Word formalize option that converts chat shortcuts into correct wo

[zoon24]

I hope I'm posting my suggestion in the right forum.

My suggestion is a new feature in MS Word that can "formalize" text when the
user clicks it. Basically, this feature converts non-formal English into
correct English words and grammar based on user's preferences. That is, the
user can create a list of chat and easy text shortcuts such as "cuz for
because", "im for I am", "wtv for whatever". The user can type a formal
document using these shortcuts, however upon turning on the feature, all the
text converts to the pre-defined correct English words. The difference
between this feature and current automatic text replacement and spell check
is that:
1- it is not automatically turned on, the user has to press a button or
activate it only when needed
2- it is user predefined for his most common and preferred shortcuts
3- it revolves mainly on writing formal letters and papers

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http://www.microsoft.com/office/com...c11f8e88&dg=microsoft.public.word.vba.general

 

[Gordon Bentley-Mix]

Probably not the right forum since this one is for questions about Word
VBA...

In any case, I can't see it happening myself. As has been discussed many
times in the "right" forum (known variously as "General Questions",
..docmanagement, etc.), machine translation of foreign languages is spotty at
best; there's simply no substitute for a human. And given that chat/text
shorthand is even more variable and less structured than most foreign
languages, the prospect of automating the process of translating it becomes
even less likely. Ultimately, the best approach is the same as that usually
recommended for *any* writing task: learn the rules of the language and
apply them yourself.

And just as a personal aside: I'd really hate to see a "feature" like this
even considered. IMO, chat/text shorthand is an abomination that has no
place in formal writing. It should remain where it started: in IM and SMS
messages only. Adding such a feature would just encourage the further
corruption of language. It's bad enough that my teenaged step-daughter says
"LOL" when she thinks something is funny. No point in making it even easier
for her generation to be lazy and sloppy.