Grammarly has become a common companion for many of us when we're typing up documents in Google Docs, offering suggestions to make our writing better. But sometimes, you might find that it's overstaying its welcome. Maybe you just want to try writing without its guidance for a bit. If you're wondering how to switch off Grammarly's suggestions in Google Docs, you're in the right spot. We'll walk through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy a clean writing space when you need it.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off Grammarly in Google Docs
Before we get into the how-to, let's chat about the why. Grammarly is undoubtedly a handy tool for catching typos and improving grammar. There are times when you might prefer to write without its input. Here are a few reasons why you might want to disable it in Google Docs:
- Focus on Creativity: Sometimes, the constant pop-up of suggestions can distract from your creative flow. By turning it off, you can focus on getting your ideas down without interruption.
- Writing in Another Language: Grammarly primarily supports English, so if you're working in another language, its suggestions might not be relevant or accurate.
- Technical or Industry-Specific Writing: If you're working on a document that uses a lot of technical jargon or industry-specific terms, Grammarly might flag these as errors, even though they're correct in your context.
- Reducing Load Times: Especially in longer documents, Grammarly can sometimes slow down Google Docs. Disabling it can speed things up a bit.
Whatever your reason, knowing how to manage Grammarly's presence in your Google Docs can give you more control over your writing process.
How to Disable Grammarly Temporarily
Let's start with a quick solution. If you want to turn off Grammarly for a short time without removing it entirely, you can do so from your browser. Here's how:
- Open Google Docs: Start by opening the document you're working on in Google Docs.
- Access Your Browser Extensions: Head to your browser's toolbar where extensions are displayed. If you're using Chrome, this is usually at the top right corner.
- Find Grammarly: Click on the small puzzle piece icon (if you're using Chrome) and scroll to find Grammarly from the list of extensions.
- Disable Grammarly: Click on the toggle button next to Grammarly to disable it. This will pause its suggestions temporarily.
Once you're done with your writing session, you can easily turn Grammarly back on by following the same steps and re-enabling the extension. This method is great for those times when you just need a break from the suggestions without making a permanent change.

Removing Grammarly from Google Docs Completely
If you've decided that Grammarly and Google Docs just aren't the duo for you anymore, you might want to go a step further and remove the extension completely. Here's how you can do that:
- Open Your Browser: Launch the web browser you use for Google Docs.
- Access Extensions: Go to the extensions page. In Chrome, you can do this by typing
chrome://extensions/
into the address bar. - Locate Grammarly: Scroll through your list of extensions to find Grammarly for Chrome.
- Remove the Extension: Click the "Remove" button to completely uninstall Grammarly from your browser.
Once you've removed Grammarly, it will no longer offer suggestions in Google Docs or any other platform. However, keep in mind that you can always reinstall it later if you change your mind and want it back.
Managing Grammarly Settings for Google Docs
If removing Grammarly feels too drastic but you still want to adjust its behavior, you can tweak its settings to better suit your needs. Here's what you can do:
- Visit Grammarly's Website: Go to the Grammarly website and log into your account.
- Access Your Account Settings: Click on your profile icon and go to the settings or account settings section.
- Adjust Browser Extension Settings: Here, you can customize how Grammarly behaves in different contexts, including Google Docs. You might find options to disable certain types of suggestions or adjust the tone of the feedback.
These adjustments allow you to fine-tune how Grammarly operates without needing to completely disable or remove it, offering a middle ground that might be perfect for your needs.
Using Google Docs' Built-In Tools as an Alternative
Google Docs itself offers some pretty solid tools for checking grammar and spelling. If you decide to remove Grammarly, you can still keep your documents polished using these built-in features:
- Spelling and Grammar Check: You can access this by clicking on "Tools" in the menu bar and selecting "Spelling and grammar." This will scan your document for any errors.
- Explore Feature: Similar to a built-in research tool, the Explore feature can be accessed from the bottom right of the screen. It helps find additional information or images related to your topic.
These tools, while not as feature-rich as Grammarly, provide basic assistance that can be quite useful for everyday writing tasks.
Considering Alternatives: What About Spell?
While we're on the topic of writing tools, it's worth mentioning Spell. If Grammarly doesn't quite meet your needs, Spell offers a different approach by integrating AI directly into a document editor. This means you can create, edit, and share documents with AI assistance throughout the process.
Unlike traditional tools, Spell allows for real-time collaboration with AI, so you can generate drafts quickly, refine them with natural language prompts, and work with your team all in one place. Whether you're writing business reports, essays, or creative pieces, Spell helps streamline the process and boost productivity.
Reinstalling Grammarly If You Change Your Mind
If you decide to give Grammarly another go after removing it, reinstalling is a straightforward process. Here's how you can get it back:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store: Open your browser and go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for Grammarly: Use the search bar to find Grammarly for Chrome.
- Add to Chrome: Click on "Add to Chrome" to reinstall the extension. Follow any prompts to complete the installation.
Once reinstalled, Grammarly will start offering suggestions as you type in Google Docs, just like before. It's a simple way to get back the features you might have missed.


Balancing Writing Tools with Personal Style
Writing tools like Grammarly and Spell are fantastic for catching errors and suggesting improvements, but it's important to strike a balance. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your personal style while using these tools:
- Use Tools as Guides, Not Dictators: Remember, suggestions are just that. Suggestions. Feel free to ignore them if they don't align with your voice.
- Customize Settings: Both Grammarly and Spell offer customization options that let you adjust feedback according to your preferences.
- Review Before Accepting: Always review suggestions before accepting them to ensure they fit the context and tone of your document.
These strategies can help you harness the power of these tools without sacrificing your unique voice.
Final Thoughts
Taking control of your writing environment is essential for maintaining focus and creativity. Whether you're temporarily disabling Grammarly, removing it completely, or switching to alternatives like Spell, the key is finding what works best for you. Spell offers a unique approach with AI built into the document editor, providing seamless assistance and collaboration. Remember, the goal is to support your writing journey, not dictate it. Happy writing!