How to use an AI grammar checker

Writing is an inextricable part of our everyday lives, from emails to text messages to project assignments. For students, job seekers, and creators alike, clear writing is key to professional and academic success. That’s where Microsoft Copilot steps in: not as a crutch but acting as a supportive AI writing assistant that helps you write with confidence. With Copilot, you can smooth out grammar, sharpen your sentences, and let your ideas shine without the stress of second-guessing word choice .

Improve your writing with AI

Think of Copilot as your personal editor working in real time to make your writing shine. You can lean on AI as a resource for free grammar and spell check to help you catch typos and punctuation errors, rewrite awkward or messy sentences for clarity, and even adjust tone and structure to match your intent. What makes it stand out is its ability to explain corrections as it goes, helping you learn and improve your writing with every edit. In short, Copilot takes the stress out of comma placement and syntax, so you can focus on clearly expressing your ideas.

How does an AI grammar checker work?

AI grammar checkers work by using natural language processing (NLP) . NLP allows Copilot to understand the structure and meaning behind your sentences, not just the surface-level words. This means it can identify grammar errors, spot awkward phrasing, and suggest improvements that align with your intended tone. By analyzing syntax, semantics, and context, Copilot delivers corrections that feel natural and tailored to your writing style. Instead of simply flagging mistakes, it uses NLP to guide you toward clearer, more confident communication—helping you learn as you go.

Copilot: your AI grammar checker

Ready to polish your writing? Here are the steps to make the most of your AI writing assistant:

1. Open Copilot in your browser or in the Copilot app for free. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription , you can also work with Copilot directly within Word and other Microsoft apps you already use.

2. Paste your writing into Copilot and ask for what you need. For example, you might prompt Copilot, “Check this for grammar and clarity” or “Rewrite this to be more concise” or “Fix the grammar while keeping the tone casual.”

3. Review Copilot's suggestions and ask follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind the changes.

4. Iterate until it feels right. Ask for alternatives, simpler wording, or tone adjustments.

AI art created via Copilot

Make the most of grammar check with AI

To make the most of Copilot as your AI grammar checker and AI writing assistant, keep these practical tips in mind:

1. Be specific about tone: Tell Copilot if you want your writing to sound formal, casual, persuasive, or friendly.

2. Break long paragraphs into sections: Shorter chunks of text are easier for Copilot to refine and for readers to digest.

3. Ask follow-up questions: Don’t stop at the first draft—ask Copilot to simplify, expand, or adjust until it feels right.

4. Use examples: Phrases like “Make it sound like this…” help Copilot match your style more closely.

5. Try voice input: If typing feels too slow, Copilot lets you speak your ideas and get instant grammar support.

Dos and don’ts of AI grammar checker

For more effective Copilot results, keep these AI grammar checker dos and don’ts in mind:

Do use Copilot for:

• Emails

• School assignments

• Job applications

• Social posts

• Research summaries

Don’t use Copilot for:

• Sensitive legal content

• Exams requiring original authorship

• Highly personal or confidential data

Fine-tune your writing with Copilot

AI writing assistants like Copilot help you find clarity, confidence, and flow—correcting grammar, simplifying sentences, and strengthening communication effortlessly. Copilot helps you focus on ideas while handling the details, so your words truly reflect your intent. Ready to elevate your writing? Try Copilot today and see the difference.