15 USEFUL AI TOOLS FOR ACADEMIC WRITING—AINGENS

Writing is a challenge for almost everyone, but academic writing presents an even greater hurdle. 

The process of structuring your paper, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and adhering to citation formats like MLA or APA can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Researching, organizing thoughts, and refining arguments take hours or even days to perfect.

Thankfully, AI tools for academic writing have revolutionized the writing process, making it easier to draft, edit, and format papers efficiently and precisely. 

Whether you need help generating ideas, improving readability, or managing references, these AI tools can improve your writing while ensuring academic integrity.

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What Is Academic Writing?

Academic writing, also called scholarly writing, is a formal style of writing used in scholarly work. 

It is used to communicate ideas and research findings clearly, concisely, and objectively to people in academic settings, such as universities, colleges, research publications, etc.

Academic writing has significant characteristics, including the use of a formal tone, the emphasis on facts and evidence over personal opinions, evidence-based claims and arguments, and logical structure.

Examples of academic writing include:

• Essays 
• Research papers 
• Literature reviews
• Dissertations
• Journal articles
• Lab reports

Best AI Tools for Academic Writing

The use of artificial intelligence to aid writing processes is no longer breaking news. However, caution must be exercised when using AI to write academic papers to maintain originality and ensure accuracy.

Several AI tools for academic writing offer decent accuracy and fact-checking based on their ability to surf the Internet and other research platforms in real time. 

For example, an AI tool like MACg is integrated with the Internet and PubMed, giving you a trustworthy academic writing assistant.

Here are my top picks of AI tools for academic writing:

1. MACg

Writing research papers, posters, clinical trial reports, carefully crafting regulatory submissions, answering medical information inquiries, and creating content for field medical teams requires much time and resources.

For example, it usually takes eight weeks or more of focused work to create a single clinical research report, which is a fundamental component of pharmaceutical development. In addition to delaying important regulatory filings, this drawn-out procedure raises operating expenses and increases the possibility of inconsistent quality. 

However, with MACg, academic writing has been made easier.

Top Features:

• Access the latest research publications: This AI tool offers real-time web and PubMed searches for recent research and literature reviews. Its PubMed search feature uses advanced technologies to accurately find the most relevant publications.  
• Effective reference and citation management: MACg provides a citation tool and folder libraries to help arrange references and create bibliographies while maintaining academic integrity. It automatically adds in-text citations to AI generated content and provides links to the references. Users can upload PDFs, XL, Word, Powerpoint, and use curated web pages for creating content. MACg offers more than chatting with PDFs. 
• Prompt Library: The tool contains a collection of scientific prompts to help organize and start writing.
• Integrated writing environment: It offers an advanced text editor within the platform for compiling AI-generated content and editing.
• Tools for data visualization: It also offers resources for creating images, diagrams, and charts to visually depict information and ideas.
• Advanced technology: MACg is powered by the latest AI models and supporting technologies.
• Translation: This AI tool provides academic writing, translations, and literature search in over 30 languages.

These features help life science experts create scientific content accurately, quickly, and with higher quality than some other platforms. 

Pricing Options:

• Free trial: A 7-day free trial is available for all new MACg users.
• Paid plans:
  • Starter: $20/month
  • Pro: $49/month
  • Pro Plus: $99/month
  • Team: $129/month/seat
  • Enterprise: Customized solutions for large life science companies or scientific organizations
• MACg credits: Each plan includes a specific number of MACg credits, representing computational resources. Credits reset monthly and do not accumulate. Additional credits can be purchased as needed.

Users can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel their subscriptions anytime.

2. Paperpal

Paperpal is an AI writing tool that helps researchers and scholars write better. Its features range from plagiarism detection and citation generation to grammar and language checks. With an emphasis on academic writing, it provides context-aware recommendations and ensures logical flow, clarity, and organization.

Top Features:

• AI review: Paperpal offers input on logical reasoning, clarity, and structure.
• Rewrite: It ensures an academic tone while paraphrasing the material.
• Research & Cite: The tool helps find pertinent citations and formats them in different forms (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
• Plagiarism checker: It examines a large database for instances of plagiarism.
• Language correction: Paperpal provides recommendations for language and grammar. It also ensures that numbers, tables, figures, equations, orthography, and statistics are consistently written.
• Translation: This AI tool provides academic text translations in over 30 languages.

Pricing Options:

Paperpal has a freemium business model.

• Free version

It provides restricted AI tools, such as language correction, submission readiness checks, and plagiarism detectors.

• Paid plan

Prime (paid plans) offers all capabilities, including more thorough plagiarism detection and limitless use of AI writing tools. 

