The Virtual Writing Tutor
The Virtual Writing Tutor is Bokomaru Publications' free grammar checker for learners of English as a Second Language. Here are some details about the project.
- The Virtual Writing Tutor's online grammar checker specializes in ESL error detection, unlike other checkers.
- It also checks spelling.
- It provides feedback (explanations and suggestions), but it does not automatically correct the grammar errors it finds. Learners have to correct their own errors using the suggestions provided.
- To help learners develop error correction as a skill, the VWT links errors to error-correction practice activities.
- We are actively developing its error detection rules from a 150 000 word learner corpus. Rules are then checked against a 3+ million word native speaker corpus to reduce the number of false alarms. Currently, the system has 5580 rules, and we add new rules every week.
- If the system misses an error or produces a false alarm, users can use the "contact us" links (top right) to alert us and we'll fix it within a day.
- It is 100% free! Membership is free, too!
Try it for yourself. Copy and paste the "student text" below into the text area and hit "Check spelling" and then "Check grammar". It will give you a sense of the range of errors the VWT can catch.
STUDENT TEXT:
I make a lot of mistakes that negatively effect my writing. Thats not good. I want alway to make the good choice of verbs. I want also to improve my pronunciation. My English-speaking friends talk about to help, but they never do. I work in a big store on the south shore of Montreal where there are a lot of immigrants people. I'm speaking every day to a men that works there. I think practicing with immigrants is equally as effective. So far, I have work there since 2 weeks and my English is getting more better. Also, I have learned already a lot about retail, but I will like to have a better job. I am waiting still for my first paycheck. They don't have paid me yet. When I will get paid, I will pay my parking tickets. Nevertheless if my English would be more better, I would definitely get a better paying job. I often wonder how many opportunities I would had had if I paid more attention to my English teacher in high school.
STUDENT TEXT:
I make a lot of mistakes that negatively effect my writing. Thats not good. I want alway to make the good choice of verbs. I want also to improve my pronunciation. My English-speaking friends talk about to help, but they never do. I work in a big store on the south shore of Montreal where there are a lot of immigrants people. I'm speaking every day to a men that works there. I think practicing with immigrants is equally as effective. So far, I have work there since 2 weeks and my English is getting more better. Also, I have learned already a lot about retail, but I will like to have a better job. I am waiting still for my first paycheck. They don't have paid me yet. When I will get paid, I will pay my parking tickets. Nevertheless if my English would be more better, I would definitely get a better paying job. I often wonder how many opportunities I would had had if I paid more attention to my English teacher in high school.
