How to Use the Inclusive Language Check in Microsoft Office

Summary

Microsoft has inclusive language proofing features to the web based Office 365 applications and some of the desktop Office applications. These features are not automatically enabled, and this resource will show you how to turn these features on.

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Table of Contents

Inclusive Language Resources

How to Use Inclusive Language Check in MS Office

Microsoft Word on Mac

Microsoft Word on PC

Inclusive Language Resources

In order to gain a better understanding of the importance of using inclusive language, please refer to the following Ithaca College Resources below:

Ithaca College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Pronouns, Gender, Names - Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services

How to Use Inclusive Language Check in MS Office

Below are the steps to include inclusive language proofing in the grammar check of Microsoft products: 

Microsoft Word on Mac

1. Click “Word” from the Mac menu bar

word screenshot

2. Click on “Spelling & Grammar”

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3. Under “Grammar” ensure “Check grammar as you type” is enabled, and then open the “Grammar & Refinements” settings

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4. Scroll through the “Grammar and style options” list until you find the inclusive language settings (they are grouped together, but there is heading)

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5. Be sure to select the following:

Age bias, Cultural bias, Ethnic Slurs, Gender Bias, Gender-Neutral Pronouns, Gender-Specific Language, Racial Bias, Sexual Orientation, and Socioeconomic Bias (not pictured above).

Microsoft Word on PC

1. Click “File” at the top left of the Word screen.

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2. Click “Options” at the bottom of the “File” menu.

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3. Select “Proofing” on the left, enable “Mark grammar errors as you type," and then open the “Grammar & Refinements” settings.

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4. Scroll down to the “Inclusiveness” section and enable the following: Age Bias, Cultural Bias, Ethnic Slurs, Gender Bias, Gender-Neutral Pronouns, Gender-Specific Language, Racial Bias, and Sexual Orientation Bias

word screenshot

Details

Details

Article ID: 1441
Created
Thu 4/27/23 11:21 AM
Modified
Tue 5/7/24 10:13 AM