What is Microsoft Editor?

Microsoft Editor is an intelligent, writing-assisting software that is offered for Microsoft Word and Outlook, as well as a browser extension. This AI-powered application is designed to help users be all-around better writers. When working with Editor, any issues the software finds are underlined. Users can then click on the word or phrase and decide whether to apply or ignore the suggestion. This app also provides an Editor Score that pertains to a document’s overall readability. This percentage is listed in the sidebar and is determined by the number and type of suggestions, as well as the length of the document. The higher the score, the clearer the writing.

Editor is currently being offered in more than 20 languages. In addition to its ability to edit Word documents, Editor can also help with emails, as well as social media posts on websites like Facebook or LinkedIn.

Here are some of the factors Editor considers when evaluating and scoring writing:

• Corrections, which are considered to be pressing, must-fix issues:
• Basic grammar, such as subject/verb agreement, hyphen use, and capitalization 
• Advanced grammar (included in the paid version) pertaining to indirect question usage and misused phrases, among others

• Spelling

• Refinements, which are more stylistic suggestions geared toward overall document accessibility and clarity (and are offered in the paid version):
• Concision concerns, like wordiness and the overuse of conjunctions
• Clarity, which points out passive voice, double negatives, word misuse, and peculiar jargon
• Formality issues, like the use of contractions, informal writing, or colloquialisms
• Vocabulary concerns pertaining to cliches, weak verbs or adjectives, and word choice
• Sensitive geopolitical references, which entails flagging the use of non-neutral names or phrases, as well as any places or names that may have changed in usage over time

• Punctuation issues relating to proper comma usage and punctuating quotes

The basic version of Editor is free for those with a Microsoft account. This version includes core capabilities, such as a grammar and spellchecker. For those who want to access the premium Editor features, a Microsoft 365 subscription is necessary.

Pros & Cons of Working with Microsoft Editor

There are many benefits, as well as a few drawbacks, to be aware of when working with Microsoft Editor:

Pros:

• Editor’s speed is one of the main advantages of using this app. It provides quick, reliable feedback on writing.
• Unlike older versions of Microsoft Editor, the newer version is much more robust. Not only will it point out spelling and grammar errors, but the premium version will also sub-categorize feedback into two general areas as well as sub-areas.
• A great way to learn about the kinds of errors one makes when writing is to see them visually pointed out. In addition, the act of correcting errors is a powerful learning tool that helps writers from all backgrounds become better, more effective, communicators.
• Editor can move with the user across sites so that any online post they create is concise and clear. 
• In addition to providing writing assistance on the web, users simply open Word and select the Editor icon for help with Word documents.
• Editor isn’t just geared toward English speakers; this product helps with communication in more than 20 languages, such as German, French, and Spanish. This app also can provide spelling suggestions in over 80 languages. In addition, users can spell-check up to three languages at once.
• Unlike Grammarly, Editor provides users with synonyms for spelling suggestions.

Cons:

• Editor’s browser extension could be improved. 
• Some users feel that this app should have better support for websites.
• It can be expensive to access the advanced features of Editor, which requires a subscription to Microsoft 365.
• This app lacks some of the more advanced features offered by competing editing software, such as Grammarly, and doesn’t always spot all errors in content. 
• Editor doesn’t provide in-depth feedback on the corrections it suggests. Instead, it offers basic rules and instructions.

Despite the limitations users cite when working with Microsoft Editor, this application is a helpful tool for catching the most glaring and repeated errors in writing. It can be used alone or alongside other software, such as Grammarly, to ensure that Word documents, Twitter posts, and LinkedIn profiles are as clear, concise, and grammatically sound as possible.

Professional Applications of Microsoft Editor

Because Microsoft Editor can provide feedback on any kind of writing, its uses transcend industry and profession. Knowledge of this application is a must-have for just about any profession that relies on clear, polished writing. Those working at office jobs where Microsoft Word is used regularly, such as Customer Service Representative, Freelance Writer, Transcriber, Account Coordinator, Data Entry Clerk, Administrative Assistant, and Bookkeeper, would all benefit from using Microsoft editor. Editor is also an asset for those working in more specialized professions, such as copy editing, advertising, technical writing, publishing, grant writing, research, journalism, marketing, and law. 

This product also has applications in academia for high-school students looking to proofread homework assignments, as well as graduate-level students editing their dissertations. Because Editor’s uses extend beyond Word documents into web or email correspondences, this tool is also very useful for those whose job entails regularly posting on social media, such as Social Media Marketers and Digital Marketers.

In addition, since this software can edit in a variety of languages, it’s helpful for email correspondences between those from different cultures who speak different languages. It also can be used to proofread translations from one language to another to ensure maximum clarity.

Start Learning Microsoft Office with Hands-On Classes

Proficiency in Microsoft Office can open professional doors across industries, as well as lead to upward career mobility. A great way to begin learning about Microsoft Office is to sign up for one of Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Office courses. These small group classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online format. For students and professionals on the go, there are also in-person and live online Microsoft Office courses available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to three days and costing between $219 and $1,785. You can also browse in-person Microsoft Office classes in a city near you.

In addition to general Office classes, Noble Desktop also offers in-person and live online Microsoft Outlook courses, as well as in-person and remote Microsoft Word classes. Because Microsoft Editor is compatible with both Outlook and Word, these courses are a great option for those hoping to gain an understanding of these apps to then work with the editing software.