Whether you’re writing a research paper or getting ready to submit your manuscript to publishers, it never hurts to have another set of eyes scan your work for mistakes.
Sometimes, that extra set of eyes can take the form of a helpful proofreading software.
WhiteSmoke is one option that can help ensure that your work is error-free and always at its stylistic best. But is it worth the money?
What Is WhiteSmoke?
WhiteSmoke is a proofreading and grammar-checking software that offers desktop, web, and mobile applications, along with browser extensions.
Using Natural Language Processing technology, which utilizes both rule-based and statistical algorithms, the software is able to “learn” the patterns used by the human mind when writing. Because of this, WhiteSmoke is able to also make suggestions for style, tone, and clarity.
With their Desktop Premium application, users can take advantage of WS Web and WS Desktop, with full access to all of the features outlined below available for MS Word, Outlook, web browsers, and other editing programs.
WhiteSmoke Web offers the same features, but does not require any installation. Users can simply copy and paste their text into the web application.
WhiteSmoke’s mobile apps for Android and iOS allows users to proofread messages and texts on other applications. This can help users feel confident (especially English learners) in their everyday communications.
The WhiteSmoke Chrome Extension checks text of any kind, from WordPress drafts to emails and social media posts.
Features
Grammar Checker
Using advanced algorithms, WhiteSmoke can review your work for grammatical errors, including:
- Fragments
- Run-ons
- Subject-verb disagreement
- Tense shifts
- Punctuation errors
- Dangling modifiers
- Comma splices
- Missing words
In addition, WhiteSmoke also offers thorough explanations and suggested corrections for any errors it detects.
This feature might be particularly useful for non-native English speakers, as they can learn the fundamental rules of proper grammar.
Spell Checker
WhiteSmoke’s spell checker—WhiteSmokeWriter—can be used to detect errors in your emails, Word documents, Facebook posts, and more.
Besides checking for spelling accuracy, the tool can also check to ensure that words are used in the right context (so you don’t have to worry about confusing they’re and there again).
Style Checker
One feature that sets WhiteSmoke apart from many other proofreading tools is its style checker, which is able to detect monotony and switched tenses.
Users get suggestions to help them vary their sentence length and structure, as well as recommendations to give their writing a more natural flow.
Punctuation Checker
When should you use a colon? A semicolon? And what the heck is an em dash? WhiteSmoke’s punctuation checker can help you spend less time wondering and more time writing.
The tool corrects punctuation errors (including missing marks), then provides tips to help users avoid the same mistakes in the future.
Translator
WhiteSmoke’s translator features full word-to-word translations to and from 55 different languages and can work alongside any text application.
Using Statistical Machine Translation technology, the translator analyzes millions of translated texts to calculate and generate accurate translations.
Pricing
Chrome Extension: $4.16/month
- Compatible with Chrome, Gmail, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Includes Grammar Checker, Spell Checker, and Punctuation Checker
Essential: $5/month
- Compatible with all browsers
- Includes Grammar Checker, Plagiarism Checker, Translator, and Chrome Extension
Premium: $6.66/month
- Fully integrated writing solution for Windows or Mac
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10; MacOS Sierra, MS Office, Gmail, and all browsers
- Includes Grammar Checker, Plagiarism Checker, Translator, One-click Instant Proofreader, and Chrome extension
Business: $11.50/month
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10; MacOS Sierra, MS Office, Gmail, and all browsers
- Includes Grammar Checker, Plagiarism Checker, Translator, 3-Computer License, Phone Customer Support, One-click Instant Proofreader, Chrome extension
Pros
- Simple user interface: WhiteSmoke offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface. It’s simple, yet gets the job done and provides adequate explanations
- Great for English learners: The software is particularly helpful for those learning English as a second language, since it offers full explanations and features a translator.
- Helpful suggestions: Since most corrected errors come with detailed explanations, users can learn how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
- Translation feature: One thing that makes WhiteSmoke stand out is its translation feature, which offers a dictionary, thesaurus, and translations between 55 different languages.
- Affordable Premium plans: Although WhiteSmoke doesn’t offer any free programs, their paid plans are quite affordable in comparison to their top competitors.
Cons
- No free plans: Also unlike many of its competitors, WhiteSmoke does not offer free plans, though its monthly Premium package is pretty affordable.
- Extra cost for plagiarism checker: WhiteSmoke’s Plagiarism Checker comes at an extra cost ($10 more per year than the simple Chrome extension, and only 500 credits are included).
- Not perfect: Like many proofreading software options, WhiteSmoke isn’t always 100% accurate. Users have reported failures to catch double negatives, passive voice, and several other stylistic errors.
The Bottom Line
Although WhiteSmoke does not offer a free version like many of its competitors do, its features still come at a fraction of the price when compared with the paid or premium plans offered by sites like Grammarly (check out our review of Grammarly for a more detailed analysis).
If you’re looking for a dependable proofreading tool, translator, or plagiarism checker at an affordable price, WhiteSmoke is a worthy alternative to many other paid tools on the market.
You can also study our tips for better proofreading so you can catch more mistakes on your own.
Which tools do you use for proofreading? Share your tips in the comments below!
