Review of Top Grammar-Checking Software

Like everything related to computers and smartphones, grammar-checking software has improved over the last 10 years. However, it still needs be used in an appropriate manner. The software should not be a substitute for your own knowledge of English grammar, but rather a check on it that highlights possible errors. There are two reasons for not solely relying on grammar-checking software. First, it still makes mistakes. The grammar-checker in Microsoft Word, for example, continually tells me I should use â€Å"it’s† instead of â€Å"its†, and vice versa, in cases where the software is clearly in error. Second, English is a rich language and often there are different ways of saying the same thing, usually with slightly different meanings. For example, the Microsoft Word grammar checker continually harasses me when I use the passive voice. While routine use of the passive voice is undesirable, there are times when it is appropriate. For example, if the actor of a sentence is unknown, then the passive voice is usually more efficient and effective. Nevertheless, even the best humans make mistakes, so there is role for grammar checkers to play in writing today. Top Grammar-Checking Software Below is a review of some of the top programs. The list is alphabetical because user preference is often based on subjective features. However, rest assured that these programs are some of the best, with any pros and cons discussed as applicable. CorrectEnglish does a solid job of checking grammar. In testing, it has been found to have problems correctly identifying run-on sentences and pronoun agreement. However, at a cost of $120, it seems to have one deal breaker, at least for some users—it requires continuous connection to the Internet. Grammar Expert Plus has the benefit of mirroring Microsoft Word’s grammar function, so if you use Microsoft’s word processor, there won’t be much of a learning curve. It costs about half ($60) as much as some of its competitors, but has also been found to occasionally miss subject-verb agreement and incorrect suggestions for correction. Grammarly is a top-notch grammar-checking program. It also has two features that many users will find valuable. Not only does the software program indicate grammatical errors, it highlights writing that although technically correct, could be better. It also has a grading function that grades the grammar of your writing. The intent is that you can check your grades over time to see if the writing has improved. Drawbacks include cost (about $140) and lack of compatibility with the Mac version of Microsoft Office. PaperRater is a free online tool that does a decent job checking grammar. It also has a couple of additional useful features. First, it checks title to make sure they make sense and are concise like titles should be. It also has a plagiarism checker, which has improved over the last year, after a bumpy start. WhiteSmoke excels at basic grammar coverage but also checks grammar of the language in the context in which it is written. It’s also simple to use—all the user does is hit the F2 key to analyze the text of his/her document. Drawbacks include the cost ($80-$120) and lack of plagiarism monitor. Writer’s Workbench has top-notch grammar-checking capability, but stands out because it gives lucid but detailed explanations for the grammatical errors it has found. Furthermore, the intent of the software seems to be to help the writer improve with time, not just to relay on automatic acceptance of the program’s recommendations. There are few minor issues. The software only works with Microsoft Word, it takes some time to get comfortable with the interface, and is expensive ($120). Grammar-checking software these days not only reviews grammar, but many programs also help improve writing and check for plagiarism. Nevertheless, a writer’s best tool for flawless grammar is a thorough understanding of it.

Analyzing The Companies Microsoft And Apple Using The Swot...

In this essay I will be analyzing the companies Microsoft and Apple using the PESTEL analysis. PESTEL stands for: Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Economic, and Legal. Microsoft and Apple are the two leading brands of the personal computer market. Although they both are highly in demand for essentially the same products, both companies have strategized their business in such a way to advertise their items uniquely. Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Since the start of the company, Microsoft has had it’s fair share of not only successes but problems as well. The United States Government claimed Microsoft violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by providing each new Microsoft customer with a free copy of†¦show more content†¦Social: After Gates took on a less significant role in the company, Microsoft began campaigning more heavily in television advertisements, print ads, and billboards to reach a younger audience. By partnering with Google, the company has created a new image for itself. Rather than just being a product for professionals, they have linked their products with the Android system just as Apple has with the iPhone. (Strickland and Crawford 2014) Technological: Microsoft is the leading alternative to Apple products which many find quite expensive. Many consumers are attracted to Android’s customizable options over the iPhone’s set features. Economic: Microsoft’s stock has been steadily increasing since the dot-com bubble of 2000 with only a small setback in 2009 when the global economic recession hit and the demand for PCs fell. Legal: Microsoft was sued by Apple in 1994 in a highly-publicized case. Apple claimed that they had licensed certain parts of their user interface during the inception of Microsoft 1.0, but Microsoft then turned around and illegally copied aspects that already existed in Apple. Microsoft won the case but not after a lengthy legal battle. (Morgenstern 20 12) Only one year after Microsoft, Apple was founded in 1976 in the garage of Steve Job’s parents in Los Altos, California. Political: Recently their have been many scandals about hackers using Apple technology to access classified information. The situation has grown so dire that Apple Chief

