
Therefore, you should exercise self-control and avoid proofreading until you finish writing.
5. Use Your Judgement
Content writers have access to a treasure trove of smart and accurate AI-powered proofreading tools.
Nevertheless, even the most sophisticated tool can’t simulate the expertise and experience of a human proofreader.
That’s why you should always exercise caution while implementing the suggestions provided by a proofreading tool.
I use Grammarly to check all my content and whenever it gives any suggestion, I use my judgment to figure out if it’s right or wrong. This helps me maintain my content quality.
Final Thoughts: How to Select the Right Proofreading Tool
Whether you are an aspiring content writer or a published author, you need a sophisticated proofreading tool to engage your readers and hone your skill.
From free content writing tools to in-line proofreading software, you will find a diverse array of options.
It is, however, crucial to select the right tool based on your needs, objectives, budget, and audience.
Here are a few factors you should consider:
- Languages – Does the tool support multiple languages?
- Integrations – Is the tool compatible with your preferred text editor or writing platform?
- Purpose – Do you intend to write blog posts, academic papers, or social media posts?
- Budget – Can you afford a premium proofreading tool?
Have you used any of the proofreading tools mentioned above? Or do you have any questions about them? Share your experience/questions in the comments section below.