How to Spell Check Microsoft Word 2016: A Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech (2024)

by Matthew Burleigh

Spelling errors can be embarrassing, can’t they? Especially when you’ve poured your heart into a document only to have those squiggly red lines pop up everywhere. But don’t worry, Microsoft Word 2016 has got your back! With a few simple clicks, you can easily check and correct your spelling mistakes. Let’s dive into how you can make those red lines disappear and polish your document to perfection.

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Step by Step Tutorial: How to spell check Microsoft Word 2016

Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we are about to do. The spell check feature in Microsoft Word 2016 is a handy tool that scans your document for spelling errors and offers suggestions for corrections. It’s like having a personal editor that ensures your document is error-free.

Step 1: Open the Review Tab

Navigate to the Review tab in the menu ribbon at the top of the Word document.

In the Review tab, you’ll find all the tools you need for proofreading your document, including the spell check function.

Step 2: Click on ‘Spelling & Grammar’

Click on the ‘Spelling & Grammar’ button to start the spelling and grammar check.

Once you’ve clicked on ‘Spelling & Grammar’, Word will begin scanning your document for any spelling mistakes. It’s like magic!

Step 3: Review Suggestions

Review the suggestions made by Word and choose the appropriate correction.

For each spelling error detected, Word will provide you with one or more suggested corrections. You can either accept the suggestion, ignore it, or add the word to your dictionary if it’s a word that Word doesn’t recognize.

Step 4: Repeat Until No Errors Remain

Continue reviewing suggestions until no spelling errors are left.

You might find that you’ll have to go through this step a few times, especially for longer documents. But it’s worth it to have a clean and error-free document!

After completing these steps, your document should be free of any red squiggly lines, and you’ll have the peace of mind that your spelling is on point. It’s always a good feeling to know that your document is polished and professional.

Tips: How to spell check Microsoft Word 2016

  • Always proofread your document after using the spell check to catch any errors that the tool might have missed.
  • Add frequently used technical terms or names to your dictionary to avoid them being flagged as errors in the future.
  • Use the ‘Read Aloud’ feature under the Review tab to hear your document read out loud, which can help catch errors that spell check might miss.
  • Customize your spell check settings by clicking on ‘Options’ in the Spelling & Grammar dialog box to suit your needs.
  • Remember that spell check won’t catch hom*ophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings), so keep an eye out for those.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can spell check detect grammar errors as well?

Yes, the Spelling & Grammar tool in Microsoft Word 2016 can also detect some grammar errors alongside spelling mistakes.

How do I add a word to the dictionary?

When a word is flagged as incorrect, you’ll have the option to ‘Add to Dictionary’ in the suggestions box so that it won’t be flagged in the future.

Does Word 2016 have an autocorrect feature?

Yes, Word 2016 has an autocorrect feature that automatically corrects commonly misspelled words as you type.

Can I spell check a document in another language?

Yes, you can spell check a document in another language by setting the language preference in the Language option under the Review tab.

What should I do if Spell Check is not working?

If Spell Check is not working, make sure it’s enabled in the Word options, and check if the proofing language is set correctly.

Summary

  1. Open the Review Tab
  2. Click on ‘Spelling & Grammar’
  3. Review Suggestions
  4. Repeat Until No Errors Remain

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Spell checking in Microsoft Word 2016 is a breeze once you know how to do it. Just a few clicks and you’re on your way to a clean, professional-looking document. Whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or just a simple letter, it’s always important to present your best work without those pesky spelling errors. And let’s not forget, while technology is a fantastic aid, it’s always a good idea to give your document a final read-through. Sometimes, the human eye can catch what technology misses. So, go ahead and give your documents the polish they deserve with the spell check Microsoft Word 2016 feature. Happy writing!

How to Spell Check Microsoft Word 2016: A Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech (1)

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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