The subscription length (monthly, quarterly, or annual) affects the price. For instance, the Prime plan costs $25 per month, $55 per quarter, and $139 per year, which provides access to new functions and functionalities.

3. Grammarly

Grammarly, a well-known writing tool, detects plagiarism and tone and checks for grammar and word usage. It also enhances general clarity and improves sentence structure.

Top Features:

• Checks for grammar and punctuation
• Rectification of spelling errors
• Writing tips that are focused on tone
• Improvements in readability and clarity
• Detection of plagiarism (premium function)

Pricing Options:

• Basic (Free): no monthly fee.
• Premium: $30 a month, $60 a quarter, or $144 annually.
• Business: $15 for each member per month (billed annually) or $25 for each member (billed monthly).
  
   

4. SciSpace Paraphraser

SciSpace is an AI-powered research platform tailored to assist academics in managing, writing, and reviewing academic papers. Here is a detailed summary of its top features and pricing options:

Top Features:

• AI chat with PDF: This feature allows users to obtain precise answers from specific sections of a document, complete with citations. It is beneficial for getting concise overviews, detailed explanations, or recommendations for related research.
• SciSpace literature review: This tool leverages a vast database of over 200 million research papers to answer research questions. The results are presented in a clear, tabular format, and users can filter them based on criteria like PDF availability and journal ranking.
• AI writer: This feature suggests text to help authors complete their thoughts and provides relevant citation suggestions, automatically updating the reference list in real-time.
• Paraphraser: The tool offers over 20 preset tones to help rephrase text effectively.
• Citation generator: It supports over 9,000 citation styles, making it easier to format references accurately.

Pricing Options:

• Free version: This AI tool offers limited features for users who want to explore the platform.
• Paid plans:
  • Basic Plan: $0/month
  • Premium Plan: $20/month
  • Advanced Plan: $90/month
  • Team Plan: Starting from $8 per user/month
    
     

5. Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor is a writing tool inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s succinct style. In contrast to project management-focused organizational programs like Final Draft or Scrivener, the Hemingway Editor emphasizes complicated sentences and passive voice to enhance writing quality. 

Like Grammarly, it makes recommendations, but users must use discretion when accepting changes. With a more feature-rich subscription version and a free version for initial testing, Hemingway Editor offers focused writing enhancement guidance.

Top Features:

• Readability grading: The Hemingway Editor determines a text’s readability and assigns a rating between 1 and 12.
• Visual editing: The tool uses color-coded highlights to identify complicated sentences, passive voice, and regions that need simplification.
• Instant writing feedback: It provides immediate recommendations for enhancing sentence construction and removing superfluous words.
• Focus settings: This AI tool offers writing and editing settings that help limit distractions.
• Writing metrics: It provides readability ratings, word count, and reading duration for content improvement.
• Simplified word suggestions: The Hemingway Editor suggests more straightforward word options to improve communication.
• Platform flexibility: The tool is available as a low-cost desktop program for Windows and Mac and as a free web tool.

Pricing Options:

• Free version: A free browser version of the Hemingway Editor is available for simple sentence analysis. 

• Paid plans:
  • Direct posting to WordPress/Medium, offline use, and file exporting (HTML, Markdown, PDF, and Word) require a one-time purchase of the $19.99 desktop application (Mac/Windows).
  • AI-powered sentence rewrites are available through the online app’s subscription service, Hemingway Plus. 
    • A two-week free trial with 200 credits
    • $8.33/month or $100/year for 5,000 monthly credits
    • For individuals ($12.50/month or $150/year)
    • For Teams ($12.50/person/month or $150/person/year)
    • There is also a 10,000-credit plan.

6. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is an advanced writing tool that assists students, writers, and editors improve their work beyond simple grammar. It provides actionable criticism and thoroughly examines word choice, readability, and style.

Thanks to ProWritingAid’s seamless integration with well-known writing systems, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener, users can edit within their current workflows. ProWritingAid provides many tools to enhance the quality of writing, whether for corporate documents, academic papers, or fiction.

Top Features:

• Instant grammar checks: ProWritingAid provides real-time error correction for readable writing.
• Style enhancement: Customized recommendations enhance readability and style.
• Detailed analysis: The tool produces reports on word usage, grammar, and style.
• Vocabulary tools: It offers definitions, synonyms, and examples to help with accurate word choice.
• Platform integration: ProWritingAid integrates easily with Google Docs, Word, and other writing programs.
• There is also a plagiarism detection feature.

