Apps and Online Tools for Writing

This list of apps was curated by CHDS to provide a sampling of writing analysis tools. There are many apps available to analyze your writing, some of which are free to use or operate as a “freemium”- a free basic version with paid add-ons. We have included three apps below along with a Microsoft Word feature.

Resources include:

• Hemingway ($20)
  Analyzes writing segments to identify complex sentences, long words, adverbs, passive voice, grade level, etc. Nice, easy-to-use interface – flags “problem” sections with colored highlighting.
• Readable (Free, with $5/month for “premium” upgrade)
  Analyzes text pasted into site (can upload documents with premium version) to identify long sentences, long words, adverbs, passive voice, clichés, and the like. Provides grade reading level. Also gives each written snippet a letter grade (A-F).
• Slick Write (Free) 
  Analyzes writing for sentence length, word length, passive voice, adverbs, etc., as well as reading time, “readability index”, and others.  A bit more difficult to navigate than others, and less “pretty” site/output – but contains more functions.
• Microsoft Word (Price varies depending on package)
  MS Word has a readability function showing Flesh-Kincaid grade level of your document – this is the approximate US school grade level that could understand your writing, as a function of sentence length and number of syllables/word (a score of 13 means 1st year college student could fully understand it, and none with lower grade level could). Turn it on under File>Options>Proofing – then look under “When Correcting Spelling and Grammar in Word” banner, and check box for “Show Readability Statistics”. Alternative instructions: Tools>Spelling and Grammar>Spelling and Grammar…>Options>Show Readability Statistics. Then highlight desired text and again click Tools>Spelling and Grammar>Spelling and Grammar…>No. The Flesh-Kincaid grade level will be displayed at the bottom.