Spell Check is a great tool, but it’s NOT smarter than you!
Yes, Spell Check tries to let you know that you may have misspelled a word.
But the truth is, Spell Check does not always select the correct word for you. And sometimes it doesn’t even
have the word you intended on its list!
You will want to consider three things before you push the CHANGE or IGNORE button on Spell Check.
(1) You may have spelled the word correctly! Spell Check is unfamiliar with proper nouns
(like your name or a city) and will always ask if proper nouns are spelled correctly. If this is the
case, press IGNORE because you were right to begin with!
(2) You may not WANT the first word on Spell Check’s list. Spell Check alphabetically
lists words that closely match the spelling of your typo and highlights in blue the first word on
its list. Remember, the list is alphabetical, not logical. So be sure to use your mouse to scroll
down and view all the words on the list to select the word you intended. Then press CHANGE
with your mouse button.
(3) You may want to consult a thesaurus before you decide which word to select. In fact
it is possible that none of the words on the Spell Check list looks right to you.
Here’s how the thesaurus can be accessed from Spell Check:
Use your mouse to select the word that you believe is the closest match.
Press CHANGE.
Close Spell Check
Use your mouse to click on the word you’re wanting to check on.
Select Tools
Select Thesaurus
Look to the right of your screen for a list of words that are synonyms of your word.
If the meaning matches, you’re done. You can go back to Spell Check the rest of your paper.
If the meaning does not match your intent, use the SEARCH options to type in other
possibilities.
Spell Check is a wonderful tool.
Don’t hesitate to stop by the College Skills Zone if you have questions
about how to get the most out of what Spell Check has to offer!