Eleven Essay Example For Students

Eleven Essay Eleven by Sandra Cisneros, uses many literary devices tocharacterize a complex eleven-year-old. Rachel, theingenuous 1st person narrator, relates the details of herhumiliating eleventh birthday. Although her diction reflectsher age, Rachel conveys the difficulty of growing up withadult precision. She is embarrassed and feels helpless, butknows she will soon be home with her parents, and herterrible day will drift away. Rachels age is given away notonly by the title, but by her word choice. She employsnumerous similes, describing crying like uncontrollablehiccups, drinking milk to fast, and little animal noises. Herconfidence rattles like pennies in a tin Band-Aid Box, andshe is always on the edge of lapsing into another session oftears. However, Rachels diction does not simple betray herage. Descriptions like smells like cottage cheese areinsights into her true personality. She is passionate andcurious, almost to a fault. Because she describes things likerunaway balloons, she is a be lievable eleven-year-old. Firstperson narration reveals though Rachels thoughts are thoseof a typical eleven-year-old her descriptive ability is moremature. Rachel has an uncanny ability to convey her feelings. However, because she is an ingenuous narrator, shesometimes misses the deeper significance of her feelings. Although she twice mentions she is looking forward to cake,her birthday song, and normal birthday things, she does notmention she also needs the comfort of her parents. On theother hand, unlike most older, or mature, people, sheunderstands enough about life experience to know she doesnot have enough. Twice she mentions she would like to havethe experience of someone who is one hundred and two. Ateleven Rachel realizes that with experience comesconfidence, personal strength, and most important to her,knowing what to do in hostile situations. As amazing as thosethoughts are, Rachels most impressive thought is about age. She understands that people display the characteristics of theages they have passed. She understands that although she iseleven, she can still be scared like she is five, or cry like sheis three. What she does not grasp is that people can displaycharacteristics beyond their years. Rachel displays thatadvanced maturity in her thoughts. The only dialogue in thestory is between Rachel and her teacher, Mrs. Price. Everyconversation is the same, Mrs. Price does not listen toRachel and dominates their conversations. Rachel associatesbeing right with being older, so she lets Mrs. Price have herway. Mrs. Price is so dominating Rachel can respond withwhat she calls her four- year-old voice. She stumbles for areply, eventually saying only, Not mine, not mine. Rachel ishelpless and feels sick inside as she is forced to wear thatsweater. So much emphasis is given to what Rachel isthinking, but the dialogue can show her outward personality. Rachel is non-confrontational, timid, and shy. Racheldesperately wants her terrible day to be over. She wants tobe one-hundred and two, because then days like this onewould be far behind. After she is brought to tears andreluctantly she puts on the sweater and even though she didnot have to wear the sweater long, she is changed. Sherealizes facing challenges is at the foundation of experience. Her old self floats away like a balloon. Sandra CisnerossEleven uses point of view, diction, dialogue, and symbolismto characterize an eleven year olds coming of age. Theunique characteristics of an eleven- year-old have allowedher to make important discoveries about growing up. Rachelsurvives her humiliation, and becomes smart eleven. Shefeels smart eleven, and a almost a year sooner than usual. .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .postImageUrl , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:hover , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:visited , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:active { border:0!important; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:active , .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751 .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u100866c7a2e93bad5b264ffbb0051751:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Bariatrics As A Discourse Community EssayRachel realizes that people are the sum of their experience. She desperately wants to be one hundred and two, butrealizes that her experience adds up to eleven. Book Reports

