In this post, we will show you the 10 best offline grammar checker software.
If you’re preparing a blog post, article, or any other type of written document, one thing you should ensure is that your writing is free of errors.
While writing, you can make spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. It is relatively easy to avoid the first two types of errors but it can be a tad difficult for the latter.
Grammar is the way a language is used or a set of rules that tell how it is used. Not to mention, grammar errors are the most common type of errors for writers and unless you’re a badass professional, it can be difficult fixing grammar errors yourself.
For this reason among others, it is recommended to use grammar checker software when you write.
Besides, they check for grammatical errors and identify them, so you can make possible corrections. There are both online and offline grammar checker software programs available, although the majority are online.
Not everyone would want to write using an online grammar checker. With an internet connection, you may get distracted from writing by online notifications from websites or other programs that use the internet.
If you’re a type of writer that likes to work offline, here are 10 best offline grammar checker software programs you can utilize.
Best Offline Grammar Checker Software
1. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is the world’s most popular and most used software for writing and editing documents. It is owned by the company behind Windows OS and was first released on the operating system years ago.
The software comes included in a suite (Microsoft Office) along with others like Excel, Powerpoint, and Publisher.
In Microsoft Word, a Spelling & Grammar Checker is featured in the Review tab of its ribbon. There have been several versions of the software available and all of them have this feature.
By default, Spelling & Grammar checker is activated. If not, you can access it by navigating to the Review tab, it is always the first listed option in the proofing section.
If you want to configure how the checker works, you can do so from Word Options, which is accessible when you click on the ribbon menu. Likewise, Spelling & Grammar checking options are found under the proofing section as well.
Microsoft Word can check grammar in over 32 languages. Although some Microsoft Word versions are available for free, you would need a subscription to use its most recent versions.
The software pricing differs for home and office/business use.
MS Word For Home Pricing
Here are the MS Word For Home current pricing options:
- Microsoft 365 Family – $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month
- Microsoft 365 Personal – $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month
- Office Home & Student – $149.99 one-time purchase
MS Word For Business Pricing
Here are the MS Word For Business current pricing options:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $5.00 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium – $20.00 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business – $8.25 per user/month
Note: Apart from Windows OS, Microsoft Word is compatible with MacOS, iOS, Android, etc.
2. Hemingway Editor
Just like MS Word, Hemingway Editor is a popularly used software by writers. It is currently in its 3rd version and available for Mac OSX and Windows.
Though it is mostly used online, you can also use Hemingway Editor offline without the need for the internet.
To make your grammar flawless, Hemingway checks for all possible errors such as misuse of parts of speech, passive voice, and more. The software also scores your readability to help you make your work easy to read.
In order not to appear complicated, Hemingway features two tabs, Write and Edit. You can write without corrections showing in the Write mode and then switch to Edit for editing. You can as well write in Edit mode and make corrections on the go.
If you’re a blogger, you will appreciate Hemingway more because the software can publish your works directly to Medium and WordPress (.com & .org).
Hemingway supports different keyboard shortcuts, which can make working easier for you. Also, you can export your works as a web page, markdown, or in PDF format.
Hemingway Editor Pricing
To use Hemingway on your desktop, you will have to pay to buy the software. You can make a one-time payment and not recurring subscriptions.
The current price for the Windows and Mac versions of Hemingway Editor is $19.99. This price can vary from time to time, but once you make a payment, you don’t have to worry about future prices as you’ll get all upgrades for free.
3. LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is one of the multiple software programs available in the LibreOffice suite. A fork of OpenOffice, it is one of the best offline grammar checker software that you can use completely for free.
The software has different built-in language dictionaries (more than 100). That way, you can effortlessly check for both grammar and spelling errors. It might not be so popular like other offline grammar checker software on our list, but it is used by tens of millions of people across the globe.
Thankfully, LibreOffice works similarly like MS Word. It searches for grammar errors by default and identifies them by using blue-colored curved underlines. The red underlines are for spelling errors.
You can activate the LibreOffice Writer Grammar checker (if not activated by default) by going to Tools in the menu. Next, select Options and toggle the Language settings for your default language.
From the Writing Aids section under the Language settings, you can then select the ‘Check grammar as you type’ option.
You can activate more settings under the Grammar option. Moreover, it can check for grammar errors such as capitalization, word duplication, parentheses, and other possible mistakes.
LibreOffice Writer Pricing
LibreOffice is both a free and open-source software. It is compatible with Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS, and Windows Operating Systems; the primary operating system is Linux.
Other software programs in the LibreOffice suite include LibreOffice Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, and Base. Just like MS Word, you can’t install the LibreOffice Writer alone; you have to install the entire suite.
4. Scrivener
This is a multi-functional software for authors. It combines the functions of a typewriter, ring-binder, and scrapbook. The software checks for grammar among other errors and can be used for free.
