Remember when writing meant staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike? That’s history! AI writing tools have transformed the writing process. Whether you're a seasoned content creator, a busy marketing professional, or simply want to communicate more effectively, an AI writing tool can help.
As someone who's watched this space evolve, I'm continually amazed by how these tools have become more than just grammar checkers. They're now sophisticated writing partners that can help shape ideas, maintain your voice, and even spark creativity when you need it most.
The global AI market is expected to grow from nearly $235 billion in 2024 to over $631 billion by 2028. With projections like these, we can only expect AI tools to get shinier, smarter, and faster.
But which AI writing tool is right for you? That’s a slightly more nuanced decision — one I’m going to help you navigate. Among the many options available today, three AI writing assistants top my list. Keep reading to find out what they are.
What are AI writing tools?
AI writing tools are software applications that use artificial intelligence, specifically large language models, to generate, edit, and enhance text. They work by analyzing patterns in vast amounts of training data to predict and generate human-like text based on user prompts or inputs.
What are AI writing tools used for?
AI writing tools have many different uses, including:
- Content creation (blog posts, articles, social media)
- Grammar and style checking
- Business writing (emails, reports, marketing copy)
- Academic writing assistance (essays, research summaries)
- Creative writing (stories, scripts, poems)
- Translation and language improvement
Let's talk about what makes AI writing tools so valuable. For starters, they're incredible time-savers — you can create content so much faster than you could alone. Need to create an outline for an article? Want ideas for a new brand name? Need to generate different search ad copy variations? AI writing tools can help with it all. They're also particularly handy when you need to create content in multiple languages or try different versions of the same piece.
However, these tools have their limitations. AI can sometimes produce inaccurate information or generic content that lacks depth.
Consider weather forecasting: It might predict "sunny weather" for a location based on historical patterns but miss crucial real-time factors like sudden pressure changes or local microclimates.
The tools’ understanding of context and nuance remains limited compared to human writers. While they're powerful assistants, they can't fully replace human creativity and expertise. Content often requires human oversight and editing to ensure quality and accuracy.
3 of the best AI writing tools
ChatGPT
ChatGPT has transformed the way we interact with artificial intelligence since its launch by OpenAI in November 2022. It is a highly sophisticated digital assistant that can understand and respond to your questions in a remarkably human-like way.
Key features of ChatGPT
Ever wondered what makes ChatGPT such a powerful AI assistant? Let’s dig into its key features that make everything from writing to coding a breeze.
Conversational interface
Like most AI writing tools, ChatGPT has a friendly, chat-based interface. Using ChatGPT feels like texting with a super-knowledgeable friend who's always ready to help. You can ask questions, get clarifications, and fine-tune your requests through natural back-and-forth conversation.
What's particularly clever is how ChatGPT remembers what you've discussed earlier in your chat and customizes its responses accordingly. If you start a conversation by saying, "I'm planning a trip to Paris with my elderly grandmother who has trouble walking," later in that same chat, when discussing restaurants, ChatGPT will recommend accessible places with ground-floor seating, keeping in mind your grandmother's mobility needs - without you having to mention it again.
This makes the whole experience feel more like a real conversation rather than just typing queries into a search box.
Multiple writing formats
Here's where ChatGPT really shows off its flexibility. Need an academic paper? Got it. Want a catchy marketing email? No problem. Looking for a creative story? It can handle that too. You can tell ChatGPT exactly what kind of writing you're looking for - formal, casual, technical, creative - and it'll adjust its style to match.
Keep in mind that ChatGPT, and other AI writing tools in general, aren’t great at certain kinds of writing. AI has particular difficulty with humor writing because it relies on subtle cultural references, perfect timing, and an understanding of human nature that AI hasn't mastered. Likewise, personal essays and memoir writing remain challenging for AI because they require authentic lived experiences and genuine emotional depth.
Code generation
Now, ChatGPT isn't just for writing articles, ebooks, essays, and blog posts. For tech enthusiasts, ChatGPT is like having a coding buddy at your fingertips. It can help you write code in various programming languages, fix bugs that are driving you crazy, and break down complex programming concepts into digestible pieces. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned developer looking for a quick solution, ChatGPT can provide both the code you need and clear explanations of how it works.
Real-time editing
One of ChatGPT's most practical features is its ability to edit and refine text in real time. You can request ChatGPT to modify generated content. It can simplify language, change tone, expand on certain sections, or condense verbose passages. The system can also help proofread your writing, correct grammar, and make style improvements. This interactive editing capability is helpful to iterate quickly and make your writing process more efficient.
