How to allow specific double words in spellcheck

[Wyndham]

It is generally preferred that spellcheck will notify as an error if a word has been repeated, but there are certain 'double words' that are valid. At the very least it should be possible to tell spellcheck that a ''double word' is okay.

For example, the naval form of address, aye aye, is flagged as an error but is actually correct. Similarly, 'hear hear' is commonly used, and in this context, correct.

I am copy editing a story where aye aye is used hundreds of times and it is very irritating, not to mention time consuming, when it keeps on coming up as a spellcheck error.

Is there a workaround for this?

[JimP]

You can add those terms to the current 2010 dictionary by going to "FILE / OPTIONS / PROOFING / Custom Dictionaries...".

This link may help you: http://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Word-to...Microsoft-Word.

[Charles Kenyon]

You could select one instance of "aye aye" and apply a custom character style with the language setting checked for "do not check spelling or grammar." Then do a replace for "aye aye" replacing it with "aye aye" with your no-proofing character style applied.

I would save the style to your template for future use.

You should note that such a style or actually the setting itself, is sticky. If you copy text with it and change the text, it will, invisibly, continue to be exempt from spell checks until the style (no-proofing formatting) is removed from the text.

[Charles Kenyon]

Originally Posted by JimP

You can add those terms to the current 2010 dictionary by going to "FILE / OPTIONS / PROOFING / Custom Dictionaries...".

This link may help you: http://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Word-to...Microsoft-Word.

This does not work with the double-word check since the single word is spelled correctly. I also tried it with a non-breaking space but that made no difference.

My go-to page for spelling utility issues in Word is Mastering the Spelling Checker by Suzanne Barnhill.

[Charles Kenyon]

See cross-post on the Microsoft Answers site.

[Wyndham]

Thank you for the responses.

In particular, thank you Charles for the link to Suzanne's article. Very informative.

I will try the non-breaking space solution offered in the other forum.

Incidentally, I use Ginger to spell-check posts such as this. Essential if you have slightly clumsy fingers... (as I do)