However, Scrivener’s Grammar checker is not activated by default. You can activate it by clicking on Edit from the menu and then select Spelling and Grammar. Next, click on Check Document Now while the tool does its work.
Scrivener is recommended as one of the best offline grammar checker software not because of its ability to check grammar offline but also for its ease of use.
If you have multiple writing projects saved in different documents, you don’t have to run the grammar checker for each file individually. You can select the folder where the documents are saved and then run the grammar checker for all of them at one time.
You can manage very long writing projects with Scrivener easily as it supports large and small sections. Another reason you would love Scrivener is its dark mode which makes the background black and the text white.
Conversely, Scrivener is compatible with MacOS, Windows, and iOS. The current version requires Windows 7+, MacOS 10.12+, and iOS 9+.
Scrivener Pricing
Scrivener can be used for free with limited features. To unlock all of its features, you would need to purchase a premium license. The cost for a license differs from device to device.
For MacOS and Windows
- Standard License – $49
- Educational License – $41.65
- Bundle (MacOS + Windows) – $80
For iOS
- Standard License – $19.99
5. LanguageTool
LanguageTool is a proofreading software that checks for both spelling and grammar errors. There are two versions of LanguageTool – languagetool.org, and languagetoolplus.com. Primarily, the tool works online, but you can download it for offline use on a PC.
To use LanguageTool offline, you need to install Java 8 on your PC. Additionally, you can also use LanguageTool offline as an add-on for LibreOffice or OpenOffice although this as well requires the installation of Java 8.
For web browsers, the LanguageTool has a Firefox add-on that works in an offline mode only if you have the desktop version installed.
Apart from installing Java 8, you also need to install some extra data files to make the tool very powerful.
LanguageTool can check your writing for grammar and spelling errors. In fact, it can also analyze your writing style. Moreover, it supports more than 20 languages.
LanguageTool Pricing
LanguageTool can be used for free, but there is a limit of checking just 20,000 characters at a time.
If you engage in long writing projects you should purchase a Premium plan which enables you to check up to 40,000 characters at a time or the Developer API for checking more than 40,000 characters.
Here are its pricing plans:
- Free – $0
- Premium Plan – $19 per month when billed every month, $4.92 per month for yearly payment
- Developer API – Custom pricing
Note: The price for the Premium plan is for one user, you can contact the developers multiple users pricing.
6. FreeOffice TextMaker
FreeOffice is a software suite that is similar to Microsoft Word. It includes TextMaker, PlanMaker, and Presentations. For offline grammar check, TextMaker is the software to use.
FreeOffice TextMaker has an interface that is very similar to MS Word as it features ribbons. Likewise, FreeOffice TextMaker has the track changes function that keeps tab of all the changes you make in a document.
This software can open documents in DOC and DOCX format and you can save and export documents in EPUB, PDF, and other file formats. As a writer, you will find FreeOffice TextMaker very easy to use thanks to its keyboard shortcuts.
FreeOffice TextMaker Pricing
As its name implies, the FreeOffice suite is free to use and attracts no payment. However, this offline grammar checker functionality supports only German, but spell-check is supported in over 50 languages.
The software seems like a replica of MS Word but it does have its unique features. If you write in German, then FreeOffice TextMaker is highly recommended.
You can download this software on Mac, Windows, and Linux; there are currently no versions for mobile operating systems. It can run on MacOS version 10+ and Windows versions 7 or later.
7. WordPerfect Office
This is an office suite that can be used in both home and office. The software is owned by Corel, the company behind the very popular graphics design software, CorelDRAW.
WordPerfect Office features a grammar checker tool known as Grammatik. This incorporated tool works with its built-in spelling checker. It can be accessed from the Tools option in the menu.
You can run the Grammatik tool to check for grammar errors on an entire document or selected parts by highlighting. The featured checking options include the number of pages, paragraphs, sentences, etc.
However, the Grammatik tool and Spell Checker are activated by default, so you won’t have to activate the settings yourself.
WordPerfect Office makes working easy through its correction options. To skip an error once or to skip all grammatical errors, you can define specific automatic replacements.
Currently, WordPerfect Office is only available for Windows OS; therefore, if you’re a MacOS user, you can use other offline grammar checker software on our list.
Besides, the software supports Windows version from XP to the most recent versions, and it is available for both 32 bit and 64 bit.
WordPerfect Office Pricing
Unlike other free offline grammar checkers, WordPerfect only offers free trials. To fully access its features, you have to purchase it. The amount depends on the software version and there are three available versions, which include:
- WordPerfect Office Standard – $249.99 for the full version, $159.99 for upgrade
- WordPerfect Office Professional – $399.99 for the full version, $259.99 for upgrade
- WordPerfect Office Home & Student – $99.99 for the full version
8. StyleWriter 4
StyleWriter 4 is a plain English editor launched to help writers write better. Its primary function is for proofreading.
