Blog Post

The dangers of using predictive text in business

Kelly Owen • Aug 23, 2017

We live in technical times. One would think, with increasingly smart language technology, such as predictive text and advanced grammar checkers, there would be less need for proofreading. That the work is done for us. However, as professional proofreaders, we're seeing more documents coming through that appear to have been written on a tablet or smartphone and this creates a new problem...

Say the writer finishes a report on the train home, on their phone or iPad. There's no time (and limited functionality) to edit, so it then gets sent straight to the designer. Job done.

The reason we can tell this is happening is because we're seeing some unusual spelling substitutions in the documents we proofread.

Where you can often check a mis-keying by looking at the keyboard and seeing that an adjoining key was pressed by mistake, with predictive text whole words are replaced with what an unrefined algorithm thinks you wanted to say (based on words you may have typed before in a text message or similar words it recognises using the letters or numbers you've pressed). It can have some interesting outcomes!

We know that predictive text has created some amusing and embarrassing mistakes in texting and messaging. There are numerous websites that record funny examples, such as www.damnyouautocorrect.com and even a board game where players have to guess the intended word! However, with the rise in 'working on the go', this trend of bizarre errors is creeping into documents of a more-important nature.

The problem with predictive text errors is that the word replacement often doesn't reflect the intended word at all, so the reader is left confused about what is meant.

An example in a brochure we saw recently was:

In a bid to raise mine for charity...

When typing this sentence on a standard keyboard, you wouldn't type 'mine' instead of 'money'; however, using predictive text, the word 'mine' can appear as a substitute, especially if you are typing quickly. A spell checker would not have picked this up as there is no spelling error, and a sophisticated grammar checker may have picked it up (the standard grammar checker in Word 2010 missed this!).

Autocorrect errors are usually funny and harmless in a personal situation; however, no business professional wants to be laughed at for making silly mistakes. More worrying is a 2009 study which found predictive text messaging changes the way children's brains work and makes them more likely to make mistakes generally.

Scientists said the system trains young people to be fast but inaccurate. This 'need for speed' is at risk of spilling over into the professional world where accuracy in communications is key.

It goes to show that proofreading, in spite of, and especially with, automated spelling technology, is still as important as ever.

Hands working at a laptop with a notebook and mug on the desk
By Kelly Owen 20 Jan, 2024
In the fast-paced digital world, your website serves as the virtual face of your business. Ensuring that it is polished, error-free, and professional is essential for making a positive impression on your audience. Proofreading your website thoroughly is a critical step in maintaining a high level of credibility. Here are five key elements to focus on when proofreading your website: 1. Check spelling and grammar The importance of correct spelling and grammar cannot be overstated. These errors can significantly impact the perception of your professionalism. A website riddled with typos and grammatical mistakes may give the impression of carelessness, potentially turning away potential customers. Take the time to review all written content on your website, from product descriptions to blog posts, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and error-free, or better still, employ a freelance proofreader who can really look at it with expert and fresh eyes. 2. Use consistent branding and tone Consistency is key when it comes to branding and tone. Ensure that your messaging aligns with your brand identity across all pages. Inconsistencies can create confusion and dilute your brand's impact. Pay attention to the tone of your content as well – whether it's formal, casual, or informative, maintain a consistent voice throughout your website to establish a strong and recognisable brand personality. 3. Test the functionality and user experience Beyond textual content, the functionality and user experience of your website play a crucial role in its success. Check for broken links, missing images, or any other technical issues that might hinder the user experience. A seamless, user-friendly interface not only improves the overall perception of your website but also contributes to higher user engagement and satisfaction. 4. SEO optimisation Optimising your website for search engines is vital for attracting organic traffic. While proofreading, pay attention to your meta titles, meta descriptions and keyword usage. Ensure that your content is not only well-written but also includes relevant keywords to enhance its visibility in search engine results, but don't stuff them in! A well-optimised website is more likely to rank higher, increasing its chances of being discovered by a broader audience. 5. Ensure mobile responsiveness With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, it's crucial to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. Test your website's responsiveness on various devices to guarantee a seamless experience for users regardless of the platform they are using. Mobile responsiveness not only improves user satisfaction but also contributes to better search engine rankings, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites. Proofreading your website is an ongoing process that directly impacts your online presence. By meticulously reviewing these five elements –spelling and grammar, consistent branding, functionality, SEO optimisation and mobile responsiveness – you can ensure that your website reflects the level of professionalism and attention to detail that your audience expects. A well-proofread website not only enhances your credibility but also contributes to a positive user experience, ultimately driving the success of your online presence. Find out more about outsourcing to a professional proofreader at ultimateproof.co.uk
hands on a keyboard
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