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Grammar and style checkers

Improve your writing with these powerful tools, ranging from open source solutions to free-use options designed to enhance grammar, style, and readability.

Open source tools​

1. Vale​

🔹 Features:

  • Syntax-aware linter for enforcing custom style guidelines.
  • Supports plain text, Markdown, and HTML.
  • Fully configurable for APA, MLA or company-specific standards.

⭐ Why use it? Perfect for technical writers and teams maintaining a consistent tone and style.

2. Write Good​

🔹 Features:

  • Highlights passive voice, weak words, and complex phrases.
  • Enhances clarity and conciseness in English prose.
  • Integrates with text editors like VS Code.

⭐ Why use it? A lightweight yet effective tool for improving readability.

3. Proselint​

🔹 Features:

  • Detects style issues, clichés, and redundancies.
  • Works with plain text and Markdown.
  • Compatible with text editors and CI/CD pipelines.

⭐ Why use it? Helps refine writing by catching subtle stylistic flaws.

4. Alex​

🔹 Features:

  • Identifies insensitive, biased, or problematic language.
  • Supports plain text, Markdown, and HTML.
  • Flags gendered language and potential bias.

⭐ Why use it? Ensures inclusive and respectful communication.

5. Textlint​

🔹 Features:

  • Modular linting tool for text and Markdown.
  • Supports custom rules and plugins.
  • Integrates with text editors and CI/CD workflows.

⭐ Why use it? Highly customizable, making it ideal for technical documentation.

6. Hunspell​

🔹 Features:

  • Advanced spell checker and morphological analyzer.
  • Supports many languages and custom dictionaries.
  • Integrates with text editors and word processors.

⭐ Why use it? A widely trusted tool for multilingual spell checking.

Free-use tools​

7. LanguageTool​

🔹 Features:

  • Supports 25+ languages.
  • Provides grammar, punctuation, and style suggestions.
  • Available as a browser extension, desktop app, and API.
  • Customizable to align with specific style guides.

⭐ Why use it? Ideal for multilingual projects with flexible integration options.

8. ProWritingAid​

🔹 Features:

  • In-depth analysis of grammar, style, and readability.
  • Tailored feedback for academic and professional writing.
  • Free version available with basic features.

⭐ Why use it? A comprehensive tool for writers seeking detailed insights.

Tool comparison table​

ToolTypeKey FeaturesBest For
ValeOpen sourceCustomizable style enforcement, works with Markdown & HTMLTechnical writers, teams ensuring consistency
Write GoodOpen sourceFlags passive voice & weak words, VS Code integrationWriters improving clarity & conciseness
ProselintOpen sourceDetects clichés, style issues & redundanciesWriters refining professional prose
AlexOpen sourceFlags biased & insensitive languageTeams prioritizing inclusive communication
TextlintOpen sourceCustom linting with plugin supportDevelopers, technical writers
HunspellOpen sourceMultilingual spell checker with custom dictionariesEditors needing reliable spell-checking
LanguageToolFree-use25+ languages, grammar & style suggestionsMultilingual projects, general writing
ProWritingAidFree-useIn-depth writing analysis & readability reportsAcademics & professionals seeking detailed feedback

Choosing the right tool​

For technical writers​

✅ Vale and Textlint provide advanced customization for technical documentation.

For inclusive writing​

✅ alex ensures respectful and bias-free language.

For multilingual writing​

✅ LanguageTool supports 25+ languages.

For readability and clarity​

✅ Write Good and Proselint enhance sentence clarity.

For spell checking​

✅ Hunspell offers a robust solution for many languages.

For academic and professional writing​

✅ ProWritingAid delivers in-depth reports and stylistic improvements.

Which tool works best for you​

  • Open source enthusiasts → Vale, Textlint, or Hunspell.
  • Multilingual teams → LanguageTool for broad language support.
  • Diversity-conscious communicators → alex for bias-free writing.
  • Writers improving readability → Write Good and Proselint.
  • Academics and professionals → ProWritingAid for detailed analysis.

Selecting the right tool enhances the quality and clarity of your writing. 🚀