Best Free Grammar Checker Alternatives for English Learners
Finding the right grammar checker can make a big difference for non-native English speakers. While Grammarly is the most popular option, there are many free alternatives that work well for English learners. Here is a comparison of the best free grammar checkers available, along with tips on how to use them effectively in your writing workflow.
1. ClearWrite Readability Checker
Our Readability Checker is completely free and designed specifically for English learners. It analyzes your text using multiple formulas including Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog, and Coleman-Liau scores. It also shows your average sentence length and syllable count per word. While it focuses on readability rather than grammar, it helps you spot sentences that are too long or complex — which often contain grammatical errors too.
Use it alongside our ClearWrite Grammar Checker for a comprehensive review of your writing. The grammar checker catches common errors like subject-verb agreement, article misuse, and incorrect verb tenses, while the readability checker ensures your text flows smoothly and is easy to understand.
2. LanguageTool
LanguageTool is an open-source grammar checker that supports over 25 languages. It has a free browser extension that checks grammar, spelling, and style in real time. It catches many of the same errors as Grammarly but is completely free for most features. Unlike Grammarly, LanguageTool does not store your text on their servers, which makes it a good choice for privacy-conscious users.
The tool also provides detailed explanations for each correction, helping you understand why a change was suggested. This makes it a great learning tool, not just a correction tool. For best results, use LanguageTool to catch errors first, then run your text through the Readability Checker to fine-tune your writing style. Our Paraphrasing Tool can help you rewrite any flagged sentences into clearer alternatives.
3. Hemingway Editor
The Hemingway Editor highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and difficult-to-read paragraphs. The web version is free and works well for improving readability. It color-codes different types of issues — yellow for hard-to-read sentences, red for very hard-to-read ones, purple for passive voice, and blue for complex words or phrases.
Use it together with our Word Counter to get a complete picture of your writing. Hemingway shows you word count, reading time, and character count alongside its readability analysis. For a deeper look at your vocabulary, also use the Word Frequency Counter to identify overused words. Read our guide on how to check your writing readability for more detailed instructions.
4. ProWritingAid (Free Version)
ProWritingAid offers a free version with grammar checks and basic writing reports. It includes a word frequency analysis similar to our Word Frequency Counter. The free version checks up to 500 words per session, which is sufficient for most emails, social media posts, and short assignments.
ProWritingAid's strength is its detailed reports, which cover everything from grammar and spelling to style, transitions, and sentence variety. However, for unlimited use without word limits, our ClearWrite tools are a better option. Combine ProWritingAid with the Syllable Counter to check word complexity, and use the Text Diff Checker to compare your drafts side by side.
5. Reverso Grammar Checker
Reverso offers a free grammar checker with context-based suggestions. It is especially useful for English learners because it shows example sentences alongside corrections, helping you understand why a change is needed. If you make a mistake with prepositions, for instance, Reverso will show you correct examples so you can learn the proper usage.
Reverso also includes a translation feature, which pairs well with our ClearWrite Translator. Together, they give you both grammar checking and cross-language verification. The Text Case Converter can then help you format your final text correctly. For more writing tips, check out our article on 7 common English writing mistakes beginners make and the best free writing tools for English learners.
Combine any of these tools with our ClearWrite Tools suite — including the Syllable Counter, Text Case Converter, and Text Diff Checker — for a complete English writing improvement system.