Remember, being specific is key. If you tell ChatGPT exactly what aspects they want to modify from the output, it will make targeted improvements while maintaining the intent of the original message.
Who is ChatGPT for?
Here are some key use cases of ChatGPT.
Content ideation
Content creators often struggle with maintaining a consistent flow of fresh ideas, and this is where ChatGPT truly shines.
For marketing professionals planning a content calendar, ChatGPT can suggest multiple content angles and approaches.
Food bloggers looking to diversify their recipe collections can explore new combinations and cooking techniques based on trends, seasons, or specific audience preferences.
- ChatGPT custom instructions explained – what they are, how they work, and helpful custom instructions
- Tips to help you improve your ChatGPT prompts
Draft writing
The initial draft is often the most time-consuming part of the writing process. ChatGPT excels at generating foundational content that you can then refine and personalize.
Looking for a job? You can get a customized cover letter draft that highlights your relevant skills and experience for a specific position. Sales teams can obtain frameworks for client communications that they can then customize based on specific customer relationships and needs. The key is to use these drafts as starting points rather than final products.
Educational content
ChatGPT is invaluable for both educators and students. Teachers can generate comprehensive explanations of complex topics, to make abstract concepts more accessible to students. Students can use ChatGPT to request detailed, step-by-step explanations that complement their classroom learning. The platform can adapt its explanations to different learning levels, making it particularly useful for differentiated instruction.
Creative writing
ChatGPT can be an interactive brainstorming partner. Working on a novel? Use ChatGPT to explore different plot possibilities or develop detailed character backstories. Hit writer's block? Use ChatGPT to get suggestions on the direction of your narrative.
It's particularly useful for generating creative scenarios and exploring different narrative perspectives. In this video, Sean Dollwet takes you through everything you need to know about writing a book using ChatGPT, starting with the title, subtitle, and exact prompts to improve the readability of the content.
He warns viewers that while ChatGPT is a great way to lay the groundwork of your book super fast, the output needs to be heavily edited and humanized - don’t expect a ready-to-publish book using the tool. The most compelling stories emerge when writers use ChatGPT’s suggestions as inspiration while maintaining their unique voice and creativity.
ChatGPT strengths & limitations
Want a writing assistant that's available 24/7? ChatGPT is your go-to tool. We take a closer look at ChatGPT’s core strengths and limitations, so you know how best to use the tool (and how not to).
Strengths
- Versatility: Handles diverse tasks from coding to creative writing. ChatGPT can switch from writing Python code to composing poetry seamlessly.
- Understanding of natural language: Excels at comprehending context and nuance in human communication. For example, ChatGPT can understand informal language and slang, like "I'm not feeling it" and rephrase it into a more formal expression if prompted.
- Real-time problem solving: Efficiently tackles complex problems by breaking them down into manageable steps. It can help debug code, solve math problems, or analyze business cases methodically.
Limitations
- Knowledge cutoff: ChatGPT is limited to training data up to a specific date. This makes it unable to discuss current events. For instance, it cannot provide information about recent elections or breaking news.
- Accuracy concerns: It can generate plausible-sounding but incorrect information (hallucinations). It isn’t entirely uncommon to encounter ChatGPT confidently citing non-existent research papers or making up facts.
- Contextual memory: ChatGPT Cannot remember information from previous conversations or learn from user interactions. It has to be given the same context again in every new chat session.
How much does ChatGPT cost?
ChatGPT’s free version gives you access to GPT-3.5, which handles everyday tasks like drafting emails or proofreading text quite well.
If you’re looking for more advanced features like debugging and explaining code, ChatGPT Plus offers GPT-4 capabilities and faster responses for $20 monthly.
Large organizations can opt for ChatGPT Enterprise, which comes with enhanced security features, unlimited GPT-4 access, and powerful analytical tools.
Claude
Anthropic's Claude is an advanced AI assistant. The Claude 3 family consists of three specialized versions: Claude 3 Haiku delivers swift responses for everyday tasks, Claude 3 Opus excels at complex analysis and writing, and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, the most intelligent iteration that’s optimized for advanced reasoning.
Claude engages in detailed discussions, assists with coding and analysis, and approaches complex problems across various domains. Each version reflects Anthropic's commitment to developing safe and reliable artificial intelligence.
Key features of Claude
Claude is a versatile AI assistant. It brings together advanced analytical capabilities with a collaborative approach, so users can tackle a wide range of projects.
Long-form content
Think of Claude as your dedicated writing partner who never runs out of steam. It’s particularly good at those meaty writing projects that would normally take days or weeks to complete: a detailed market analysis or an in-depth feature article.
