Buzz
Nowadays, you don't need to invest a lot of time and effort into proofreading any type of text anymore, such as reports or essays. If wise, you'll just need one of the many available spell-checking tools, some of which even correct grammar for you. And by paying attention to the edits these tools make, you can also improve your writing skills.
1. Setting Up Spell Check Feature on Chrome.
1.1 Enabling Spell Check Feature on Google Chrome.
1.2 Adding Another Language to Chrome's Spell Check Feature.
2. Using Chrome's Spell Check Feature.
2.1. Finding Correct Spelling with Chrome.
2.2. Adding Words to Your Custom Dictionary.
2.3. Managing Chrome's Spell Check Feature.
3. What to Do When Chrome's Spell Check Feature Isn't Working?
4. Alternative Spell Checking Tools for Chrome.
4.1. Grammarly.
4.2. LanguageTool.
1. Setting Up Spell Check Feature on Chrome
Chrome comes with a spell checker, which is activated by default. The dictionary is usually set to the language of the operating system you're using, but you can add and switch to many other languages. This spell checker also provides an advanced version using Google search spell checking technology. However, this involves routing your text through Google's servers. In this article, let's explore all the options presented in detail below and see which is the best way to check spelling in Google Chrome.
1.1. Enabling Spell Check Feature on Google Chrome
To enable or disable the spell check feature on Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Click on the menu button in the top right corner of the browser and select Settings.
- Scroll down the menu and click on Advanced to expand additional settings.
- Scroll down to the Languages section and click on Spell check to expand the corresponding menu.
- Here, you can turn on or off Chrome's spell check feature by clicking on the slider next to the respective language.
Note: You can add or edit spelling errors by selecting the corresponding option below the list. Essentially, you can add words to Google's default dictionary. This is quite convenient for names and technical terms that Chrome's Spell Check feature doesn't recognize.
Additionally, users can also enable advanced editing feature. It will detect many other errors such as missing spaces or hyphens. In Settings > Advanced
1.2. Adding Another Language to Chrome's Spell Check Feature
Your language isn't showing up on Chrome? Chrome only selects the default language of the system you're using for its spell check, but users can add another language by:
- Expand the Languages menu and click on Add languages.
- Search for the language you want and click on the Add button.
After adding the language to Chrome, return to the spell check menu and enable this feature.
2. Using Chrome's Spell Check Feature
Now, with additional languages added and spell check activated, the question arises: how does Chrome know when to spell check and which language to use?
By default, Chrome's feature checks words in all text fields, including Gmail and most third-party apps. When you misspell a word, you'll see a red underline beneath it. If the advanced spell check feature is active, you'll also see a gray underline, indicating another error, such as a missing space.
2.1. Finding Correct Spelling with Chrome
When you see a word marked as misspelled, right-click on it to see Google's suggestions, which appear at the top of the context menu.
Note: Make sure you have enabled the Ask Google for suggestions option as it will grant you access to advanced results. In cases where interpreting spelling errors due to typing or typos is difficult, Google will use its prediction engine to provide better suggestions.
2.2. Adding Words to Your Custom Dictionary
If Chrome misunderstands the spelling of a particular word, you don't need to go to the Settings menu to add a new word. Simply right-click on the word and select Add to dictionary. Now, the spell checker won't highlight that word again.
Note: Your custom dictionary remains the same regardless of the language you choose.
2.3. Managing Chrome's Spell Check Feature
You can enable or disable Chrome's spell check feature anytime. Also, change the language Chrome is using.
- Right-click on the text field and select Spellcheck from the menu.
- In the newly opened menu, select Check the spelling of the text fields.
- Now, choose the appropriate language or simply all your languages - All your languages.
Note: Chrome may not automatically spell check very long text passages. When Spell check is enabled, the feature still works but doesn't check everything you type. To handle long texts, such as when composing a post in WordPress, you may need to click on each paragraph to start spell checking for that section.
3. What to Do When Chrome's Spell Check Feature Isn't Working?
When Chrome's spell check feature isn't working, you can try the following steps:
- Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser, search for Spell check, turn it off, then turn back on all settings related to spell checking.
- Disable third-party spell checkers in Chrome's extension menu: chrome://extensions/.
- Check if Chrome is not up-to-date and restart the browser.
4. Alternative Spell Checking Tools for Chrome
Even when all features are activated, Google Chrome's spell checker still feels somewhat 'basic' as it doesn't check grammar or spelling thoroughly. That's why the Chrome Web Store proudly presents you with a range of excellent alternative tools. So, if you need an advanced tool, try one of the two most trusted options below:
4.1. Grammarly
Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant, including contextual spell check and grammar. Like Chrome's default spell checker, it works across all text fields. With over 10 million users and near-perfect ratings from users, Grammarly has become the gold standard in spelling and grammar checking on the web browser.
The free version catches grammar and spelling errors. With the Premium package, you get access to advanced features such as vocabulary enhancement suggestions, genre-specific writing style checks, and plagiarism detection. Grammarly brings great benefits if you want to review English text. Unfortunately, this tool does not support other languages.
4.2. LanguageTool
If you want to proofread content in multiple languages, try using LanguageTool for Chrome. With over 250,000 users and a 4.5/5 rating, it's one of the most widely used and highly rated spell checkers for Chrome.
The free version supports up to 20,000 characters per check and over 25 languages. When you subscribe to the Premium or Enterprise package, you'll get additional features and access to the API. You don't need an account to use this tool, and your IP address is not stored. All data transmission necessary to provide the service occurs over an encrypted connection.
Humans remain the best spell checkers and grammar editors. Technology merely serves as a valuable assistant. Technology isn't always smart enough to understand every context and sometimes can offer bizarre corrections. However, with Google's suggestions, users come closer to perfection in fixing unintended spelling errors.
