How does the Microsoft SwiftKey Prediction Bar work?

1. How to add words
2. How to correct words
• Does Microsoft SwiftKey have a spell check?
3. How to remove words
• Does Microsoft SwiftKey have an undo function?
4. How does capitalization work?
• Why are random words being capitalized?
5. Can I turn the prediction bar off?

Your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard is all about prediction, and, most importantly, predicting the words that you are going to want to write next (next word prediction).

Microsoft SwiftKey has a 'prediction bar' along the top of the keyboard that offers you three options to choose from. To enter these words into your text field, you can either tap the word on the prediction bar or press the spacebar to insert the middle prediction. 

1 - Adding words

Teaching your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard to speak the way you do is easy. Microsoft SwiftKey also learns from you as you type, and you can always teach Microsoft SwiftKey a new word.

If you have selected 'Autocorrect' and/or the 'Quick prediction insert' option within your 'Typing' settings, then Microsoft SwiftKey will automatically insert a prediction for you when you tap the spacebar. If you are trying to type a new word that Microsoft SwiftKey hasn't learned before (and therefore won't predict), all you need to is tap the left hand or middle prediction (depending on text field) which will contain your verbatim text.

If you have chosen not to select 'Autocorrect' or 'Auto insert prediction' then pressing spacebar will insert a space for you instead of inserting a prediction. In that case, to enter your verbatim text you simply need to type the word and press space. 

2 - Correcting words

If you accidentally insert an incorrect word and realize right away, then there's a quick fix that saves a lot of time and hassle:

1. Tap backspace so that the cursor is at the end of the incorrect word.
2. Check the prediction bar - there is a good chance Microsoft SwiftKey will offer you your intended word in one of the predictions boxes (and if not, just tap backspace a few more times and watch the predictions change).
3. Simply tap the correct prediction and it will replace your incorrect word in the text field.

Even if you spot a typo earlier on in your text, it's very easy to correct in a similar way:

1. Tap the word in your text field to select.
2. Tap backspace until you see your desired word.
3. Tap the correct prediction and your typo will be replaced.

Is there a spell check in Microsoft SwiftKey?

Microsoft SwiftKey doesn't offer a dedicated spell check option within the app. However, your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard should offer you correctly spelled predictions based on the word you are typing. For example, if you start typing 'neces' you should be offered predictions such as 'necessary', 'necessarily', or 'necessity'. In this way, Microsoft SwiftKey does help to insert correctly spelled words.

3 - How do I get rid of a word I don't want?

If you have mistyped something or your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard has learned something you'd prefer to keep hidden, it's very simple to remove a word from being predicted on your prediction bar:

1. Long press (tap and hold) the word on the prediction bar.
2. Tap 'OK' from the pop up.

Does Microsoft SwiftKey have an undo function?

Your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard doesn't currently offer a dedicated 'undo' button. However, if you realize you have made a mistake, you can press backspace to see the previous selection of predictions. If your desired word is one of the predictions, just tap to replace the incorrect word.

You can also tap in the text field to place the cursor.

4 - Capitalization

In Microsoft SwiftKey, you can switch between caps and lower case characters simply by tapping the shift key. The shift key has three states which are easily identified by a change in design:

1. First letter caps - half filled color
2. Caps lock - filled color
3. All lower case - no fill

While the cursor is touching any word, you have the option to tap ‘shift’ to cycle through different caps cases, Title Case, ALL CAPS, and lowercase. This will help you fix the word without having to re-type it.

Additionally, you can choose to have your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard automatically capitalize the first letter after a period/exclamation mark/question mark by selecting 'Auto capitalize' in your 'Typing' settings.

Why are random words being capitalized?

From time-to-time (and for reasons unknown), this may happen. To remedy:

1. Long press the word in the prediction bar
2. Select ‘do not predict again'
3. Tap on the correct lowercase version

5 - Can I turn the prediction bar off?

Predictions are an integral part of the Microsoft SwiftKey experience, therefore the prediction bar cannot be turned off or hidden.

Read more: How do I turn off Microsoft SwiftKey Auto Insert Predictions?