WD98: Using the Spelling Checker to Flag Specific Words (Even When They Are Spelled Correctly) (179702)

SUMMARY

If you want the spelling checker to highlight words that the main dictionary recognizes as being spelled correctly, but that you want questioned during a spelling check, you must create an exclude dictionary. Using an exclude dictionary allows you to specify preferred spellings for certain words.

For example, if you prefer "theatre" rather than "theater," add "theater" to the exclude dictionary so that Word will pause if it finds "theater" during a spell check and will prompt you for the correct spelling.

Once you create an exclude dictionary, Word uses it automatically with the main dictionary. If you want to check spelling without using the exclude dictionary, rename the exclude dictionary before you check spelling in a document.

MORE INFORMATION

To create an exclude dictionary, follow these steps:

In a new Word document, type the words that you want to put in the exclude dictionary. Press RETURN after each word.

NOTE: Keep in mind that entries in the exclude dictionary are case-sensitive--that is, the spelling checker will question only text that exactly matches the uppercase and lowercase letters in each entry.
On the File menu, click Save As.

NOTE: You must save the exclude dictionary in the same folder that contains the main dictionary, usually located in the following folder:
Macintosh HD:Microsoft Office 98:Shared Applications:Proofing Tools
In the Save File As Type box, click Speller Exclude Dictionary.
In the Save Current Document As box, type a name for the exclude dictionary. Make sure to add "Exclude Dictionary" to the end of the exclude dictionary name. Also, it is a good idea to include the name of the main language dictionary it's associated with.

For example, if you are saving an exclude dictionary for the main English (US) dictionary, name your exclude dictionary as follows:
English (US) Exclude Dictionary
Click Save.
Close the file and restart Word. The exclude dictionary will not be available until you restart Word.

You can use this procedure to find correctly spelled words that you want the spelling checker to question (for example, if you often type "widow" when you mean to type "window"). After you add "widow" to the exclude dictionary, the spelling checker will question it the next time you check spelling in your document.

NOTE: Keep in mind that Word does not question single letters even though you have placed them in your exclude dictionary.

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

179697 WD98: Spelling and Grammar Checkers Do Not Flag Single Letters