Replace Grammarly?
KINDA · weekend projectYou can build grammar checks and rewrites, but Grammarly's moat is cross-app extensions, inline UX, enterprise controls, writing telemetry, and long-running language quality.
Build me a personal writing checker to replace Grammarly. Requirements: - Grammar engine: LanguageTool running locally via its official Docker image; grammar checks never leave my machine. - A local web page (Node + Express, binds to localhost): paste text, see LanguageTool issues underlined with hover explanations, click a suggestion to apply it. - An LLM rewrite pane (key in .env) with three buttons: tighten, friendlier, formal. Show a diff against my original before I accept anything. - A personal dictionary file (dictionary.txt) of names and jargon to never flag, passed to LanguageTool on every check. - CLI mode: `check <file.md>` prints issues with line numbers, exits nonzero if any, so it can run as a git pre-commit hook on docs. - Everything local except the optional LLM call; no accounts, no telemetry. - Out of scope: a browser extension and inline suggestions inside Gmail, Docs, or Slack. This is a destination I paste into, that is the honest trade against Grammarly. - README: Docker setup for LanguageTool, the roughly 1 GB of RAM it wants, and where the LLM key goes.
$ open in your agent (prompt prefilled, you press enter) or copy it raw · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
They pay because suggestions appear inside the apps where writing actually happens.
xinline suggestions everywhere
xdocument/email integrations
xtone/brand controls
xenterprise admin
xpolished false-positive handling
What does the Grammarly verdict mean?
The core job looks buildable, with meaningful gaps: inline suggestions everywhere, document/email integrations. Read the full tradeoff list before committing. This research record is not a hosted IVCIFY tool.
What price does this directory record show for Grammarly?
The directory records $30/month for Pro, checked 2026-07-30. Verify the source before making a purchase decision. This reference stays outside retail Stack Math unless current matched evidence supports the comparison.
What do I lose by replacing Grammarly?
Honestly: inline suggestions everywhere; document/email integrations; tone/brand controls; enterprise admin; polished false-positive handling. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Grammarly?
The listed prior art includes LanguageTool (Open-source grammar and style checker and the primary Grammarly-like prior art.). Inspect those projects before starting from a blank prompt.