Word prediction technology: What it is and how it works

Word prediction detects letters as the user types them. It then suggests likely words on the screen. A user can click on a suggested word to insert it into the writing.

Some word prediction tools have advanced features. These include:

• Tools that read word choices aloud with text-to-speech. This is important for people who struggle with reading.

• Tools that suggest words based on “fuzzy spelling.” The tool predicts likely words that the user might be trying to spell. For example, when someone types “fon,” the word prediction list will include “phone” as one of the choices.

• Word prediction tools that make suggestions on specific topics. Some tools allow users to pick a dictionary related to a topic. The software is then more likely to show the words users want to type. This feature can help in school subject areas and in professions that use vocabularies with long, hard-to-spell terms.

• Tools that show word suggestions in example sentences. This can help people decide between words that are confusing, like there, their, and they’re.

Explore other assistive technology tools for writing.

Word prediction is available on many platforms.

• Built-in word prediction: Basic, free word prediction is part of almost every device. You don’t need to purchase or download anything to use these built-in tools. 

• Word prediction apps: There are many word prediction apps to download on smartphones and digital tablets. Sometimes, the technology is part of a word processor application. Examples include iWordQ and Spell Better. Or it may be included as part of an onscreen keyboard, like Co:Writer Universal, Read&Write, or Dyslexia Keyboard.

• Word prediction included in software programs: There are some literacy software programs for desktop and laptop computers. They offer word prediction in addition to other reading and writing tools. Examples include Clicker 7, Kurzweil 3000, and Ghotit Real Writer & Reader.

Learn more about assistive technology that’s built into devices.

People who struggle with writing may have difficulty finding, choosing, spelling, or typing the words. By making suggestions, word prediction makes this process easier. Here are some of the ways it can help:

• People who have trouble spelling can broaden the range of words they use while writing. Without word prediction, people may avoid words they can’t spell and use simpler language.

• People can use word prediction as extra support, so they can focus on the ideas they’re trying to express.

• People who struggle with motor skills need to press just a few keys to type a complete, correctly spelled word.

Find questions to ask at school or at work about how assistive technology can be helpful.