software to critique writing style?

[Bob]

Is there something out there like a grammar or spell checker, but for writing style?

I remember seeing something a couple decades ago that would highlight text and state, "This passage may be too wordy or long-winded."  I'm looking for something like that to get my writing style more concise.

Something I can copy and paste text into and get comments, like before sending an email.  A person would work, sure, but that's more than I'm looking for.


I also remember it did something with checking prepositions... It definitely highlighted passive voice.  I always got that.  And it graded your style, telling you it was x-grade reading/writing level.  Interesting in that you could just writing longer sentences to up your writing style or write shorter more perfect sentences but it lowered your writing score.

[Bob]

https://www.autocrit.com/index.php

Free.

[p2u_]

Is there something out there like a grammar or spell checker, but for writing style?

There are such programs available, yes.
2013 Best Writing Software Comparisons and Reviews

Personally, I do not believe in software for that purpose. It tends to kill your style or make it boring. What you want is to stand out, not to be average. I believe more in the "old" approach: 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Writing Skills.

I suspect "autocrit" as a program for yourself on your computer is not free. You'll be nagged with messages about limitations, offers, etc. It is good to be aware of that before you try it. Some software is very hard to remove from your computer and may modify important parameters in the operating system, such as search parameters, etc.

Paul