AI for writing

Examples of how AI can support your writing include:

• Experimenting with tone or style
• Suggesting ways to structure an essay or report
• Providing quick grammar or phrasing suggestions
• Brainstorming ideas and outlines
• Summarising or simplifying complex text

See also: AI for study skills, which explains how AI can help with planning and organisation.

General-purpose AI chatbots like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT etc. support your writing in a number of ways: 

• Suggesting grammar, phrasing, and style improvements
• Helping to restructure or simplify draft text
• Adjusting tone for clarity or audience
• Offering examples of how to start or develop a section

At Abertay, the recommended tool is Copilot, though other widely used platforms include ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. For everyday grammar and writing support, you should first use the built-in tools in Microsoft Word. Chatbots like Copilot can extend these capabilities, but they require careful prompting, evaluation of outputs, and acknowledgement when used.

Some tools are designed specifically to support writing and grammar. At Abertay, you should first use the built-in features in Microsoft Word (such as Editor, spelling, grammar, and accessibility tools), which are always safe and supported.

Generative AI chatbots, such as Microsoft Copilot, can extend these capabilities by suggesting phrasing, restructuring drafts, or adjusting tone. When used, they require careful checking and acknowledgement if they shaped your work in a meaningful way.

Other tools like QuillBot and Grammarly are widely advertised and used by students, but they include GenAI features that may not align with university policy. If you are considering them, please read the dedicated guidance pages:

• Microsoft Word built-in tools – recommended safe option for grammar and writing support
• Microsoft Copilot – approved chatbot for extended writing support
• QuillBot – widely used, but see dedicated guidance
• Grammarly – widely used, but see dedicated guidance

When using AI to support your writing, you are responsible for ensuring your work meets academic integrity standards.

• Always make sure your ideas and arguments are your own.
• Do not use AI to generate large sections of text for your assessments.
• If AI shaped your work in a meaningful way, include a brief acknowledgement (or your AI Digital Sticker). See Acknowledging AI use.
• If AI-generated text was provided as part of the assessment and you quote or paraphrase it, include a formal reference. See Referencing AI.
• Do not use GenAI to manipulate your word count unless your assessment brief explicitly allows it.

AI writing tools can be useful, but they have important limitations:

• They cannot assess whether your argument meets the marking criteria.
• They may suggest phrasing that changes your meaning.
• They may generate fabricated or inaccurate information (sometimes called hallucinations) — always check against reliable academic sources. See AI risks and limitations for more detail.
• They are not a substitute for proofreading your own work.
• Over-reliance can slow the development of your academic writing skills.

Tip: For proofreading support, also see Studiosity and our guide to proofreading your own work. 

Use this checklist to make sure you are using AI appropriately in your writing:

• ✅ Used AI to brainstorm, check grammar, or improve clarity — May be ok, but check assessment brief. 
• ✅ Acknowledged AI if it shaped your work in a meaningful way — Required, but check if assessment brief allows use of AI.
• ❌ Asked AI to write sections of your essay or generate your argument — Not ok. 
• ❌ Tried to use AI to hit a word count — Not ok (unless your brief explicitly allows it)

Remember:

• Your module or assessment brief always takes priority. If in doubt, follow the instructions from your tutor.
• The built-in tools in Microsoft Word (such as Editor, spelling, grammar, and accessibility features) are always safe and supported to use.