Dictionary and Thesaurus Software.

Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus.

We have seen how the spelling and grammar checker in MS Word can help us produce fewer errors in our text, and how Word’s thesaurus can help us find the exact word we are looking for. A standard spell-checker, however, will only tell you if the word you have written is spelt correctly, it will not tell you the meaning of the word, or how it can be used in context.

Similarly, a thesaurus is often only really helpful if you are given the meanings of the alternative words you are offered.

Many well-known dictionaries are also available in software form and can be excellent resources when using a computer to write. Although they do not usually have the ability to have all words and their definitions spoken back, they can be used in conjunction with speech output software.

Related AbilityNet factsheets and skillsheets (Adobe PDF Files):

Download a copy of the accessible version of Acrobat Reader. Visit the Online conversion tools for Adobe PDF documents page which allows you to convert PDF documents into HTML or text formats.

• Dyslexia and Computing (PDF)
• Dyslexia and Voice Recognition Software (PDF)
• Spelling and Grammar Options in MS Word (PDF)

For more information visit the AbilityNet website.