“Turn off your grammar checker. Spellcheckers can be helpful in catching mistyped words or reminding us of hard-to-remember spellings. But I’ve never found a grammar checker to be much use. This is because English grammar often depends on context – something computer programs cannot yet grasp. Grammar checkers, for example, are always pointing out passive voice. But often the obnoxious squiggly line appears when, in fact, no passive voice exists. Even if the program identifies it correctly, I resent the suggestion that passive constructions are always wrong. Passive verbs exist for a reason and sometimes they are exactly what a sentence calls for. Do yourself a favor; learn the rudiments of grammar and turn off your grammar checker.”

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