Tip to check grammar, idioms and punctuation

In a previous post I was (I hope properly) using the phrase "draw analogies with something". When proof-reading I was not sure if the preposition was correct. Both online dictionaries I use i.e. dict.leo.org and dict.cc remained silent for once.

In such a case I make a Google phrase search against a website of a quality paper such as The Times, The Independent or The Observer like so:

"draw analogies with" site:www.independent.co.uk

If I find results with my "construction" I feel on the safe side, if not, the search result gives a hint as to what to change in most cases.

I also use it to figure out where to put commas. Since in English commas seem to be an endangered species - at least compared to my language - I tend to put more then necessary. Since Google ignores punctuation you can also phrase search and compare with the results.