Pricing Options:

• Free Plan
• Premium Plan
  • $30 a month, with monthly billing
• Premium Pro Plan
  • $36 a month, with monthly billing
    
     

7. Zotero

Zotero is a reference management application that was introduced in 2006. It allows users to annotate PDFs, arrange references into folders, and work with peers in private or public groups.

Since its launch, it has maintained its position as a top reference manager, especially for basic reference management and storage. This tool is an excellent option if your primary requirement is a trustworthy repository for PDFs and other document types.

Top Features:

• Web-based access and backup: This service allows users to access citations from any web browser and has a storage limit of 300MB (which can be increased with a subscription).
• Reference organization and saving: This tool uses the Zotero Connector for Chrome to save online articles and websites and import citations from databases.
• Reference sharing (Groups): This feature facilitates the cooperative sharing of citations through Zotero Groups (but requires Zotero accounts).
• Cite-while-you-write: This allows for directly including citations and bibliographies in Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
• Continuous access and updates: Software is updated automatically and for free.
• PDFs can also be added manually or automatically using the Zotero Connector for Chrome.

Pricing Options:

• Free Version
• Premium Plans (more storage)
• 2GB storage: $1.67 a month to start
• 6GB storage: $5 a month to start
• Unlimited storage: $10 a month to start
  
   

8. Mendeley

Mendeley is a free desktop and web tool for reference management. It streamlines the arrangement and use of citations, freeing users to concentrate on their study. Mendeley Cite incorporates bibliographies and citations directly into Microsoft Word.

Top Features:

• Centralized reference search: Instead of digging through different files or websites for your sources, Mendeley keeps everything in one place. You can quickly search for any reference you’ve saved without wasting time.
• Categorization: This feature makes it easy to find and use the right sources when needed.
• Storage: Mendeley lets you save PDFs, notes, and citations in one spot.

Pricing Options:

FREE

9. Cite This For Me

This program automatically creates web page citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard formats with just one click, making citation management easier. 

These citations are simple for users to copy and paste, reducing the likelihood of plagiarism. The tool also provides a full range of features at a reasonable cost, such as plagiarism detectors, different add-ons, and pre-made templates.

Top Features:

• Automatic bibliography generation: This tool promptly produces reference lists, bibliographies, and citations while upholding professional standards.
• Plagiarism checker: It helps authors avoid plagiarism and properly cite sources.
• Flexible source types: It accommodates references from various sources, such as books, journals, newspapers, and websites.
• Software integration: The tool provides Word document download options and enables users to save citations in an online bibliography or copy and paste them straight into papers.
• Multiple subscription plans: It provides non-account users a free, temporary choice.
• Cite This For Me offers low-cost convenience with monthly memberships and a one-time unlimited-use option for regular users.

Pricing Options:

• A 7-day free trial edition for non-account users (for Harvard citation style only)
•  £6.99 monthly subscription
  
   

10. Turnitin

Turnitin is a plagiarism detection tool that checks writing for possible plagiarism and citation mistakes. When a paper is sent in, it is checked against a large collection of internet and scholarly sources. Several universities use Turnitin in their Assignments tool, which instantly creates a similarity report to flag possible plagiarism.

Top Features:

• Feedback studio: This makes grading more straightforward and gives teachers thorough feedback.
• Turnitin has a comprehensive database that guarantees reliable plagiarism detection.
• It also has round-the-clock support that ensures smooth integration and operation.

Pricing Options:

With yearly costs ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, Turnitin formally licenses its services only to government-registered colleges and universities. 

11. Copyscape

This plagiarism detection tool was created to find duplicate content on the Internet. It uses cutting-edge search engine technology to confirm published content’s originality, making it crucial for authors, educators, and companies.

Copyscape ensures comprehensive plagiarism checks by using search engines like Google and Bing to scan billions of online sites for even the most minor instances of copied material.

Top Features:

• Wide language support: This feature is perfect for users worldwide and allows plagiarism detection in various languages.
• Search engine integration: This method compares web information in-depth using search engine databases.
• User-friendly interface: A simple copy-paste feature makes plagiarism checking easier.
• Flexible pre-payment: Users can pre-pay and only utilize credits for actual checks to accommodate different usage needs.

Pricing Options:

• Free plan
• Premium plan: $0.03 for the first 200 words and $0.01 for each extra 100 words
• Standard Copysentry: $4.95 a month, including a free seven-day trial
• Professional Copysentry: $19.95 a month, plus a free seven-day trial
  
   

12. Notion AI

Notion AI incorporates AI tools into the Notion workspace, providing a text generator that can create, edit, summarize, and translate content, including within databases, and an AI assistant for document-related inquiries.

