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How to Restore Spelling Suggestions and Ignore Options in Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to restore standard context menu options like spelling suggestions, dictionary, ignore, and grammar checks when right-clicking a misspelled word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Right-clicking a misspelled word while editing or proofreading a document to correct spelling errors.
- Observed behavior
- The context menu incorrectly displays only the 'Add to AutoCorrect' option, completely missing the standard spelling suggestions and 'Ignore' options.
Ensure that your macOS and Microsoft Word installations are fully updated to the latest versions, as outdated software can occasionally cause user interface and context menu glitches.
Verify Proofing Language Settings
Ensuring the correct proofing language is applied and the spell check feature is enabled often restores the missing context menu options.
Sometimes, the proofing language for the selected text gets changed or disabled by accident. Re-applying the correct language settings forces Word to recognize the text and provide the appropriate spelling suggestions.
Open your document in Microsoft Word for Mac. Navigate to the top menu ribbon and click on the 'Review' tab.
Click on the 'Language' button and select 'Set Proofing Language' from the drop-down menu.
Select your correct document language from the list. Crucially, ensure that the checkbox next to 'Do not check spelling or grammar' is completely unchecked.
Click 'OK' to save the settings. Right-click a misspelled word in your document to verify that the spelling suggestions and ignore options have returned.
Reset the Word Normal Template
If adjusting the language settings does not work, deleting a corrupted default template (Normal.dotm) forces Word to generate a fresh one, which can resolve stubborn UI glitches.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless and Error-Free Writing Experience on Mac
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to suffer from missing spelling suggestions or interface glitches, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust, built-in spell check and proofing tools—completely free of charge.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package tailored for macOS.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) document seamlessly.
- 3. Enjoy Flawless Proofing: Right-click any misspelled word to instantly access accurate spelling suggestions, dictionary options, and grammar tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my spell check only show 'Add to AutoCorrect' in Word for Mac?
This usually happens when the document's proofing language is unrecognized by the system, the 'Do not check spelling or grammar' setting is accidentally checked, or the default Normal.dotm template has become corrupted.
Will deleting Normal.dotm erase my documents or text?
No. Deleting the Normal.dotm file only resets your default formatting preferences and macros (like default fonts or margins) for new documents. Your saved files, text, and data will remain completely intact.
How do I add a new dictionary language in Word for Mac?
Go to the Review tab, click Language, and select Set Proofing Language. Choose the language you want to add from the list, and click 'Default' if you want it applied to all future documents you create.
Does WPS Office on Mac support right-click spelling suggestions?
Yes, WPS Writer fully supports right-click context menus for misspelled words, providing instant access to correct spelling suggestions, ignore options, and the ability to add words to a custom dictionary.
