Google Search Introduces AI-Powered Grammar Checker
Google has recently introduced a new feature in Search that directly competes with Grammarly. This feature enables users to access a grammar checker, which can assess the structure of a sentence or phrase and provide recommendations if any inconsistencies are detected.
Using a phrase like “grammar checker”, “check grammar” or “grammar checker” ensures that the tool is activated, as 9-5 Google points out. But Search may still offer grammar suggestions if you don’t include any of these phrases in your query.
If the tool detects an error, including a typo, Google rewrites the sentence and tells you what’s different. You can easily copy the corrected phrase or sentence by hovering over it. If your grammar is on point, the tool will give you a dopamine-inducing green checkmark, but unfortunately no gold star.
Not surprisingly, the tool is powered by artificial intelligence. It may not always be accurate, especially if you ask it to check a sentence or fragment instead of a whole sentence. If you notice something wrong with the suggestion (or you want to help the system understand that fixing it was useful), you can give feedback.
The tool is currently only available in English, but it’s worth noting that it won’t work if a phrase or sentence violates the search policies. It does not grammar check for dangerous, disturbing, medical, sexually explicit or terrorist content, or content related to violence and gore. You may need to look elsewhere to make sure that a sentence or phrase containing profanity or foul language is also grammatically correct.
Of course, Google has offered grammar tools in Gmail and Google Drive for a long time. Bringing one to Haku makes sense, as its wide range of tricks includes a dictionary tool. You don’t need to open Google Docs or any other app. You also don’t need to break out a dusty copy of The Elements of Style.
However, many people only focus on keywords when they search for something on Google and do not write complete sentences or grammatically correct sentences (eg “hard-boiled egg how long”). The AI has to make an educated guess as to whether someone wants their grammar checked or not. Otherwise, Haku can move the information you are looking for even further on the page.
