New grammar and language tools helpful, but do not replace clear ideas

Stephanie Krueger — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:03:26 +0000

Many students and colleagues I know, both native and non-native speakers, are eagerly embracing new grammar and language tools, some of which “learn” over time with artificial intelligence (AI). I myself use LanguageTool, a grammar, style, and spelling checker, as an “overlay” over Google Docs whenever I can, finding myself missing the supplementary tool when I use Microsoft Word.

While such tools are useful, they (in my opinion) do not replace clear thought. I often tell non-native students that if they cannot express themselves well in their native language, none of the English writing tools will help them present their thoughts better in this second language.

In addition to LanguageTool, my students and colleagues find the following tools of use:

Grammarly (subscription tool)
QuillBot (open, particularly helpful in finding alternative phrasing)
GoogleTranslate
Glosbe Dictionary (translator for terms in context)

I tried to find a comparison chart created by universities or libraries for these tools, but was unsuccessful. Various lists of the so-called best tools for 2022 (scroll past the paid content) are available in this sample search.

Stepping backwards, here is a nice subject guide to editing and proofreading in English that includes a nice checklist.

Curtain University (2021). Editing and proofreading your assignment. https://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/uniskills/assignment-skills/writing/editing-proofreading

NCIP enables participation in the HERMES project (“Strengthening Digital Resource Sharing during COVID and Beyond”)

Stephanie Krueger — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:15:05 +0000

Open, captioned video footage of the NTK NCIP-funded presentation by Dr. Stephanie Krueger in English on academic resource use cases at the PhD+ level is now available on YouTube as part of the HERMES project open learning channel. The thirty-seven-minute lecture and Q&A session covers use cases for doctoral students, early career researchers, and established researchers and explains gated and open resources useful for common tasks performed at each level. Live sessions, part of a pilot for the HERMES project, included audience members from the IFLA DDRS committee, bachelor and master students from Hacettepe University (Turkey), and members of the NTK Services team. Italian, Spanish, Arabic, and Turkish subtitles will be added over time, making the content even more accessible for learners.

Full video of presentation available at:

Krueger, S. (2022). Resource discovery: Use cases in the academic field. https://youtu.be/C1clHHYtPPg

NCIP – Science Communications in Context

New grammar and language tools helpful, but do not replace clear ideas

NCIP enables participation in the HERMES project (“Strengthening Digital Resource Sharing during COVID and Beyond”)