Like a master storyteller who never loses track of their plot threads, Claude keeps track of context throughout lengthy pieces. You won't find it contradicting itself or losing the thread of an argument twenty paragraphs in. And, it will maintain the same quality and voice from the first word to the last.
Complex analysis
Programming is another area where Claude is particularly helpful. Whether you're looking to build something from scratch or debug existing code, Claude can guide you through the process.
It writes clean, well-documented code and, importantly, can explain why it made specific choices. If you're stuck on a coding problem, Claude can suggest different approaches and help you understand the trade-offs between them.
Data analysis
When it comes to making sense of data, Claude is a good analytical partner. While it can't directly access external datasets, it can explain analytical concepts and help you develop comprehensive approaches to data problems.
Need to understand how to best analyze customer trends? Trying to design an efficient database structure? Claude can walk you through the process.
Claude strengths & limitations
Strengths
- Nuanced responses: Claude can adapt tone and detail based on context. It can switch between technical explanations for an expert and simplified versions for beginners.
- Longer context window: Can handle extensive conversations and analyze lengthy documents (around 200 pages of text) while maintaining context, in a single chat. By comparison, ChatGPT can only handle a few thousand words in one chat (approx 10-15 pages of text).
- Advanced reasoning: Breaks down complex problems step-by-step, identifies logical flaws, and provides structured solutions. For example, Claude can debug intricate code issues or analyze detailed research papers.
- Strong ethical framework: Claude balances helpful assistance with responsible boundaries. For instance, if you ask Claude “How do hackers steal passwords?” it would highlight common vulnerabilities like phishing and password reuse. At the same time, it would emphasize protective measures like two-factor authentication and password managers. This approach educates users about security without providing detailed instructions for malicious activities.
Limitations
- Limited direct integration options: Claude can’t interact with external software, databases, or APIs directly. What does this mean? If you ask Claude, “Check my Gmail inbox" or "Open Spotify and play a song,” it can’t do that because it is unable to interact with external software or services directly.
- Knowledge cutoff: Like ChatGPT, it cannot access real-time information or current events, such as breaking news.
What is Claude best for?
Claude provides thoughtful responses and can adapt its communication style to different needs. Used correctly, it can be helpful in multiple applications, including academic writing, research, documentation, and more.
Academic writing
Claude shines at structuring complex arguments, following academic writing conventions, and maintaining a scholarly tone. It can help draft research papers, literature reviews, and thesis sections while adhering to specific citation formats like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Claude is particularly strong at synthesizing information into clear, academically rigorous prose, but remember to verify any citations it provides.
However, if you’re a student, know that tools like Turnitin exist, which are trained to catch non-original work. The tool has indexed over 100 billion web pages, 700 million student paper submissions, and 143 million published works across academic journals, periodicals, and books. This ever-expanding corpus provides extensive comparisons to catch non-original work.
Technical documentation
From detailed API guides to user-friendly manuals, Claude can break down complex technical concepts into digestible pieces without losing accuracy. It can even adjust its language based on the audience's expertise level, so whether you're writing for beginners or seasoned developers, the documentation remains clear and practical.
Research analysis
Claude is a thoughtful research partner. It can help you look at research questions from multiple angles, spot meaningful patterns in your data, and draw well-reasoned conclusions.
What sets it apart is its ability to consider various methodological approaches while being upfront about potential limitations or biases in the analysis. I asked Claude, "Does working from home affect employee productivity?". It analyzed various aspects of productivity, including performance metrics, employee well-being, organizational impact, and external factors to arrive at a balanced response.
Remember, though, that Claude works best when it’s used to complement your expertise rather than replace it, especially in specialized research areas.
Claude pricing and plans
Claude’s free plan is a great option for users who want basic AI capabilities without a financial commitment.
The Pro plan at $20 per month offers everything that the free plan does, plus access to the Claude 3 Opus and Haiku models; this gives you access to more intelligence and speed.
The Team plan ($25 per month) enables sharing and discovery of chats among team members to foster collaboration, while the Enterprise plan (Contact Sales for pricing) is suitable for larger organizations.
Copy.ai
On to the third and final AI tool for this review - Copy.ai. Copy.ai is a powerful AI writing platform designed specifically for marketing professionals and businesses. It streamlines content creation, from social media posts to product descriptions, helping teams boost productivity while maintaining brand consistency and professional quality.
Key features of Copy.ai
Copy.ai offers templates for various content types, brainstorming features, and collaborative tools. This helps businesses and marketers create engaging content quickly and efficiently.