Comparison and Contrast Paper Medieval Characteristics Essay Example

Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics Essay Prior Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces Patsy Baker ENG/106 March 25, 2013 Sandra Rooks Prior Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces Literature reveals the soul of a civilization. The manner in which a civilization develops is in direct correlation with the quality and nature of its literature. Literary masterpieces are treasure troves to be read, analyzed, and enjoyed. At first, many ancient masterpieces may seem hard to comprehend for a novice reader; however, the effort exerted to grasp their merit is well worth the result. A Yiddish saying states that life without creativity is existence without joy. Obtaining an understanding and appreciation of successful literature opens the door to learning about the author, the author’s culture, and the necessary elements to emulate the techniques to produce such a masterpiece. Exposure to literary masterpieces began in my high school years. Ontario educational standards required every student to take classes in Greek, Roman, and Norse literature. Learning ancient Greek and Latin enriched my education and understanding of the value of their literature, and studies of the techniques and styles of each genre. Comprehending the nuances of their languages enhanced the comprehension of these masterpieces. Also I learned illiteracy of the general populous was the reason for early writings written in poetic format so it could be sung. Hesiod, Homer, and Virgil were the master-storytellers who used elements such as personification, metaphors, onomatopoeia, and similes to make their stories come alive to the listener; for example, â€Å"The fertile earth being burnt, roared out†¦Ã¢â‚¬  provides an auditory picture of the viciousness of the battle (2008, p. 59). The Theogony†, â€Å"Iliad,† and â€Å"Aeneid† describe the hierarchy and intrigue of the immortals, including their interaction among themselves and with mortals. The style and techniques applied in literary masterpieces should reflect the religion, culture, or historical influences of the author’s life experiences. These elements contribute to the substance of the author’s presentation. For examp le, it would be extremely difficult for the Book of Genesis to be as effective in teaching the creation of mankind if it were written by a person whose religion was polytheistic. We will write a custom essay sample on Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer One of the key theme’s of Genesis is monotheism and that the Supreme Being created all things. Plato’s â€Å"The Apology† could have been incoherent and less effective without his knowledge of the knack of rhetoric learned from such teachers as Socrates. Sophocles understood the suffering of violence from living through the Peloponnesian Wars. Also his setting for â€Å"Oedipus the King† was Colonus, the same town he grew up in. Of note, he is acknowledged as the creator of skenographiascene painting helping to define better the setting for his play. Finally, Sophocles used symbolism for the name of the heroâ€Å"Oidipous† means swollen foot. This name emphasizes the angst of Oedipus who was taunted in his youth. (2008, p. 501). The authenticity of the author’s writing must reflect the author’s life. The reader’s expectation of the author’s purpose for writing the literary masterpiece should not be a determinant for the reader’s expectations of its content. The purpose should become evident upon reading the entire piece. For example, the biblical story of Daniel in the lions’ den inspires courage and faith. The graphic violence in â€Å"Oedipus the King† is disturbing; however, it is thought-provoking. Some literary masterpieces can be painful. For example, reading the Apostle Luke’s description of Jesus’ crucifixion is emotionally painful and haunting; however, it spiritually enlightens the reader. Understanding literary masterpieces may be difficult to comprehend but not boring. Predetermined expectations of the purpose or proper reactions from literary pieces prejudice the reader and should, therefore, be avoided. Enthusiastic high school English teachers and talented Ancient Greek and Latin teachers encouraged my understanding and appreciation of literary masterpieces. Sometimes, it is hard for a teenager to believe the word â€Å"modern† is not always the best, and the word â€Å"ancient† is not always unpalatable. From these encounters, my understanding of cultures, religions, and writing skills expanded. I learned the effectiveness of literary devices such as irony, allegory, onomatopoeia, and satire. The historical time frame of the writing, the cultural aspects of the writer, and historical events within the piece are important aspects in evaluating the quality of literature. If possible, reading literature in its original language helps to increase the appreciation of the quality of its excellence. Finally, reading a piece of literature more than once may enlighten a reader concerning its qualities. Important characteristics of literary masterpieces must focus on artistic excellence, intellectual value, spiritual value, permanence, universal appeal, style, and be thought provoking. No literary piece can stand the test-of-time without these attribu tes. Consider the Torah and the Christian Bible. Their spiritual appeal affects millions of lives. Both have existed throughout the ages. They are thought provoking and have unique styles. The Psalms are well-known and possess all these attributes. For example, Psalms 23 is sung in both Jewish and Christian places of worship. The value of literary masterpieces to the world is immeasurable. There are some important influences of literary masterpieces on modern society. Freud based some of his concepts of psychoanalysis on Sophocles’ character of Oedipus. The Twelve Commandments from the Torah are the basis for civil laws prohibiting murder and theft. Concepts of human kindness and acts of charity are based on Jesus’ teaching in the Four Gospels. Charitable and religious groups practice acts of kindness based on these writings. The aforementioned examples demonstrate the importance of literary masterpieces on modern society. Literature is a window allowing readers to see the personality of a civilization. It is a window to the mores, ideals, creativity, and spiritual heart of a civilization. There is immeasurable cultural and spiritual wealth in literary masterpieces. Although some literary masterpieces are difficult to understand, they are a spring of enlightenment to those who strive to grasp their value. The comprehension and admiration of literary masterpieces is a key to obtaining awareness and comprehension of the value of the writings. This key provides a portal to the world of the author, the civilization, and the tools to create such a work of art. Reference Damrosch, D. , Alliston, A. , Brown, M. , duBois, P. , Hafez, S. , Heise, U. K. , et al (2008). The Longman Anthology of World Literature. New York, NY: Pearson Education Inc.

