When using Microsoft Word, one can, if a word is flagged as misspelt, choose to add it to an internal dictionary of words that have been misdiagnosed as wrong.

However, if one proceeds to use another form of this word, either in plural, genitive or something else, more often than not this is also flagged as incorrect, necessitating one to add the variant to the dictionary as well.

I propose that, when a word is added, the computer also adds other likely forms of that word. If this proves too faulty, the selection of adding to the dictionary could be enhanced, with different options for "Add noun to dictionary", "Add verb to dictionary" etc..

It need not work flawlessly, but I dare say that not being told off every time I used a new form of whatever word I am using would be very convenient nevertheless.
-- dbmag9, Feb 03 2008

"Stemming" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stemming
I don't think this is used in Word, but various search engines utilise algorithms that operate a bit like this. [zen_tom, Feb 03 2008]

"couth"

(though the Scottish-born Mrs AWOL tell me that so-and-so may be un-pejoratively described as "couthy")
-- AbsintheWithoutLeave, Feb 03 2008


I'd rather have to "add to dictionary" than risk a misspelling.(-) I have a hard enough time with words that I accidentally approved that I need removed.
-- MisterQED, Feb 03 2008


I'm with MisterQED. I suspect the alumnuss of major universitys will be with me on this one. Some of these problems could be circumvented, but only if the software knowed a lot about the whies and wherefores of English.
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Feb 03 2008


I think there have been a number of attempts to create neural networks that scan through a set of training documents and determine, through contextual positioning and some amount of stem-awareness, a stochastic view of how well constructed English is formed.
-- zen_tom, Feb 04 2008



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