Let's take a look at these features.
Template library
Copy.ai offers an extensive collection of AI-powered templates for diverse content creation needs, including blog posts, articles, and social media content.
- Marketing professionals can access specialized templates for sales pages and email campaigns or create ad copy, or website content in minutes.
- Ecommerce businesses benefit from product description generators.
- Content creators and brands can quickly generate engaging social media posts with relevant hashtags and captions tailored to different platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
Each template comes with customizable parameters that let you fine-tune the output according to your specific requirements. The library is thoughtfully organized with an intuitive navigation system; this makes finding the right template quick and efficient.
Copy.ai strengths & limitations
Strengths
- Marketing-specific features: Specialized in generating marketing copy for social media, ads, and emails with built-in templates for various formats like headlines, meta descriptions, and product descriptions. It can match brand voice and repurpose content for different marketing channels.
- User-friendly interface: Generate content with a simple prompt. With quick access to frequently used templates and real-time editing and refinement options, content creation is a breeze.
- Team collaboration: With shared workspace features, teams can access a common environment where all projects are stored. Content can be organized into specific folders and projects and team members can leave comments directly on generated content.
Limitations
- Less versatile than general AI: Copy.ai primarily focuses on marketing content; it can't handle complex analytical tasks or research-based content.
- Limited customization: The pre-set templates can be restrictive and don't allow for extensive modifications. Training the AI on a specific brand voice or style can be challenging.
What are the best uses of Copy.ai?
Here's a detailed look at Copy.ai’s most effective use cases:
Marketing copy
Need to create a compelling value proposition? Want 100 tagline options? Ad copy that resonates with your target audience? Copy.ai has got your back. It's particularly useful for A/B testing different marketing angles, as it can quickly generate multiple variations of the same message.
Marketing teams can use Copy.ai to brainstorm creative campaigns and develop consistent brand messaging across different channels.
Social media content
Copy.ai can generate captions for Instagram, tweet ideas, LinkedIn posts, and Facebook updates that align with your brand voice. The tool is especially helpful for creating hooks that grab attention and encourage engagement. It can also suggest relevant hashtags and help repurpose longer content into social media-friendly formats.
Product descriptions
One of Copy.ai's strengths lies in crafting compelling, persuasive product descriptions that convert. It can transform basic product features into benefit-focused copy that appeals to potential customers. The tool helps highlight unique selling points, address pain points, and create emotional connections with readers.
Email campaigns
Copy.ai can craft subject lines, body copy, and calls to action. It can help create different types of emails, from welcome sequences to promotional campaigns and nurture sequences. The platform is particularly useful for personalizing email content at scale and testing different messaging approaches.
What is the best AI writing tool?
Each tool has its own strength, so the best AI writing tool is the one that best fits your needs. Here's a brief overview:
- ChatGPT: The versatile all-rounder, it adapts seamlessly to various writing tasks and is perfect for everyday writing needs, from emails to blog posts.
- Claude: The analytical powerhouse, it specializes in more complex, nuanced writing, delivering sophisticated analysis and reasoning. It’s ideal for technical and in-depth content creation.
- Copy.ai: Maintaining its position as the marketing specialist, Copy.ai is focused on business-oriented content and is strong in promotional and commercial writing.
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FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about AI writing tools.
Which is the best free AI writing generator?
While ChatGPT (free version) is currently the most popular free AI writing tool, Claude (Anthropic) and Google's Gemini also offer capable free tiers. ChatGPT excels in creative writing and general content, while Claude tends to be more analytical and precise. All these tools can help with writing, brainstorming, and editing.
How to write with AI?
Writing with AI involves clear prompting. Start by telling the AI writing tool exactly what you need – the style, length, and specific details you're looking for. When you break down bigger, complex projects into smaller parts, you'll get better results. Remember to review and polish the AI tool’s output and add your personal touch to make your writing truly yours.
How to make AI sound more human online?
AI-generated writing tends to sound robotic for a few reasons. First, it relies on stock phrases like "Moreover," "Additionally," and "In conclusion." AI writing tools overuse phrases like "It is important to note" or "It should be mentioned". It’s overly formal and misses personal style, character, and subtle humor.
To make responses sound more natural, prompt the AI writing tool to vary sentence structure, use contractions, and avoid overly formal language.
Mix shorter and longer sentences, add personal touches like "I think" or "in my view," and include relevant examples. Most importantly, don’t rely on an AI writing tool alone - use your creativity and writing abilities to make any piece of writing sound more human.
