With the right free AI editors, you can sort your gibberish into everyday English. Or the tools could inspire you to find the right terms.
In this list, I left out ProWritingAid, copy.ai, and similar tools, which are better writers.
Also not included:
- Stand-alone browser extensions or smartphone apps
- Those that offer trials–these cost nothing, but most of them have limits
A few of them might be unavailable outside the U.S. without access through a virtual private network (VPN).
Remember: Don’t rely on free AI editors alone, especially in your first-round editing, because they’re error-prone (like us). They’re not the rake that catches every mistake. 🙂
1. Long words and sentences – They’re often harder to read. Many generative AI writing apps don’t focus on readability. By default, some, like ChatGPT, write at a high school level. If you’ve used Microsoft Word, you’re probably familiar with Flesch-Kincaid reading levels, which measure how understandable writing is at certain education or grade levels.
Solutions:
- Reading level checks: The Hemingway App, Typely
- Simplifying wording: Wordtune; ChatGPT or Claude via prompts for easy-to-read or conversational writing
2. Incorrect usage – Typos and poor grammar have littered many rough drafts. Sometimes, you’ve spelled the word right but have used it in the wrong context. The “eyes” of AI can spot these and more errors. Beyond spell-check, Grammarly flags grammar failures and suggests better wording. Its open-source cousin, LanguageTool, does the same and can also paraphrase passages.
Solutions: Grammarly; LanguageTool
3. Abstract terms – Vague words and phrases like “providing solutions” don’t hook readers. Concrete terms are more likely to paint pictures in readers’ minds. If you can’t create images with words, use AI to sketch details.
Solutions: ChatGPT or Claude via prompts; Wordtune
Example:
A financial advisor’s solution, which may also work as a unique selling proposition (USP): helping entry-level workers manage their money better to save for retirement.
4. Businessese – This formal language businesspeople sometimes speak reeks of jargon and self-importance. The right editing tools turn this gibberish into everyday English. Given some AI apps’ tendencies to write formally, you’ll likely need to ask them to simplify the wording, do it yourself, or use the following tools.
Solutions: Grammarly, The Hemingway App, Ludwig.guru, Wordtune
Grammarly also measures tone. The Hemingway App shows you where to shorten and clarify sections. For phrases that don’t seem to fit, Ludwig spotlights examples of common usage.
5. Blandness – If your content is as exciting as yacht rock, AI editors can add analogies, examples, facts, quotes, or statistics instantly. Use these ingredients sparingly. And remember to check your sources, because AI sometimes fudges details. Try these apps to add spice to entice readers.
Solutions: Wordtune; ChatGPT, Claude, or Bing Compose via prompts
Want to boost your editing skills beyond the basics? A coach with business writing experience can steer you to the right words, with or without AI.
BOOK A FREE COACHING CONSULTATION
Do you use AI to edit and proofread? If so, what’s your “go-to” software? Feel free to comment below.
Quotes
“#1 best practice for editors using AI: you MUST fact-check any AI-generated content for plagiarism, falsehoods, outdated information, biased information, and made-up information.” ~ Dragonfly Editorial
- Published: October 3, 2023
- Last updated: November 24, 2023
