Text replacement
Encyclopedia
Text replacement, Replace as you type or AutoCorrect is a function commonly found in word processor
s such as Microsoft Word
. Its principal purpose is as part of the spell checker
to correct common spelling or typing errors, saving time for the user. It is also used to automatically format
text or insert special characters by recognising particular character usage, saving the user from having to use more tedious functions.
Additional options include recognising words with two initial capital letters (e.g. "EXample") and correcting them, capitalising the first letters of sentences, and correcting accidental use of caps lock
(e.g. eXAMPLE).
The replacement list for text replacement can also be modified by the user, allowing the user to use shortcuts. If, for example, the user is writing an essay on the industrial revolution, a replacement key can be set up to replace the 'word' "ir" with "industrial revolution", saving the user time whenever he wants to type it. For users with the patience, this facility can even be used to create a complete keyboard shorthand system, along lines similar to those of Dutton Speedwords
, but with short forms instantly replaced by full forms.
Some stand-alone programs allow global text replacement across the operating system, and apply to text typed into any other application.
is commonly referred to as "cyclic AMP", which in turn is abbreviated to "cAMP". A text replacement function may regard this capitalization to be erroneous, and so change it to "Camp", which in the context of biochemistry is incorrect. Older automatic-correction algorithms can cause problems even in nontechnical writing; the Cupertino effect
was an example: cooperation (which some dictionaries would not recognize unless hyphenated co-operation) became Cupertino.
Some writers and organizations choose to consistently replace some words with others as part of their editorial policy, with occasionally unforeseen results. For example, the American Family Association
chose to replace all instances of the word, "gay", on its website with the word, "homosexual". Unfortunately, this caused an article about US Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay
to be littered with confusing sentences such as, "In Saturday's opening heat, Homosexual pulled way up, way too soon, and nearly was caught by the field, before accelerating again and lunging in for fourth place."
in many schools and offices. Typically, the prankster will set the victim's word processing software to replace an extremely common word with a humorous absurdity, or an incorrectly spelled version of the original word.
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
s such as Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a word processor designed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1983 under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems. Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including IBM PCs running DOS , the Apple Macintosh , the AT&T Unix PC , Atari ST , SCO UNIX,...
. Its principal purpose is as part of the spell checker
Spell checker
In computing, a spell checker is an application program that flags words in a document that may not be spelled correctly. Spell checkers may be stand-alone capable of operating on a block of text, or as part of a larger application, such as a word processor, email client, electronic dictionary,...
to correct common spelling or typing errors, saving time for the user. It is also used to automatically format
Typesetting
Typesetting is the composition of text by means of types.Typesetting requires the prior process of designing a font and storing it in some manner...
text or insert special characters by recognising particular character usage, saving the user from having to use more tedious functions.
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
| your | |
| (r) | ® |
| aboutit | about it |
| where's | |
| *bold* | bold |
| _italic_ | italic |
Additional options include recognising words with two initial capital letters (e.g. "EXample") and correcting them, capitalising the first letters of sentences, and correcting accidental use of caps lock
Caps lock
Caps lock is a key on many computer keyboards. Pressing it sets an input mode in which typed letters are uppercase by default. The keyboard remains in caps lock mode until the key is pressed again...
(e.g. eXAMPLE).
The replacement list for text replacement can also be modified by the user, allowing the user to use shortcuts. If, for example, the user is writing an essay on the industrial revolution, a replacement key can be set up to replace the 'word' "ir" with "industrial revolution", saving the user time whenever he wants to type it. For users with the patience, this facility can even be used to create a complete keyboard shorthand system, along lines similar to those of Dutton Speedwords
Dutton Speedwords
Dutton Speedwords , sometimes called rapmotz, is an international auxiliary language as well a shorthand writing system. It was invented by Reginald J. G. Dutton in 1922. It was first published in 1935 under the title International Symbolic Script and a year later using the name Speedwords...
, but with short forms instantly replaced by full forms.
Some stand-alone programs allow global text replacement across the operating system, and apply to text typed into any other application.
Disadvantages
In certain situations, automatic corrections can cause problems. This is particularly so in technical and scientific writing. For example, the biochemical cyclic adenosine monophosphateCyclic adenosine monophosphate
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate is a second messenger important in many biological processes...
is commonly referred to as "cyclic AMP", which in turn is abbreviated to "cAMP". A text replacement function may regard this capitalization to be erroneous, and so change it to "Camp", which in the context of biochemistry is incorrect. Older automatic-correction algorithms can cause problems even in nontechnical writing; the Cupertino effect
Cupertino effect
The Cupertino effect is the tendency of a spell checker to suggest or autocorrect inappropriate words to replace misspelled words and words not in its dictionary....
was an example: cooperation (which some dictionaries would not recognize unless hyphenated co-operation) became Cupertino.
Some writers and organizations choose to consistently replace some words with others as part of their editorial policy, with occasionally unforeseen results. For example, the American Family Association
American Family Association
The American Family Association is a 501 non-profit organization that promotes conservative Christian values, such as opposition to same-sex marriage, pornography, and abortion, as well as other public policy goals such as deregulation of the oil industry and lobbying against the Employee Free...
chose to replace all instances of the word, "gay", on its website with the word, "homosexual". Unfortunately, this caused an article about US Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay
Tyson Gay
Tyson Gay is an American track and field sprinter. His primary events are the 100 meters and 200 meters. His personal bests establish him as the second fastest athlete in the 100 meters and the fifth fastest athlete in the history of the 200 meters, with times of 9.69 and...
to be littered with confusing sentences such as, "In Saturday's opening heat, Homosexual pulled way up, way too soon, and nearly was caught by the field, before accelerating again and lunging in for fourth place."
Practical jokes
Misuse of text replacement software is a staple practical jokePractical joke
A practical joke is a mischievous trick played on someone, typically causing the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out, or is let in on the joke, rather than being fooled into handing over money or...
in many schools and offices. Typically, the prankster will set the victim's word processing software to replace an extremely common word with a humorous absurdity, or an incorrectly spelled version of the original word.
External links
- How to disable text replacement features (AutoFormat and AutoCorrect) in Microsoft WordMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word is a word processor designed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1983 under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems. Subsequent versions were later written for several other platforms including IBM PCs running DOS , the Apple Macintosh , the AT&T Unix PC , Atari ST , SCO UNIX,...
2007 - OOo Off the Wall: Domesticating Autocorrect