Top Features:

• Document translation: This feature makes multilingual communication easier by quickly translating text into many languages.
• Document improvement: This clarifies ambiguous text, facilitating idea expression, particularly for non-native English speakers.
• Document summarization: This saves users’ time by producing succinct summaries of extensive documents.
• Document expansion: This section offers advice on overcoming writer’s block by providing more depth and detail in the text.
• Tone adjustment: This feature adapts writing to various projects by changing its tone (professional, informal, friendly, etc.).
• Document simplification: This involves rewording intricate text in a way that is easier to understand.
• Grammatical and spelling checks: This feature provides professional writing by detecting and fixing grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Pricing Options:

• Notion AI is available as an add-on to current Notion programs for an extra $10 per member each month. 
• Users who have Plus, Business, or Enterprise plans with annual billing are eligible for a 20% discount on this AI add-on.
• Users must subscribe to a core plan and the AI add-on; this price is distinct from Notion’s regular subscription rates.
  
   

13. Scrivener

Scrivener is a popular writing program used by various professionals, including academics, journalists, screenwriters, and authors. Instead of prescribing writing style, it aims to empower authors by offering all-inclusive tools. 

It eliminates the need for dispersed files by combining different project components, such as scenarios, research, and character profiles, into a single, well-organized project.

Top Features:

• Resume editing: Scrivener saves time during edits by remembering your previous editing position.
• Visual project structure: Scrivener’s Binder offers a concise synopsis of your work, making it simple to reorganize scenes or chapters.
• Flexible idea capture: You can easily add notes within your text or make new documents for future ideas.
• Color-coded organization: This makes keeping track of components like point of view or revision status simple.
• Writing without distractions: Scrivener’s full-screen composition mode reduces distractions so you can write intently.
  
   

Pricing Options:

• Standard license: $59, one-time purchase, free updates included, for Windows or Mac
• Educational license: $50, includes all features and is discounted for teachers and students.
• iOS version: $23, one-time payment for the mobile application
• 30-day free trial: For 30 days, Mac and Windows users can enjoy free, full access to all features.
• Bundle (Windows & Mac): $95; this is a lower price when you buy licenses for both Windows and Mac.
  
   

14. Trinka AI

Trinka AI was created especially for technical and academic writing. It is an invaluable tool for professionals, researchers, and students looking to improve their academic and technical writing. 

Top Features:

• Complete editing tools: This tool provides automated manuscript editing, citation quality evaluation, and plagiarism detection.
• Subject-specific support: It ensures a formal tone and academic rigor by adapting to different writing styles and disciplines.
• Real-time feedback: Trinka AI offers prompt observations on the clarity, tone, and writing style.
• More than 3,000 grammar problems are detected and corrected with contextual correctness by Advanced Grammar and Spelling Checks.

Pricing Options:

• Free plan
• Premium plan
  • $80/year, or $20/month
• Premium Plus plan
  • $125
• Enterprise plan
  • Prices can be adjusted to meet the demands of specific organizations.
    
     

15. Gemini

Gemini functions well on personal devices and big data centers. The original Gemini 1.0 has three optimal sizes: Nano for effective on-device processing, Pro for flexible scalability, and Ultra for complicated applications.

Top Features:

• Logic and explanation: Unlike search engines, which mainly offer links, this platform provides comprehensive responses, logic, and explanations.
• Multimodality: It recognizes questions from images, videos, and text.
• Helps with coding: This tool converts code between different programming languages.
• Gemini keeps the query context intact to improve answers.
• It allows information to be pulled and exported by connecting with other Google apps.

Pricing Options:

• Gemini Standard: Free of charge
• Gemini Advance: costs $19.99 a month (in the US)
• Gemini Business: With a one-year commitment, each seat starts at $20 per month.
• Gemini Enterprise: With a one-year commitment, each seat starts at $30 per month.

Conclusion

AI tools have revolutionized academic writing by enhancing research efficiency, improving grammatical accuracy, managing citations, and organizing content. These tools streamline the scientific writing workflow, making it more efficient and less time-consuming.

By using AI for time-consuming tasks, researchers can focus more on the creative and analytical aspects of their work. The benefits include increased accuracy and productivity in organizing references, drafting research papers, and refining writing style.

However, it is crucial to use AI responsibly, ensuring that technology serves to enhance creativity and critical thinking rather than replace them.
 

Try the AINGENS’ AI writing and research tool, MACg, for your medical and academic writing!

READ ALSO: A SIMPLE GUIDE ON HOW TO SUMMARIZE A RESEARCH ARTICLE [2025]