GramSlam for Better Writing (ST, TT)
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 GramSlam is a Grammar and Style Checker by Phil Comeau Software.  The
 new GramSlam Version 3.01 checks for over 1200 common grammar and
 writing-style problems.  As the manual states, GramSlam "...examines
 documents for wordy phrases, common grammatical errors, and misused
 words.  Each suspect word or phrase is displayed in the context in which
 it appears, along with a description of the problem and a suggestion of
 how you might correct it."  GramSlam has a built-in problem phrase
 editor and also gives you writing style and readability statistics.  It
 can be run as a desk accessory or from the desktop.  Although GramSlam
 works with any word processor documents, it delivers most accurate
 results (word count, etc.) if checking an ASCII text file with no
 imbedded control codes.

 GramSlam also offers different reporting levels.  For example, Level 4
 adds checking for archaic words, while level 3 checks for contractions
 and Double Negatives.  You'd want to omit contractions when you're
 writing a formal document.

 Unlike more sophisticated (and expensive!) grammar checkers available on
 other platforms, GramSlam doesn't check your context to see if your word
 usage is already correct.  It locates typical trouble words and phrases,
 like "their", or "it's", or a preposition ending a sentence, and reports
 that there is a potential for a usage problem.  You have to decide,
 although the program supplies examples of correct alternative usages.
 If you figure you don't need help on the matter reported, you can select
 "Don't report this problem again", but then you risk missing a later
 actual error.
 
 I find that GramSlam is a little more picky than I am... but then, why
 else use it?  But then again, I tend to write a little casually, so this
 program is a must for me.  I suggest that students buy it for use in
 writing term papers.  Also, budding authors might find GramSlam might
 make the difference between getting an article accepted or being
 rejected.  $39.95 from Phil Comeau Software, 43 Rueter St. Nepean,
 Ontario Canada K2J 3Z9, (613) 825-6271.    - John King Tarpinian

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