Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Writing Enhancement Software.

Ratings

Editing Tools

Writing software of this type offers tools that will check your text or document for spelling and grammar errors, passive verbs, overused words, wordy phrases and more. The best software finds errors that popular word processors such as word overlook.

Feedback

Writing and editing software should provide useful feedback such as a variety of applicable grammar and word choices. It should also analyze the entire sentence including word meaning, tense, word order and more and offer relevant feedback.

Reference Tools

The software should offer reference tools, including a grammar guide, thesaurus and a dictionary for quick reference.

Additional Tools

The software should offer substantial features that help with writing and editing including business or research paper writing templates, text enrichment and a citation guide or generator.

Applications

Flexible programs are compatible with other software including popular word processors and more. In addition they can be used for a variety of purposes including business, legal, medical, scholarly writing and more.

Help/Support

The developer should offer sufficient customer support, including a FAQ page, email and phone support to address any questions customers may have.

EDITING TOOLS

Spell

This feature allows will scan the document for misspelled words.

Grammar

This feature checks for grammar related issues and often will give suggestions to correct the issue.

Clarity/Precision

This feature evaluates ambiguous statements and conflicting logic as well as the meaning of words to judge whether the sentence or selection makes sense or not.

Wordy Phrases

This feature will let you know if your phrases use more words than what is needed to convey a message.

Checks Redundancy

This feature looks for repeated sayings and similar phrases.

Passive Verb

This feature will point out your passive sentences and offer you suggestions to change them to active sentences. For example, for the sentence “I was taught this principle by Mrs. Manning” it will suggest “Mrs. Manning taught me this principle.”

Overused Words

This feature looks for repeated words.

Editing Suggestions

The software gives additional adverb or adjective suggestions to add character or variety to your sentences.

FEEDBACK

Grammar Choices

This feature should offer you a variety of grammar or word choices.

Word Choices

This feature should offer you a variety of grammar or word choices.

Grammar Explainations

This feature provides you with an explanation for the edit.

Analyzes Content/Meaning

This feature looks at the meaning of a sentence, not just the words individually, so it can detect syntax and subject/verb agreements.

Relevant Feedback

Relevant feedback is feedback that is grammatically correct and applicable to the selection.

REFERENCE TOOLS

Dictionary

This feature will allow the user to check word definitions.

Thesaurus

This feature offers similarly meaning words.

Grammar Guide

This feature is helpful when you need grammar information, may include basic grammar information as well as advanced grammar or style guides.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS

Writing Templates

Many programs include pre–formatted letters or templates to help the writer compose organized letters, essays or other correspondence.

Text Enrichment

This feature can automatically correct grammar and style issues.

Citation Generator/Guide

A Citation guide includes information on how to format citations in specific formats, such as MLA or APA. Some programs have a handy citation generator; a generator automatically formats your information into the style of your choice.

APPLICATIONS

Microsoft Word

The software is compatible with Microsoft Word.

Outlook

The software is compatible with Outlook or Outlook Express.

Business/Executive

The software is suitable for a business use.

Medical

The software is suitable for use by those in the medical field.

Research

This software provides templates to assist with research papers.

Student

The software has features that can help with scholarly writing.

Creative Writing

The software has features that can be used to augment creative writing.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

Telephone support will have a phone number you can call to answer questions.

eMail Support

The software includes an email address for queries.

Live Chat

This feature provides you a way to ask questions you may have about the product and get an instant reply online.

Online Help

Information posted online to help you learn about the product or troubleshoot technical problems.

Tutorials

Some software includes a program similar to a “how–to” or demonstrations that familiarize the consumer with the product.

User Manual /Guidea

User manuals give you step–by–step instructions on how to run or use the software.

FAQ

The software or the product website includes a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section for quick reference.

 ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.