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

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word, neither the Spelling command nor the Grammar command flags a single letter as a misspelled word, regardless of case. For example, in the following sentence

Now is the time f R all good men to come to the aid...

the spelling and grammar checkers do not flag either character (f or R) as a spelling or grammar error.

CAUSE

This functionality is by design. Word will not flag a single letter as it is considered an intentional action (for example, a heading of an index section). However, if you have two single letters, such as f and F (separated by a space), Word will flag the second letter, regardless of case, because it flags duplicate (repeated) words.

WORKAROUND

The AutoCorrect feature can be used to change an entry if it is a typical misspelling. For example, an entry of "t" can be automatically changed to "to" from the Tools menu by selecting AutoCorrect and adding Replace "t" With "to" under "Replace text as you type."

NOTE: In the example of this article, you can create an AutoCorrect entry to insert the word "for" instead of the f and a space; however, Word will not flag "R" as a misspelling or grammatical error. There is no good workaround for this type of problem.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about using AutoCorrect entries, click the Office Assistant, type "AutoCorrect," click Search, and then click to view "Automatically correct text."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

179216 OFF98: How to Use the Microsoft Office Installer Program