Office Settings & Configuration

How to Report Incorrect Mac and Mc Name Spellings in Word

Muhammad Talha Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to report spell-check errors in Microsoft Word that falsely flag valid Scottish and Irish surnames starting with Mac or Mc.

How to Report Incorrect Mac and Mc Name Spellings in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the spell checker and encountering false errors for historically Gaelic surnames.
Observed behavior: The English spelling dictionary in Word accepts some names like McDonald but flags many other valid Mac and Mc surnames as misspelled or incorrectly auto-corrects their capitalization.

Before you start

Gather a list of the specific surnames that are incorrectly flagged by the spell checker, and ensure your device is connected to the internet to submit feedback.

Solution 1Recommended

Report Spelling Errors via the Word Feedback Tool

Submit inconsistencies in the spelling dictionary directly to Microsoft so missing Scottish and Irish surnames can be added to future dictionary updates.

While standard names like McDonald and McEnroe are natively recognized by the spell checker, many other valid surnames with Gaelic origins are incorrectly treated as errors. Reporting these specific names helps improve the standard English dictionaries for all users.

Open Microsoft Word

Launch Microsoft Word and open a document where the specific Mac or Mc surnames are being flagged by the spell checker.

Navigate to the Help Menu

Click on the 'Help' tab located in the top ribbon menu of the application.

Access the Feedback Tool

Click on the 'Feedback' icon. A side panel will open on the right side of the screen with options to send feedback.

Submit the Report

Select 'I don't like something' or 'Report a problem'. Clearly explain that valid Mac and Mc surnames are being incorrectly flagged by the spelling dictionary, and provide the specific examples you gathered.

Report Spelling Errors via the Word Feedback Tool

Temporary Local Fix: While waiting for a dictionary update, you can right-click any flagged name in your document and select 'Add to Dictionary' to stop Word from flagging it on your local device.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Flexible Spell Checking

If you are frustrated by inflexible spelling dictionaries, consider trying WPS Office. WPS Writer is a free, lightweight alternative that offers robust spell-checking, easy custom dictionary management, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word formats.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document to begin editing.
3. Add Names to Custom Dictionary: Right-click any valid surname that is flagged, and select 'Add to Dictionary' to ensure it is permanently recognized in your future documents.

Easily manage custom dictionaries to include all your frequently used Mac and Mc surnames.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx).Lightweight application that uses minimal system resources.Familiar and highly intuitive user interface for a seamless transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word flag Scottish and Irish surnames?

Word relies on a built-in English dictionary. While highly common names are included, many valid historically Gaelic surnames have not yet been added to the default dictionary, causing the spell checker to incorrectly flag them as misspelled.

How do I stop Word from auto-correcting the capitalization of Mac and Mc names?

Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the 'Exceptions' tab, you can specify words that should not be automatically capitalized or corrected by the software.

Can I manually add names to the Word spelling dictionary?

Yes. When a name is underlined in red, simply right-click the word and select 'Add to Dictionary'. The spell checker will no longer flag this specific name as an error on your computer.

Office App Problems