Empowering Grammatical Accuracy in Moroccan EFL Writing: The Impact of ChatGPT

ABSTRACT: This study examines the impact of AI-assisted tools, specifically ChatGPT (3.5 model), on enhancing grammatical accuracy and reducing errors in academic writing among Moroccan EFL university students. Employing a pretest-posttest control group design, 60 second-year economics students were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=30) using ChatGPT paragraph revision, while the control group (n=30) wrote without AI assistance. Paired and independent samples T-tests revealed significant reductions in comma splices, run-on sentences, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement errors in the experimental group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the control group showed minimal, non-significant improvements. These findings highlight ChatGPT’s efficacy in addressing linguistic challenges faced by Moroccan university students, mainly those who study English for Specific Purposes. This research underscored the vitality of integrating AI tools into EFL curricula and enhancing digital infrastructure in Moroccan education.

KEYWORDS – AI chatbots, ChatGPT, EFL writing, grammatical accuracy, writing mechanics, Moroccan university students