Microsoft went big in 2020 when it released its new editing tool, Editor. Given all of its juiced-up functionality, it’s worth the straightforward review of your current Word settings and adjusting them to fit your preferences and writing needs. (No one wants to live and edit by Microsoft’s “default” settings, do they?)

“While Microsoft has had spelling and grammar correction in Word and other Office apps for as long as I can remember, Microsoft Editor doubles down on the feature by offering up AI-powered writing suggestions that go well beyond the usual fare.”

Napier Lopez

Question 1: Where do you look? It’s as simple as File –> Options –> Proofing. Here’s a quick how-to video (including suggestions on modifying some default preferences).

The last half of the video is a long, long scroll through all of the grammar and refinement topics. They are not always self-explanatory. Microsoft, fortunately, posted a 34-page guidance. Oddly (or not), it’s only a downloadable .docx file. For your convenience, I’m posting it here as a viewable and downloadable .pdf:

Fullscreen Mode

Question 2: What did I select? Here’s what works for me:

• Uncheck: Ignore words in UPPERCASE. (All-caps is not an encouraged practice but you don’t want those typos to slip through!)
• Check: Check spelling as you type. (I like the colors under my words to flag that I need to review something.)
• Check: Mark grammar errors as you type.
• For the Grammar & Refinements, within the Settings button, it’s a matter of personal preference. I have everything checked, except:
  • Word split
  • Adjective order
  • Passive voice with Unknown Actor
  • Sentence Structure
  • Split infinitives
  • Use of Euphemisms
  • Whether vs If
  • Progressive Use
  • Informal language
  • Missing Auxiliary in Question
  • Number Formatting
  • Noun-Pronoun Agreement
  • Preposition at End of Clause
  • Slang
  • Adjust spacing between sentences to either one or two space.
  • Avoid First Person References
  • Unsuitable expressions
  • Vague Quantifiers
  • Vague Verbs
  • Geopolitical References
  • Conventional Phrasing
  • Profanity
  • Region-Specific Words

Gentle reminder: The settings can only be helpful if you click and use Editor during your writing!

Review –> Editor

Happy writing! And editing!