Citation Machine Review

Brad Smith


I'm the creator of this site (Grammar Gang). I'm also the founder of Codeless, a long-form content creation company that's been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, The Next Web, and hundreds more.

We produce around ~100 long, in-depth articles each month. So we're relying on these tools on a daily basis. Here, I break down the good, bad, and uuuuuuggggllllyyyy.
Brad Smith

Citation Machine, a Chegg service, is a tool best known for being a works cited generator.

A works cited generator finds information from across the web to automatically create a full bibliography that helps you cite all of the sources used in an academic paper.

In addition to offering citation services, Citation Machine also offers a grammar and plagiarism checker.

Here are the pros and cons of the tool, and how it stacks up against the best grammar checkers on the market.

Citation Machine Pros

1. Some of the Best Usability I’ve Seen

This grammar checker is one of the easiest to use on this list. Citation Machine offers a complete step by step initial walkthrough of how to use the checker for new users.

By the end of the walkthrough, you’ll know how to use every feature that comes with the service.

2. An Accurate Grammar Checker

Citation Machine consistently finds the same issues with text when it comes to things like word usage, commas, punctuation, and misspellings.

3. Sophisticated, Easily Integrates With Other Citation Machine Features

Citation Machine can identify issues with sophisticated errors, like comma usage or certain parts of speech.

On top of that, the grammar checker easily integrates with other features, like the actual citation creator.

This makes it possible for users to check, edit, revise, and insert a bibliography into their text all from the same window.

Measures Conciseness

Citation Machine can measure conciseness and help writers with clarity by suggesting the removal of redundant, unnecessary words.

4. Plagiarism Checker is Available With Paid Version

Citation Machine offers a plagiarism checker. The only catch? It doesn’t come with the free version.

In order to use it, you’ll have to sign up for the monthly, premium plan. However, there is a three day free trial included.

5. APA, MLA, and Chicago Style Guides

Citation Machine is very transparent about the fact that they use APA, MLA, and Chicago Style Guides.

Their site reads: “The APA and MLA are not associated with Citation Machine, but our citation services follow their styles.”

6. Reporting Options Are Available

This checker allows users to download grammar reports.

However, you’ll have to create an account in order to export your grammar check report.

This is a fairly painless process, unless you aren’t a student or educator. Why? The site asks you to enter a university to register.

Once you’ve registered, you can export your report in the form of a Microsoft Word document.

7. Comprehensive Knowledge Base

While Citation Machine doesn’t offer any fancy customer service features like live chat or a ticketing system, they do have a pretty comprehensive knowledge base available.

(Image Source)

There’s even a section listing answers to their most frequently asked questions.

Citation Machine has a lot to offer. But it also falls short in a few ways.

Citation Machine Cons

1. Low Limitations With Free Version

Users accessing the free version of this grammar checker will only be able to access 20 suggestions. The paid version, however, is unlimited.

2. Device Compatibility Could Be Better

For such a sophisticated tool, we expected that Citation Machine would at least offer an app or some kind of browser extension.

But it looks like it’s only accessible via mobile and web browsers for now.

3. No Human Reviews Offered, English Only

This checker doesn’t seem to offer human reviews at the moment, and it seems to only be able to check English text.

This is bad news for those looking for a multilingual grammar checker.

While some Citation Machine features are free, a paid option is available for users who want to access advanced features.

4. Citation Machine Cost

A three day free trial is available with this grammar checker. After that, it is $9.95 per month. It appears that Citation Machine only accepts credit or debit card payments at this time.

Do I Recommend Citation Machine?

Yes, but maybe only if you’re a student or an educator.

This grammar checker is designed with students and teachers in mind. This tool would be best suited for those looking to check an academic paper to ensure a solid grade.

Citation Machine could also be beneficial for educators to paste in students’ work and let the grammar checker do some of the grading for them.

Otherwise, I recommend a better all-around option like Grammarly. You’ll get all of this, and more, for the same (or less).
https://grammargang.com/best-grammar-checker/citation-machine/
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