What it is
Grammarly is a digital writing support tool that uses AI to provide feedback on spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, tone, and (in paid versions) style and revision suggestions. It is designed to help users improve written communication rather than generate full original texts by default.
Maker & Origin
Grammarly is developed by Grammarly, a company founded in 2009 with headquarters in the United States. The tool originated as a grammar-checking service and has expanded to include broader AI-powered writing support.
Website
Primary Educational Uses
- Supporting students with grammar, spelling, and sentence structure
- Improving clarity and organization in student writing
- Providing immediate feedback during drafting and revision
- Supporting English language learners (ELLs)
- Assisting teachers with feedback efficiency and modeling strong writing
It is typically used as a revision and editing aid, not a full writing replacement.
Age Limits & Student Suitability
- Grammarly’s general minimum age is typically 13+, aligned with common online service standards.
- Use in K–12 schools often focuses on middle and high school students.
- Elementary use is less common and usually teacher-directed.
Age suitability and access depend on school licensing, parental consent, and regional regulations.
Data Privacy & Safety
- Grammarly states that it does not sell user data and uses safeguards to protect user content.
- Writing submitted to Grammarly may be processed to provide feedback and improve services.
- Grammarly for Education offers administrative controls and privacy commitments designed for schools.
Schools should still review:
- Local student data protection requirements
- Grammarly’s education privacy documentation
- District-approved tool lists and policies
ST4S Status
❌ No ST4S badge yet verified
Pros for Classroom Use
- Strong support for writing mechanics and clarity
- Immediate, actionable feedback for students
- Particularly helpful for ELLs and students with learning differences
- Encourages revision and editing skills
- Widely used and easy to integrate across platforms
Cons & Limitations
- Does not teach writing concepts explicitly without teacher guidance
- Can encourage surface-level editing over deeper writing skills
- Advanced features require paid licenses
- Tone and style suggestions may not always align with assignment goals
- Limited value for very young students
📌 Summary
Grammarly is best suited as a writing support and revision tool in middle and high school classrooms. It works well when paired with explicit instruction about writing purpose, voice, and academic integrity. For schools seeking to strengthen student writing mechanics while maintaining teacher oversight, Grammarly can be a valuable supplemental tool rather than a replacement for writing instruction.
Data generated from this GPT agent.
Dr Tim Kitchen 