Bug in MS Word

Jack Purdum 20 Reputation points
2026-10-27T17:47:43.5+00:00

I'm writing a book using Word, and noticed this while reviewing it:

The power source could be a simnple wall wart that supplies 5V DC as its output. In that case, you may wish to substitute an appropriate power jack to receive the plug from the power source.

Now we queried Chat to generate an image and wiring table for the Remote unit:

Notice the third word "simnple" was not flagged as an error of any kind. I would think it should have flagged as least a spelling error.

Jack Purdum, Ph.D.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows
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AI answer

2026-10-27T17:48:21.2166667+00:00

Type simnple in a new blank Word document: if it is still accepted, remove it from the custom dictionary; if it is flagged there, correct the proofing settings in the book document.

If “simnple” is not flagged in a new document

It may have been accidentally added to a custom dictionary:

  1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → Custom Dictionaries.
  2. Select the active dictionary—normally the checked dictionary at the top—and choose Edit Word List.
  3. Find simnple, select it, and choose Delete.
  4. Close the dialogs, return to the book, and press F7.

Words added to a custom dictionary are accepted by Office spelling checkers until removed from that dictionary.^1^

If it is not listed, reset words previously ignored in this document:

  1. Open File → Options → Proofing.
  2. Select Recheck Document.
  3. Confirm the reset, select OK, and press F7.

This clears the current document’s remembered spelling and grammar exclusions so Word checks them again.^2^

If it is flagged in a new document

The affected text likely has different proofing formatting. Proofing language is stored with text, so pasted passages or particular styles can behave differently.

  1. In the book document, press Ctrl+A.
  2. Open Review → Language → Set Proofing Language.
  3. Select the intended language, such as English (United States).
  4. Clear Do not check spelling or grammar.
    • If its box appears filled or indeterminate, click it until it is completely clear.
  5. Clear Detect language automatically.
  6. Select OK, then press F7.

Word deliberately skips text marked as “no proofing,” including during a manual spelling check.^3^ Resetting the language and clearing Do not check spelling or grammar for the complete document is the established correction when only certain passages are skipped.^4^

Check automatic underlining

If F7 finds the error but no red underline appears while typing:

  1. Open File → Options → Proofing.
  2. Enable Check spelling as you type.
  3. Under Exceptions for, select the book document.
  4. Clear Hide spelling errors in this document only.

Word normally marks potential spelling errors with a red squiggly line; these settings control whether that marking is displayed.^2^

References

  1. Add or edit words in a spell check dictionary
  2. [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/office/check-spelling-and-grammar-in-office)
  3. Languages object (Word)
  4. Why has spelling check stopped working? - Microsoft Q&A
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  1. Stefan Blom 357.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-27T18:58:02.8833333+00:00

    Select the misspelled word and visit the Language dialog box (Review tab > Language group > Language > Set Proofing Language).

    Ensure that the appropriate language is selected in the dialog box and also that "Do not check spelling or grammar" is cleared.

    See the screen shot below.

    Note that you may have to exit the dialog box, select all the content in the document, go back to the dialog box and (re-)apply the correct language to all the text. Again, click "Do not check spelling ..." to make sure that it is completely cleared.

    For almost everything on proofing in Word, see Suzanne S. Barnhill's article at http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/MasterSpellCheck.htm .

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