Blade essays

Blade essays Blade- The Double-edged Sword Between Two Communities Humans subside in a world that thrives on community, society, and relationships. Within each of these categories people function together, believe in the same morals and values, and create their own divisions within these groups. Through excluding certain groups or individuals the society would cease to function, while enabling the community to feel normal and safe in their ideals. In the movie Blade, the human race is unable to grasp the nature of the vampire realm. The people reside in a place where their everyday lives are unscathed by the dark world of the night. The night is an outlet for the vampires to feed, and thrive. Blade is a combination of both human and vampire. This gives him limited access into both worlds, because both groups fear Blade. These communities cannot embrace him because they cannot identify with him. He possesses greater strengths than humans and vampires. He is ultimately feared by both groups, and is not recognizable in either society that he dwells. His only outlet is to help the one race that does not know what kind of man/thing he is. As indicated in this movie, when an individual possesses the defining characteristics of two diverse communities... Blade will inevitably choose the one least threatening to him. Humans live in a sugarcoated world. They like to think of themselves as individuals within a community. The truth is that they are part of a community that makes them feel secure with themselves. Whether it is a country club, a union, or a church, they attach themselves to something to make them who they are. The human race lacks any type of empathy towards anyone outside of his or her group. They cannot relate to outsiders. In the movie Blade, the human race is wearing a blindfold. They cannot see the truth that lurks in the night. They may not be able to accept the truth because it would ...

Environmental Factors Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Environmental Factors - Research Paper Example Being a dominant player in the furniture industry, IKEA had assumed its duty of educating and training its workforce so that ethical trade practices and agreements are not ignored. It also educates and trains its supplier base to improve efficiency in operations. Not going by the traditional business practices, IKEA had always tried to differentiate itself through its unique and specific products and its cost leadership. This is achieved through its strategic and collaborative relations with its suppliers who are equivalent partners in profit sharing. It had marketed its products at lesser profit margins in developing and underdeveloped countries that wished to own Western furniture but could not afford. This has made it earn an image of a corporation that believes in equality and possession of products equally. Being a home furnishing brand, IKEA always needed big and spacious locations to arrange for its warehouses and showrooms. As such, it never set up full fledged assembling facilities in any nation. It always went for outsourcing decisions where by the use of skilled and expert people, parts and components were manufactured elsewhere while the assembling task was completed at the destination location. Also it had communicated its product range across nations that match the perceptual structure of the residents. For US citizens, its furniture is stylish and stable, while for China, it is homely and giving a feeling of togetherness. Culture is something that cannot be created. It has to be learned and percolated down to ages. IKEA had been very strategic in weaving a story around itself every time it entered in a new market and aligned its marketing campaign accordingly. It had varied the sensibility of its marketing significantly across varying cultures. For instance, its European advertisements are more straight-forward unlike North-Americans, which are more witty. Cultural differences also arise

Safety Culture Evaluation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Safety Culture Evaluation - Case Study Example The safety programs are well intent on establishing provisions that ensure the well-being of the company employees. A company that uses this factor is Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Based on a recent survey, the institution is considered to be the best company to work for (Gustin, 2008). This is attributed to the medical cover that they provide for employees, as well as their children. There is a medical facility in the company premises, which is free of charge for the employees. This safety measure is fundamental, as employees be treated as soon as possible and get back to work. The safety measure is an efficient measure of ensuring the efficiency of the company. It serves that the employees are well assured in terms of safety measures, and if they may have a problem, they can seek medical attention immediately. This reduces the element of wasting valuable working time seeking solutions to a medical problem. These factors prove to improve the efficiency of the company. The establishment of a health facility increases the employee output, as they are motivated to work knowing that they have a medical facility that can ensure that their health is not in danger. Such programs are not common in manufacturing companies, as they are deemed expensive, which may reduce the level of profits that a company will generate. This is because the establishment of a medical facility is a production cost, affecting the level of revenue generated. It is a contributing factor as to why a number of firms, have not invested in a medical facility that can increase the safety measures. Since all firms aim to reduce the cost of operation, several companies will deem a medical facility as a high cost that is not a worthwhile investment. However, it increases the probability of health hazards in the workplace. There are some safety measures, which are established but do not work or do not serve their purpose. An example of such is the fire extinguishers. There