Check for Spelling Errors

The spell check option in Word is useful to prevent simple spelling errors. Each misspelled word not found in the program’s dictionary will prompt you to do the following:

• Suggest an alternative spelling.
• Leave the word as it is.
• Add the word to the dictionary.

Word also checks for repeated words, incorrect capitalization, and incorrect spacing. Spelling errors will be underlined with a wavy red line; grammar problems detected will be underlined with a wavy green line.

To check for spelling errors:

1. Select the Review tab.
   
2. Select Spelling and Grammar from the Proofing Group.
   
3. Word will stop at the first unrecognized word, highlight it, and display it in the dialog box along with a list of options.
   
• Ignore Once (Ignore All) — If the word should remain as it is, select Ignore Once. If the word appears throughout the worksheet, you may wish to select Ignore All.
• Add to Dictionary— If the word should be added to the custom dictionary, select Add to Dictionary.
• Change (Change All) — Highlight the correct word and choose Change (or double-click on the correct spelling). If you think that you have consistently misspelled a word throughout the worksheet, click on Change All.
• AutoCorrect — Adds the word to the AutoCorrect list; when you misspell this word while typing, Word will automatically correct it. This is accomplished without accessing the Spelling and Grammar check.
• Options — Allows the user to set specific correction functions for both spelling and grammar. (i.e. turning on / off the grammar check).
• Cancel — Cancels the Spelling and Grammar check.
• Undo — Undo changes made.
4. Once the spell check is complete, a box will appear. Click on OK to close the spelling box and return to the document.

Show Me

To watch a tutorial video on how to do this, click Play on the video below.