To perform a grammar check in Google Docs, click Tools > Spelling and grammar > Spelling and grammar check (or press Ctrl + Alt + X, Command + Option + X on a Mac). A panel steps through each suggestion; click Accept to fix it or Ignore to skip it. Make sure Show spelling suggestions and Show grammar suggestions are checked in the same menu so Docs underlines issues as you type: red for spelling and blue for grammar.
This guide covers turning suggestions on, running a full check, using the personal dictionary, setting the document language, checking on mobile, and what Docs’ checker can’t catch.
Turn on grammar suggestions
- Open your document.
- Click Tools > Spelling and grammar.
- Check Show spelling suggestions and Show grammar suggestions.
Spelling mistakes get a red squiggly underline and grammar suggestions a blue one. Click an underlined word to see and accept the suggestion.
Run a full spelling and grammar check
- Click Tools > Spelling and grammar > Spelling and grammar check, or press Ctrl + Alt + X.
- For each suggestion, click Accept, Ignore, or the arrows to move between suggestions.
- Use the three dots to Accept all or Ignore all for repeated issues.
Add words to your dictionary
For names, product terms, or jargon Docs flags incorrectly, click the underlined word and choose Add to dictionary. Manage your list in Tools > Spelling and grammar > Personal dictionary. The dictionary applies to all your Docs.
Set the document language
Click File > Language and pick the language and variant (for example, English (United States) or English (UK)). Grammar suggestions depend on this setting.
Check grammar on the mobile app
- Open the document and tap the three dots (More).
- Tap Spelling check (or Spell check) to review suggestions.
- Tap each suggestion to accept it, or skip it.
Other writing tools in Docs
- Autocorrect – Tools > Preferences > Automatically correct spelling fixes common typos as you type.
- Smart Compose – suggests words as you write; toggle it in Tools > Preferences.
- AI writing help – some Google Workspace accounts include AI features that can proofread or rewrite text.
- Word count – Tools > Word count (Ctrl + Shift + C).
- Grammarly – a free browser extension that adds its own spelling, grammar and clarity suggestions; see how to add Grammarly to Google Docs.
What the grammar checker may miss
Automated checkers catch many errors but not all. They can miss words that are spelled correctly but wrong in context, awkward sentences, and tone issues, and they sometimes flag correct usage. Read important documents aloud or ask someone to review them.
Troubleshooting
- No blue underlines – turn on Show grammar suggestions, and check that the language supports grammar suggestions.
- Suggestions missing for some text – text formatted in a different language, or in tables or drawings, may not be checked.
- Grayed out – you may have view-only access; make a copy or request edit access.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Docs grammar check free?
Yes. Spelling and grammar checking is included for free Google accounts.
Can I turn off grammar suggestions?
Yes. Uncheck Show grammar suggestions in Tools > Spelling and grammar.
Does it work offline?
Spelling suggestions may work offline, but grammar suggestions generally need an internet connection.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.