What's the Difference Between Grammarly and AI?

Sometimes, not much

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

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I have long appreciated Grammarly as my editing companion. By “editing,” I mean that it puts commas in the right place or tells me when I have a tense or plurality problem. It has been very good at catching those mistakes, and I have quietly thanked it for making me a writer that editors appreciate. Editors' jobs become much easier, which is only fair given what they typically earn.

But now comes the beta version, which has infiltrated my documents. I have clicked on “dismiss” more times in the last month than I think I’ve done in all my years working with Grammarly.

I italicize “with” because, in my humble view, Grammarly has been my partner and not a condescending presence to tighten up and formalize my writing.

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Meet Grammarly’s beta version.

I write “at the ripe age of 66,” and it corrects me with “at the age of 66.”

I write “so dang long” and it suggests I delete “dang.”

I write, “I do laundry like it’s a religion — almost daily,” and it returns with,

“I do laundry almost daily — as if it’s a religion.” (note: I usually use “as if” in the construction of “as if I care,” only this time I do, so no “as if” please).

One could argue that these changes are not such a big difference. I think it is, though.

I’ve chosen a fun and informal tone, and Grammarly has returned with a stiff and more removed-sounding voice. 

To further make my point, in a bit of self-mocking humor, I compare myself to my husband, who has a far more even and sane view of being a sole proprietor (we both are). I write,

“I’m the one with the MBA,” and Grammarly responds with, 

“Since I have an MBA…”

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See what I mean? Grammarly will have me sounding like the smartest student in the class who sits in the front row all the time. I don’t usually like seeming like that person. I am the one who comes late to class, hasn’t fully done their homework, but understands the topic nonetheless.

I try not to worry about what’s coming around the corner unless Grammarly is watching because, from previous edits, it does not like it when I write “around the corner.”

And if I had any second thoughts, Grammarly just told me that I should use its beta version on this last sentence.

Again, see what I mean? If AI turns one’s writing into vanilla, losing all character, I suspect Grammarly is well on its way.

I am going to suggest to Grammarly that they find a way to let writers adjust it for their use and voice. That way, Grammarly will know that when it corrects me to sound proper and perfect, it’s for the guy in the front row.

I think it will be smart enough to understand. 

It will know that I, indeed, did come this far, with this much forethought to sound how I want to sound.

Sorry Grammarly. 

We can still be friends…just with a little more distance. 

I still appreciate you.