- Free grammar checkers at a glance
- Ten free grammar checkers
- A private option for sensitive documents
- What a free grammar checker can and can't do
- A five-minute proofreading routine
- Grammar checker mistakes to avoid
- Grammar checkers and AI writing tools
- Teaching your checker your words
- My plain advice on free grammar checkers
- Frequently asked questions
A free grammar checker catches spelling mistakes, typos, missing words and clumsy sentences in your emails, blog posts and documents, usually through a website, browser extension or app. Free plans cover the basics well, while upgrades add style and tone suggestions. This page lists ten free grammar checkers in no particular order, then explains a privacy option many people miss.
Everyone makes small mistakes when they write quickly, and a grammar checker is the cheapest proofreader you'll ever hire. It won't make dull writing interesting, but it will stop a typo in a subject line undermining an otherwise great email.
Below are ten free grammar checkers in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from open source tools to browser extensions. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you'd like to improve your writing beyond grammar, my tips to improve your writing come from writing hundreds of blog posts.
Pick the one that works where you write. A checker that sits inside your browser or email client will get used, while one you have to copy text into usually won't.
Free grammar checkers at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free plan, free version or free open source software.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| After the Deadline | Open source grammar checker | Free checking for WordPress | Yes |
| Ginger | Grammar and spell checker | Quick fixes in the browser | Yes |
| LanguageTool | Multilingual grammar checker | Writing in several languages | Yes |
| Linguix | Grammar and writing assistant | Free extension for everyday writing | Yes |
| Outwrite | Grammar and style checker | Style suggestions on a free plan | Yes |
| QuillBot | Writing and paraphrasing tool | Grammar plus paraphrasing | Yes |
| Reverso | Translation and grammar tools | Non-native English writers | Yes |
| Scribens | Grammar and spelling checker | Free checks without an account | Yes |
| Slick Write | Style and grammar checker | Spotting passive voice and filler | Yes |
| Trinka | Academic and technical checker | Academic and technical writing | Yes |
Ten free grammar checkers
After the Deadline
Best for: WordPress and open source users who want free spelling, style and grammar checks.
Ginger
Best for: Writers who want a free web checker and extension for quick spelling and grammar fixes.
LanguageTool
Best for: People who write in more than one language and want a free checker that covers them.
Linguix
Best for: Professionals who want a free grammar check in the browser with writing shortcuts.
Outwrite
Best for: Students and writers who want grammar checks and style suggestions to start free.
QuillBot
Best for: Writers who want basic grammar fixing alongside paraphrasing on a free tier.
Reverso
Best for: People writing in a second language who want grammar checks alongside translation.
Scribens
Best for: Anyone who wants to paste text and check it for free without signing up.
Slick Write
Best for: Writers who want free checks for passive voice, adverbs and clichés.
Trinka
Best for: Researchers and technical writers who want grammar checks tuned for formal writing.
A private option for sensitive documents
Most grammar checkers send your text to their servers, which is worth thinking about for contracts, client documents and anything confidential. LanguageTool's code is published on GitHub under the LGPL-2.1 licence, and the project includes a server module, so it can be run on your own machine or server.
For most everyday writing, a hosted checker is fine. For sensitive material, check each tool's privacy policy, or use a self-hosted or offline option so the text never leaves your control.
What a free grammar checker can and can't do
- Can: catch typos, spelling errors and repeated words.
- Can: flag missing words and simple grammar slips.
- Can: suggest shorter, clearer sentences.
- Can't: judge whether your argument makes sense.
- Can't: know your brand voice unless you teach it.
A five-minute proofreading routine
- Run the text through your grammar checker.
- Accept the obvious fixes and question the rest.
- Read the piece out loud once.
- Check names, numbers and links by hand.
- Read the subject line or headline one last time.
Grammar checker mistakes to avoid
- Accepting every suggestion. Some make writing worse.
- Checking confidential text carelessly. Mind privacy.
- Ignoring the dictionary. Add your brand and product names.
- Skipping a human read. Tools miss meaning.
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Grammar checkers and AI writing tools
Many grammar checkers now include AI rewriting, which can be handy for tightening a clumsy paragraph. Use it sparingly. A rewrite that sounds polished but generic can strip out the personality that makes your writing worth reading.
A good rule is to let the tool fix mistakes and keep the rewriting for yourself. Your readers came for your voice, not a smoothed-over version of it.
Teaching your checker your words
Every business has words a grammar checker doesn't know: product names, place names, industry terms and the odd brand spelling. Most checkers let you add these to a personal dictionary, and it's worth spending ten minutes doing it. Once they're in, you'll stop seeing false alarms, and you'll be far more likely to notice the real mistakes.
If you work in a team, agree on a shared style for things like British or American spelling, so the checker isn't fighting half your colleagues.
Do you make grammar checking tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free grammar checkers
Install one in the place you write most and let it catch the small stuff. Then trust your own judgement on style, because a checker's suggestions aren't always right for your voice.
And never skip the read-aloud step. It catches the awkward sentences no tool will ever flag.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free grammar checker?
It depends where you write. Choose one that works inside your browser, email or document app.
Are free grammar checkers accurate?
They're good at spelling and simple grammar, but you should still review their suggestions.
Is my text private in a grammar checker?
Many tools process text on their servers, so check the privacy policy for sensitive documents.
Can I run a grammar checker offline?
Some open source checkers can run on your own computer or server.
Do grammar checkers work in other languages?
Some cover several languages. Check each tool's language list.
Will a grammar checker change my writing style?
It may suggest changes, but you decide which to accept.
Is a grammar checker enough for proofreading?
It's a great first pass, but reading aloud and checking facts by hand still matter.
Can I use a grammar checker in Gmail?
Yes. Browser extensions usually work inside Gmail and other web apps.
