Fix Microsoft Word Showing Spelling Errors in Comments but No Suggestions
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue in Microsoft Word where spell check identifies misspelled words in document comments but fails to provide any spelling suggestions in the right-click menu.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing or editing a document with comments and relying on the spell check feature to quickly correct typos.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays the red squiggly underline for misspelled words within comments, but right-clicking the underlined words does not offer any spelling correction suggestions.
Verify that the exact same misspelled words generate proper spelling suggestions when typed into the main body of your document. This helps rule out a global dictionary error before adjusting specific comment settings.
Adjust Proofing Language Settings for Comment Text
The most common cause for missing suggestions is that the comment text has been assigned a different or incorrect proofing language that does not match your system's dictionary.
In Microsoft Word, the 'Comment Text' style generally inherits its language setting from the 'Normal' style. However, if the proofing language was manually altered for individual characters within the comment box, the dictionary may fail to provide suggestions for that specific language.
Right-click the Word status bar at the bottom of the window and ensure the 'Language' option is checked so it is visible on the bar.
Click directly inside the misspelled word within the comment box that is missing spelling suggestions.
Click on the language name displayed in the status bar (for example, 'English (United Kingdom)').
Select your correct native proofing language from the list, ensure the box for 'Do not check spelling or grammar' is strictly unchecked, and click 'OK'.
Repair Your Microsoft Office Installation
If the proofing language settings are perfectly configured but spelling suggestions are still missing across all comments, repairing the Office application can resolve underlying software glitches.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document Reviewing
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with spell-check glitches and requires frequent application repairs, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust editing and proofing tools without heavy resource usage or complex troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word underline words but give no suggestions?
Word might not have a dictionary entry for that specific misspelling, or the text might be assigned a proofing language that is not fully installed on your operating system.
Does the Comment Text style affect spell check?
Yes. The Comment Text style typically inherits language settings from your default Normal style. If the Comment Text style is manually altered or corrupted, it can disable dictionary suggestions for comments while keeping them active for the main body text.
How do I reset or check my default dictionary in Word?
Go to File > Options > Proofing, and click on 'Custom Dictionaries'. Ensure your desired default dictionary is actively selected and that the dictionary language matches your document's primary language.
Can I apply the correct proofing language to the entire document at once?
Yes. Press Ctrl + A to select the entire document, click the language in the status bar at the bottom, select your correct language, uncheck 'Do not check spelling or grammar', and click OK.
