Office Settings & Configuration

How to Use Word AutoCorrect for French and English Simultaneously

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to use AutoCorrect features for both French and English within the same document.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a bilingual or multilingual document requiring automated corrections in multiple languages.
Observed behavior: AutoCorrect entries are tied to specific languages, meaning the correct language attribute must be applied to the text for the appropriate AutoCorrect lists to trigger.

Before you start

Ensure that you have installed the language proofing tools for both French and English in your word processing software.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Specific Languages to Text Sections

Assign the correct language to your French and English text so the software can use the appropriate AutoCorrect lists for each language.

AutoCorrect dictionaries are intrinsically tied to specific languages. To make French and English AutoCorrect function simultaneously in a single document, you must tell the software which language each part of your text uses.

Select the French text

Highlight the portion of the text in your document that is written in French.

Set the proofing language

Navigate to the Review tab on the top ribbon, click on the Language button, and select 'Set Proofing Language'.

Apply French

Select French from the list of available languages and click OK. Word will now use the French AutoCorrect list for this section.

Repeat for English text

Highlight your English text, return to the Language settings, and set the proofing language to English to apply the English AutoCorrect list.

Automatic Language Detection: You can also enable 'Detect language automatically' in the Set Proofing Language dialog box. This allows the software to attempt to switch dictionaries on the fly as you type in different languages.

Efficient Multilingual Editing

Manage Multilingual Documents Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers robust language tools, allowing you to set proofing languages for different parts of your text and seamlessly apply language-specific AutoCorrect rules. It handles bilingual editing effortlessly and integrates perfectly with your existing workflow.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your bilingual document.
2. Select the text: Highlight the specific English or French text you want to format.
3. Access spell check settings: Go to the Review tab, click on the 'Spell Check' dropdown, and select 'Set Language'.
4. Apply the correct language: Choose English or French from the language list and click OK to apply the correct AutoCorrect dictionary to your selection.

Easily switch proofing languages for bilingual documents.Full compatibility with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Lightweight installation with built-in spell check and AutoCorrect tools.Free to use for everyday word processing tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my AutoCorrect changing French words to English?

This happens when the proofing language for the entire document is set to English. The software attempts to correct French words using the English dictionary. Select your French text and change the proofing language to French to fix this.

Can AutoCorrect automatically detect whether I am typing in English or French?

Yes, most word processors have a 'Detect language automatically' feature in the Language settings. However, it usually requires you to type a complete sentence or two before it accurately recognizes the language shift.

Do I need to download additional dictionaries for French AutoCorrect?

If the French proofing tools were not installed with your initial software setup, you may need to download the French language pack from your software's language settings to enable both AutoCorrect and spell check.

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