Unlock a secret tech tool to decode word meanings! Discover the “syllables & parts of speech” feature in Microsoft applications, a tool designed to enhance your vocabulary acquisition. Understanding a word’s syllables and its grammatical role is a powerful strategy for deciphering its meaning. For instance, breaking a word into syllables not only aids in pronunciation but also helps you grasp its roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Additionally, recognizing the parts of speech clarifies how a word functions within a sentence—whether it represents an action, a person, place, or thing, or describes another word. Try this strategy today by logging into your free Microsoft or Google account and following the instructions below!
The benefits of viewing the syllables and parts of speech of a word:
- Helps with word pronunciation
- Aids in deciphering word meaning by the root, prefix, or suffix
- Easier vocabulary acquisition
Remember to keep some offline solutions in your environment when reading paper materials or when technology is unavailable (no battery power or lost WiFi connection). For example, have a traditional paper dictionary, translation dictionary, or similar items on your shelf.
Microsoft: Grammar Options
Immersive Reader Grammar Options in Word Online
Access the syllables and part of speech feature quickly using the Immersive Reader.
- Open a document.
- Select the View tab.
- Choose Immersive Reader.
- Press the Grammar Options (lines & wand icon).
- Choose to enable syllables or different parts of speech.
- View the results in the document.
Remember: Immersive Reader, therefore the Picture Dictionary, is available in many other Microsoft products. Read the article Where is Immersive Reader?
Google: View syllables and part of speech in the digital dictionaries
Use the digital dictionary in Docs and Slides to view the syllables and parts of speech of a word. Also, install the Google Dictionary extension for the Chrome web browser to view the syllables and parts of speech of a word in the web browser.
These tools are discussed in greater depth in the article on digital dictionaries.
More tools to aid in vocabulary comprehension
To help with vocabulary comprehension, try these additional 5 strategies. These technology tools are built into Microsoft Word Online, the Microsoft Edge web browser, Google Docs, and/or the Google Chrome web browser.
Resources
Tips for learning new vocabulary
5 Strategies for Understanding New Vocabulary – helpful article from Literacy in Focus
Subscription web browser extensions with vocabulary comprehension support
These resources are provided simply to create awareness about additional options for vocabulary strategies. It is a curated list of web browser extensions in alphabetical order.
Helperbird – A toolbar with digital support tools for reading. Helperbird has a digital dictionary with audio pronunciation and a translation tool. