Is Grammarly Safe and Beneficial for a Professional Writer or Author?

The question of whether Grammarly is safe and beneficial for professional writers or authors is a common one. In this article, we will explore the features of Grammarly, its potential benefits, and concerns, along with insights from a writer who uses it.

Understanding Safety in Grammarly Usage

The safety aspect of using Grammarly primarily revolves around data security and reliability. If you own a subscription, the software is installed on your computer, and there is no personal data stored locally or in the cloud unless you sign in with your credentials. However, if you choose to use it online, it is important to ensure you are on the official website to protect your payment information and other sensitive details.

The Benefits of Grammarly for Professional Writers

Grammarly is a valuable tool for authors and writers who write extensively, make frequent typos, or struggle with grammar. It helps in several aspects:

Punctuation and Typos: Grammarly is particularly useful for catching small errors in punctuation and ensuring that your text is free from typos. Word Usage: It can help you expand your vocabulary by suggesting various synonyms and improving the overall quality of your writing. Avoiding Overused Phrases: Grammarly can be helpful in spotting and avoiding repetitive word usage, which is beneficial for maintaining a fresh and engaging writing style.

However, it's important to note that Grammarly has limitations. It may not always understand slang, foreign words, or niche language terms. For example, if you are writing historical fiction, fantasy, or science fiction, you might need to add words like 'ain't' or dialect terms to the dictionary to ensure proper recognition of these terms.

Potential Limitations and Adjustments

Using Grammarly for large files, such as manuscript drafts, can be challenging. The software may confuse or make mistakes when processing files of significant length, such as those exceeding 8000 words. This limitation can be frustrating, especially if your writing projects are substantial, such as with books ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 words.

To mitigate this, it's recommended to let Grammarly check your document and then walk away for a while. Taking a break and coming back later can sometimes help in ensuring that the software checks the entire document accurately. Additionally, breaking down your work into smaller chunks and checking each part separately can be a practical solution.

Real-Life Experiences and Insights

The writer mentioned in the original post has experienced both the pros and cons of using Grammarly. While it has provided significant assistance in areas such as punctuation and basic grammar, there are instances where the software falls short:

Limited Understanding of Slang and Foreign Words: The writer uses Grammarly for historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, genres that often involve unique terms or dialects. For these, the writer has to manually update the software to recognize such terms. Pet Peeves and Repetition Issues: Grammarly has pet peeves about using the same words repeatedly, which can be useful for expanding vocabulary. However, the suggestions sometimes offer weak or generic alternatives, requiring users to check a thesaurus for better options. Trouble with Large Files: Grammarly often struggles with large files, which can make the overall process more time-consuming. The writer recommends checking the document in parts and possibly rebooting the program to ensure accuracy.

Despite these challenges, the writer still considers Grammarly a useful tool, especially for improving basic writing standards and helping to break writing patterns. It is particularly beneficial for those who write frequently or need to maintain high standards of grammar and punctuation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grammarly is a valuable tool for writers, especially when it comes to catching typos, improving punctuation, and avoiding repetitive word usage. While it has its limitations, particularly with very large documents and niche language terms, it remains a reliable and beneficial tool. For students or writers looking to improve their grammar, it can be an excellent starting point, especially for everyday writing and communication.