There is an app for everything. Some apps will help you cook, schedule the rest of your year, or teach you calisthenics. It is no surprise that there are many apps for writing, given that the written word represents most content on the internet.
I usually work on essay writing services reviews, so I use some of these apps myself. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best apps for writers:
Grammarly
As a warning, the more you walk on crutches, the more your leg muscles will atrophy from neglect. This logic applies to any skill that is supplemented by technology. I find myself making more grammar and spelling errors when I do not use this software. I’m used to having this crutch. I have come to rely on Grammarly too much, and I’ve recently cut back on its use. The internet, in general, seems to have negative effects on the human mind.
Still, this overuse of Grammarly speaks to the software’s usefulness in my profession. It is the best at what it does. Correcting spelling and grammar to some extent is not a new feature. Most word processors have a built-in checker. However, Grammarly goes above and beyond.
It creates an underline to draw your attention to the mistake, but it also goes through the trouble of explaining why it tagged it as a mistake. It also warns you about sections that do not necessarily contain writing mistakes. Grammarly can tell you to cut back on wordy sentences or suggest synonyms for terms you have repeated too often.
You can select an overall tone for your writing, and tell Grammarly to warn you if the current sentence does not match it. The style can be urgent, happy, assertive, etc. Now you can see why over-reliance on this app can affect your ability to write. It does a lot, and it’s worth every penny. Of course, you can install it for free, both as a desktop app or a browser extension. The premium version unlocks better suggestions and advanced settings.
ProWritingAid
This app is inevitably compared to Grammarly every time it is mentioned, and this review is no different. Despite their superficial similarities, PWA seems to target people who already know to write. It will still highlight significant errors, yet its main focus isn’t on tiny grammar optimization but the prose’s overall flow. It will suggest not using passive voice, or it will underline monotone sentences. It will gather statistics on your overall performance as a writer. The app can evaluate the structure of each sentence or rate your vocabulary level. PWA will also mention overused terms and warn you if the flow of ideas is not smooth.
For all of these features, you will have to pay for the premium version. Yet, they seem to be helpful, and they will aid you to become a better writer.
LivingWriter
A relative newcomer on the scene, LivingWriter is designed to help users construct a cohesive story. No download is required, as you can use this app directly on your website browser.
Writers can create storyboards and arrange chapters, giving them perspective over the structured plot of a book. If your internet connection is unreliable, it is possible to download an offline desktop version of the app. If for any reason, you are unsure whether to buy it, LivingWriter offers a 14-day cost-free trial version.
Scrivener
Writing a long-form story is more complicated than it seems. You have to keep track of details and the overall structure of the plot. Scrivener allows you to organize your plot better, and offers more features than a regular word processor program. It is available as a mobile application and a desktop download. An iPad version was also added. A unique feature is the implementation of keyboard shortcuts. They may not seem like much but will save you a lot of time in the long run. Even talented writers can have issues with deadlines, so any time-saving tool is a welcomed addition.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Until now, we have analyzed different versions of typing aids. Yet, there are other ways of translating your thoughts into content. Dragon Naturally Speaking is a unique entry on this list, given that it is a dictation, not a writing app. While the written word should be your primary focus, harsh deadlines can be met via dictation.
In essence, this program converts speech to text. Even though I am a writer, my typing speed is only slightly above average. Yet, by speaking the words, I can compensate for my slow typing. You will quickly notice that a different part of your brain is used while speaking, and you do tend to use less articulation during dictation. It does take some time to get used to this method.
Also, I find myself needing to correct and adjust the final result. The software doesn’t always “hear” you correctly, especially when it comes to words that sound similar. My microphone may be to blame, as I do not own a studio-grade mic. Tweaking and editing aside, the process is faster and can increase my output rate.
Write! Pro
Although it has no in-built length restrictions, I find myself using this app for shorter text segments. As a writer, ideas come to me throughout the day, and it is easier to save and organize them via Write!. As many people find black letters on a white background to be tiresome for their vision, a dark and light mode was incorporated. It is possible to set writing milestones for word counts. Users can organize pieces of content via tabs and folders. This application seems designed for scatter-brained creative types who need a little help structuring their output.
Conclusion
Overall, professionals in any field need to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Whatever your blindspot may be, there is an application that can compensate for any shortcoming.
Even if your grammar and spelling are perfect, applications can aid in your creative process. Sometimes, you just need a birds-eye view of your content to gain perspective.
