How to Add Grammarly to Google Docs

Written by Tanja Google Workplace / Docs

- 6 min read
Key Points

Grammarly works in all commonly used browsers; however, to get the most advanced suggestions, you need to install it on a Google Chrome browser. 

 

To install it on a Google Chrome browser;

Go to the Grammarly for Chrome page > click on 'Add to Chrome' > click on 'Add Extension' > log in to an existing account or create a new one > open your Google Docs file > You will see the Grammarly icon or the total number of suggested edits in your document (it will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the page) - click to open the Grammarly sidebar.

Grammarly, the cloud-based, free online writing assistant, is probably one of the most powerful tools for job seekers, foreign students, English language learners, and non-native English-speaking professionals.

It has become the go-to tool providing help and instant feedback on the accuracy, impact, and credibility of one’s English writing.

Its purpose is to improve one’s writing by checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and other aspects of writing by using artificial intelligence and finding suitable replacements for any found error.

This article will show you how to add Grammarly to your Google Docs - keep on reading if you are interested.

Quick Note: Grammarly works in all browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. However, the best experience that gives advanced suggestions is only available when using it on Chrome.

Bonus read: How to make a T Chart on Google Docs?

How to install Grammarly

For Google Chrome

  1. Launch a Google Chrome browser as usual.
  2. Navigate to the official Grammarly for Chrome page.
  3. When the new window opens, click on ‘Add to Chrome’.

Grammarly extension - add to Chrome

  1. Confirm by clicking ‘Add extension’.

Add extension to Google Chrome

  1. When the Grammarly page opens, log into your existing account, or create a new one.
  2. Then, open your Google Docs file.
  3. You will see the Grammarly icon or the total number of suggested edits in your document (it will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the page) - click to open the Grammarly sidebar.

Grammarly icon displayed - showing mistakes

Important Note: If you want to use Grammarly on your smartphone, you can also download the free app.

Benefits of using Grammarly

  • Corrects spelling and grammar mistakes
  • Improves overall writing and vocabulary
  • It provides you with numerous options
  • It provides you with lessons based on your mistakes
  • You can customize it based on your goals
  • Checks plagiarism
  • It is fast and easy to use

Important Info: Grammarly offers users both the free version, which allows access to some of the features, and the paid version, which is the ultimate tool with over 400 types of checks. Also, the paid upgrade can detect plagiarism and provides citation suggestions.

Why is Grammarly not visible in Google Docs?

In the steps given above, we only mentioned the installation process for Grammarly. But, it might be the case that users still don’t see the Grammarly icon in their Google Docs file.

It might mean it is disabled, so you’ll need to enable it. Take these steps to do so:

  1. Go to the Extension icon (top toolbar in the right corner).

Extension icon - Google Chrome

  1. When the menu opens, click on Grammarly.
  2. Ensure that the option ‘Check for writing suggestions on Google Docs’ is turned on.

grammarly enable docs checking

You can also check to see if the Grammarly extension is enabled by clicking the Extension icon > 'Manage extensions' (bottom) > 'Details' and see if the option is turned On.

google chrome extension list settings

google chrome grammarly details extension setting

chrome extension grammarly turn on knob

Grammarly alternatives

The internet is full of free alternatives for Grammarly that you can also check out. We made a list of some if you are interested in learning what other options are out there similar to Grammarly:

  • Wordtune - AI writing tool that rewrites, rephrases and rewards writing.
  • ProWritingAid - offers world-class grammar and style checking with more in-depth reports to help users improve their writing skills.
  • Sapling - AI-powered spelling and grammar checker checks punctuation, suggests rephrasing, and catches other writing errors.
  • LanguageTool - free, online proofreading service not only for English but 20 other languages, instantly checking a text for grammar and style mistakes.
  • HemingwayTool

Another bonus read: How to copy format in Google Docs?

Summing up

The steps to install and enable the Grammarly extension to your Google Docs are very straightforward. If you are a newbie with this extension, keep in mind these couple of things:

  • The green icon means that no mistakes have been found in your writing.
  • The yellow icon with a number means that your text has minor errors.
  • The red icon means that your text has some critical errors that should be fixed.
  • The loading icon

Apart from this, you can also explore and learn about other things you can do on your Google Docs, for example, how to delete a column, how to sort things alphabetically in Google Docs, or how to hide comments there.