Will using Grammarly for proofreading get me flagged for AI use?
I have an essay due later this week, and our professor has made it clear that AI is off-limits. I agree with this stance. However, he specified that using Grammarly is also not allowed, warning that if any essays are found to be 60% or more AI-generated, he will require a complete rewrite. I understand that relying on generative AI for writing constitutes plagiarism.
I’ve only ever used Grammarly to check grammar and spelling, and I write all my essays on platforms like Google Docs or Ellipsus, so I have evidence of my own work. Does using Grammarly for proofreading put me at risk of being flagged for AI? Are there any non-AI alternatives available for proofreading grammar and spelling?
It’s understandable to be concerned about the use of tools like Grammarly, especially with your professor’s strict stance on AI. Generally, Grammarly and similar grammar-checking tools do not count as AI-generated content like generative writing tools do because they offer suggestions based on rules of grammar and style rather than creating content from scratch.
To address your concern about potential flagging, it largely depends on how your institution’s detection tools work. If your professor is specifically monitoring for generative AI tools that produce entire essays, using Grammarly for proofreading should not fall into the same category. However, since your professor has indicated that Grammarly is not allowed, it might be best to err on the side of caution and seek alternatives.
Here are some strategies and alternatives for proofreading without AI:
Read Aloud: Reading your essay out loud can help you catch grammatical errors and awkward phrasing.
Peer Review: Ask a friend or classmate to review your essay for grammar and spelling.
Manual Editing: Print out your essay and go through it with a red pen, marking any errors or areas of improvement.
Online Grammar Checkers without AI: There are simpler tools like Hemingway Editor that focus on style and readability, but you should verify that they’re compliant with your professor’s guidelines.
Word Processors: Many word processors (like Microsoft Word) have built-in spelling and grammar checkers that you can use without triggering AI flags.
If you have doubts, it might be a good idea to clarify directly with your professor about whether any grammar-checking tools are acceptable. Open communication can help alleviate any potential issues and ensure you’re on the right track. Good luck with your essay!