Grammar & Clarity Check
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Writing Analysis
Improvement Suggestions
How Grammar and Clarity Scoring Works
This calculator analyzes your writing using established principles of English grammar and readability. It doesn’t just check for errors: it evaluates how effectively your writing communicates your message.
The scoring system evaluates multiple factors to give you a comprehensive view of your writing quality. Each factor contributes to your overall score, helping you understand exactly where to focus your improvements.
This weighted formula recognizes that while grammar is important (60% weight), clarity and readability (40% weight) are equally crucial for effective communication. A perfectly grammatical sentence that’s impossible to understand still fails its purpose.
Grammar Score Components
The grammar score evaluates five key areas of writing mechanics:
- Sentence Structure (25%): Proper sentence boundaries, comma usage, and avoiding run-on sentences
- Subject-Verb Agreement (20%): Ensuring verbs match their subjects in number and person
- Punctuation (20%): Correct use of periods, commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks
- Word Choice (20%): Appropriate vocabulary and avoiding commonly confused words
- Verb Tenses (15%): Consistent and appropriate use of verb tenses
Each error type has a different weight based on how significantly it affects comprehension. A missing period is more serious than a slightly awkward word choice.
Clarity Score Components
The clarity score measures how easy your writing is to understand:
- Sentence Length (30%): Sentences between 15-25 words tend to be most readable
- Passive Voice Usage (25%): Active voice is generally clearer than passive voice
- Readability Level (20%): Appropriate complexity for your intended audience
- Paragraph Structure (15%): Logical flow and appropriate paragraph length
- Transition Words (10%): Words that connect ideas and improve flow
Clarity isn’t about dumbing down your writing. It’s about making complex ideas accessible to your readers.
Understanding Reading Levels
Your writing’s reading level tells you how much education someone needs to easily understand your text. Different contexts call for different reading levels.
| Reading Level | Grade Equivalent | Best For | Words per Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 1st-6th Grade | Children’s content, basic instructions | 8-12 words |
| Middle School | 7th-8th Grade | General web content, blog posts | 12-18 words |
| High School | 9th-12th Grade | Newspapers, magazines, most business writing | 15-22 words |
| College | 13th-16th Grade | Academic papers, technical reports | 18-25 words |
| Graduate | 17th+ Grade | Scientific papers, legal documents | 22-30+ words |
Most business and web writing should aim for a high school reading level (9th-12th grade). This makes your content accessible to the widest possible audience while still allowing for sophisticated ideas.
Table of Common Writing Issues and Scores
Use this table to understand how different writing samples would score in our system. This helps you benchmark your own writing.
| Writing Sample | Grammar Score | Clarity Score | Overall Score | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional business email | 92 | 88 | 90 | Minor word choice improvements |
| College application essay | 85 | 78 | 82 | Some complex sentences, passive voice |
| Technical documentation | 88 | 65 | 78 | High reading level, long sentences |
| Blog post | 78 | 82 | 80 | Informal grammar, good clarity |
| Social media post | 70 | 85 | 76 | Intentional informal style |
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Analysis
What if I’m writing for a specific audience or purpose?
The score is a guideline, not an absolute rule. Technical writing for experts should have different standards than writing for the general public. A scientific paper will naturally have longer sentences and more complex vocabulary than a blog post. Use the score to ensure your writing is clear for your intended audience, not necessarily to achieve a perfect score.
Does this tool check for plagiarism?
No, this is a grammar and clarity analyzer only. It doesn’t compare your text to other sources or check for plagiarism. For plagiarism detection, you would need a specialized plagiarism checker tool.
How accurate is the grammar checking compared to tools like Grammarly?
This tool focuses on scoring and identifying common issues rather than comprehensive error detection. Tools like Grammarly have more advanced algorithms and larger databases. Our strength is instant analysis with clear scoring and actionable suggestions without requiring an account or subscription.
What if I disagree with a suggestion?
Writing is often subjective. The suggestions are based on general best practices for clear communication. You might choose to ignore a suggestion if it doesn’t fit your writing style, purpose, or voice. The tool is meant to make you think about your writing choices, not to dictate rigid rules.
Can I use this for non-English text?
This analyzer is optimized for English text only. It uses English grammar rules, sentence structures, and readability formulas. For other languages, the scoring would not be accurate because different languages have different grammar rules and sentence structures.
How long should my text be for accurate analysis?
For best results, analyze at least 100-200 words. Very short texts (under 50 words) don’t provide enough sample size for accurate scoring of clarity and sentence variety. For comprehensive analysis, 300-500 words is ideal. The tool works with any length, but accuracy improves with more text.
Does the tool save or store my text?
No, all analysis happens in your browser. Your text never leaves your device or gets sent to any server. This ensures complete privacy for sensitive documents, emails, or unpublished work.
Practical Applications for Different Writing Types
Business Emails
Aim for scores above 80. Business emails should be clear, concise, and professional. Watch for passive voice and overly complex sentences that can obscure your main point.
Academic Papers
Scores of 75-85 are typical. Academic writing requires complex ideas but should still be understandable. Balance technical terminology with clear explanations.
Web Content
Target scores of 80-90. Web readers scan quickly. Use shorter paragraphs, clear headings, and straightforward language to keep readers engaged.
Creative Writing
Scores vary widely. Creative writing often breaks grammar rules intentionally. Use the tool to ensure clarity while maintaining your unique voice.
Quick Improvement Strategies Based on Your Score
If your grammar score is below 70: Focus on basic sentence structure first. Make sure every sentence has a subject and verb. Check for comma splices and run-on sentences. These fundamental issues have the biggest impact on readability.
If your clarity score is below 70: Work on sentence length. Try breaking long sentences into two or three shorter ones. Replace passive voice with active voice where possible. Add transition words to improve flow between ideas.
If your reading level is too high: Replace technical jargon with simpler terms. Break complex ideas into smaller chunks. Use examples and analogies to explain difficult concepts.
If your reading level is too low: Add specific details and precise vocabulary. Vary your sentence structure more. Develop ideas more fully rather than stating them simply.
The Revision Process: Write First, Analyze Second
Don’t try to write perfectly on the first draft. Write your ideas freely, then use this tool during revision. First drafts are for getting ideas down; revisions are for making those ideas clear. Run your text through the analyzer, make improvements based on suggestions, then analyze again to see your progress.
This grammar and clarity calculator provides instant, actionable feedback on your writing. Unlike tools that just highlight errors, it gives you scores that help you track improvement over time. Whether you’re polishing an important email, revising an essay, or improving your business writing, this tool helps you communicate more effectively.