Though an offline grammar checker, StyleWriter 4 works like a human editor. This is possible as its database contains a large volume of possible errors and it features a 200,000 graded wordlist.
Apart from checking your work for possible grammar errors, it also analyzes your writing style based on your set target audience and other factors.
Another reason why StyleWriter 4 is one of the best offline grammar checker software programs is that it works fast. In about 12 seconds, the software can proofread up to 10,000 words. It identifies complex/long sentences, questionable words, jargon, passive/hidden verbs, and more.
The software also gives your writing a readability score. You can download and install StyleWriter 4 on a Windows PC but not on Mac and mobile devices.
Apart from using StyleWriter 4 as standalone grammar checker software, you can use it along with Microsoft Word as an add-on. The StyleWriter 4 add-on works completely offline too.
StyleWriter 4 Pricing
StyleWriter has a 14-day free trial period. After this trial period, you have to purchase the full software to continue using it.
Here are its pricing plans:
Starter Edition:
- Single PC – $90
- 3 Personal PCs – $120
Standard Edition:
- Single PC – $150
- 3 Personal PCs – $180
Professional Edition:
- Single PC – $190
- 3 Personal PCs – $220
Note: Their premium pricing plans are billed based on a single-user license.
9. AbiWord
AbiWord is a word processing software that has been around for more than 20 years. It is part of AbiSource launched by the SourceGear Corporation.
AbiWord is known as the first word processing software to feature a Grammar checker, even before Microsoft Word. A grammar checker was integrated into the software with the release of its 2.4 version via Link Grammar.
Though the software supports many languages, it only checks grammar for US-English.
Interestingly, AbiWord is a lightweight software that won’t take up much storage space. Unfortunately, the AbiWord software is no longer available for Windows and MacOS due to the lack of maintenance. Hence, you need a Linux computer to use AbiWord
Nevertheless, its source code is available for download, so if you have technical coding knowledge, you can integrate it on any operating system.
Linux users can download it from Flathub, while to install it, Gtk3 is required. Other Operating Systems compatible with AbiWord include MeeGo, ReactOS, and Solaris.
AbiWord is a completely free word processor, so you can check grammar offline without paying any money.
10. WPS Office Writer
WPS Office is an office suite that is popularly used by mobile device owners. Interestingly, it incorporates an offline grammar checker/proofreading tool that you can use for free.
Different programs are featured in the WPS Office suite. For grammar checking, you should use the WPS Writer.
It’s built-in spell-check tool doubles as a spelling and grammar checker.
This can be activated from the Review tab in the ribbon, similar to MS Word. It can also be activated via a shortcut and it supports up to 11 different languages.
WPS Office supports DOC, DOCX, TXT, DOT, and HTM file formats. Also, you can save your work directly as a PDF.
This software can be downloaded on Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop operating systems. It is also available for Android, iOS, and Windows mobile operating systems.
WPS Office Premium Pricing
While WPS Office can be used completely for free, there’s an exclusive premium option that offers some special features. This premium offer costs $29.99 per year ($3.99 per month).
WPS For Business usage is premium and there are three pricing options to avail it, including:
- WPS Premium for Business – $39.95 per year/user
- Business one-time license – $79.95 per user
- Professional one-time license – $119.95 per user
Online Grammar Checker Vs Offline Grammar Checker
Between offline and online grammar checkers, online grammar checkers are the most used currently. Though there are some very good offline grammar checkers as discussed above, online grammar checkers are relatively more reliable.
Cyber technology has improved over time and we now have Artificial Intelligence (AI) which imitates human intelligence. With AI, these online grammar checkers can check for grammar errors almost perfectly.
However, offline grammar checkers do have their benefits. As discussed earlier, they can help you work without the internet which keeps away distractions on the web.
Unlike the many free offline grammar checkers available, most online grammar checkers require payment before usage.
Also, several online grammar checkers can be accessed on the web via a browser, unlike the offline ones which can be downloaded and installed locally.
Bottom Line
From the above list, you can pick any offline grammar checker software to optimize your writings. Nevertheless, Microsoft Word stands out as the best offline grammar checker software you can use and the reason is far from it being the most popular.
MS Word has a specific ‘Review’ tab to perfect your work. Its Spelling & Grammar checker doesn’t just point out the errors, it also delivers suggestions and indicates the reason behind the error.
Also, you can track your changes to keep a note of the corrections and you can check errors in many different languages. Finally, the software is available for every operating system out there, both mobile and desktop.
While you can rely on offline grammar checker software to correct your errors, it is important to remember that they are still just computer programs. These programs do not understand your audience, formality, tone, and intent as much as you.
Therefore, as a writer, you should proofread your write-ups yourself if you can. Combining your efforts with a grammar checker will make your write-ups perfect as possible.
