Apart from a Word Processor with a spell checker, what other tools do people use to check their writing? I know there are several tools around which analyze sentences and paragraphs to check their readability, but I've never seen a practical implementation of them. Nor have I seen a synonym adviser to enrich language or a tool that highlights words that are prone to misuse (then vs. than). Anyone here who has some tips, links and suggestions regarding these?
Hello. I'm a new member who just joined and I don't see any forum for introductions, but I've been a professional writer since 1969 and there is one tool I have always used that seems to work for me. I'm not being facetious because I do use my spell checker, but proof reading my last draft by speaking the words to myself almost always detects my last remaining grammatical errors. That's what I do.
Thanx everyone. @drjitesharora: You mean something like Copyscape? @Capistrano: The issue is that English is not my native language, so I'm not sure that speaking out the words is going to work (should be good for my pronunciation though ). @ipank: Which 3 tools?
I actually use this one but only as a guide if I'm using too many words per sentence. Again, only a guide. What I always do though is that I re-read and edit my work until I'm satisfied with it.
This is one of the biggest difficulties for non-native English speakers; trying to write in English. The language is complex and proofreading is really the only way to spot mistakes. I don't believe there is any software or tool out there that could possibly handle, or be programmed with, the algorithm needed to do this. It would be incredible. Unfortunately the answer is to keep trying. Write and read (moreso read) as much as possible to develop your own level of fluency in the language. Or, as I've suggested in other threads, partner with someone who is a native English speaker and get them to proofread your articles for you. You'll start to see patterns in your errors that you can fix yourself through time and you'll see how your thoughts come out in native English, allowing you to learn more quickly.
Most definitely use: http://thesaurus.reference.com/ Actually, go for the whole toolbar: http://www.reference.com/tools/
i use just the plain spell checker, but must admit i do get a few mistakes and thinking about up grading to a much better one, anyone have any ideas
If you want 100% uniqueness and don't have CC like me; just use either plagarism detect which is already suggested above or http://duplichecker.com, which is also good. Here you check on the duplicates of each word, phrase and sentence using Google Search. But the problem is if Google finds 10 different words of some sentence of your article in any of the webpages, it shows as a duplicate content because those 10 words are also present in the webpage belonging to different sentences. So check the With Quote option while using the duplichecker. Non-native English speakers also may write good quality stuffs, but the problem is - they are unable to find their writing mistakes. Also I'm talking of mistakes which are hard to find. Also we don't talk with family and friends in English, tough use it in workplaces including office and colleges.
Steer clear of the majority of synonymizers. They by and large only encourage written junk that in the cold light of day actually looks like it has been synonymized and not re written. If you need to re work a piece do it on a sentence by sentence basis.
Thanx everyone for the tips and links/websites everyone! Does anyone know if tools like duplichecker and plagiarismdetect store you text? What happens with the copyright? I'm a little hesitant to use them as I don't really see how the can profit from checking for plagiarism for free. Also, does anyone know if there is a quick and handy list with most common or most annoying mistakes spelling/grammer mistakes? And how do people handle US English vs. UK English?
Occasionally I may use a thesaurus or dictionary (hey, we all need a little help finding inspiration sometimes!), but usually I just use the basics: spellcheck, word count, Copyscape. Then, of course, you have information resources for research purposes, which makes the Internet invaluable.
I use spellcheck, and copyscape most of the time. Also, dupecop is a good way to check your rewrites for originality.
If you are fluent in English then the best way to check your work for "readability" is to read it out loud. If you find yourself tripping over words and phrases then those are the parts that probably need to be rewritten. If you aren't fluent in English your best bet is to work with someone who is fluent--have them proofread your work and tell you what works, what doesn't and (most importantly) why. In the meantime read everything you can get your hands on. Someone else also made a point about American English and UK English and it is important to know that each has its own rules, so if you are working with clients in both the UK and the US you'll want to familiarize yourself (or work with someone who is already familiar) with both. Good luck!
I use XMailWrite quite often. It is a free software developed by the developers of XSiTePro. Just google it and then download it. What's good about this tool is that it was designed for writing and editing e-mails but I catch myself using it even when I write articles for a blog or a website. This tools has readability, statistics, word count and suggestion tools. It helps a writer make his message understood well by a vast majority of people. And we all know that the more eyeballs you get the better for your site recognition...
XMailWrite sounds like an interesting suggestion. About plagiarismdetect. I know a lot of people use it from time to time, and I assume that they do not store your text and it is used in the same way as a search on Google. Of course, there is the potential for storing text - but if their site checks for plagiarism on Google then it might show it up if it was misused? Also, I think the guy who runs it asks for donations for the service, as well as including a small amount of ads to justify any expense.