Autocorrect and Predictive Text: AI at Your Fingertips
How does your phone know what you're trying to type? Learn how autocorrect and predictive text work—and why they sometimes fail hilariously.
TL;DR
Autocorrect and predictive text use AI trained on billions of typed words to fix typos and suggest next words. They learn your personal writing style over time.
How autocorrect works
- Detects typo: "teh" isn't a word
- Finds similar words: "the," "tea," "ten"
- Picks most likely: Based on frequency and context
- Replaces: "teh" → "the"
How predictive text works
- Analyzes what you've typed: "I'm going to the..."
- Predicts likely next words: "store," "gym," "beach"
- Suggests top 3 options: Tap to insert
Why it's helpful
- Fixes typos automatically
- Speeds up typing
- Reduces effort on small screens
- Learns your vocabulary (names, slang)
Why it fails
- Misreads context ("ducking" autocorrect disasters)
- Doesn't know your intent
- Learns bad habits if you misspell often
- Struggles with names and new words
Tips for better autocorrect
- Add custom words to dictionary
- Disable autocorrect for specific apps (like notes)
- Reset keyboard dictionary if it's learned too many mistakes
- Proofread before sending important messages
What's next
- AI in Smartphones
- Natural Language Processing Basics
- AI Writing Assistance
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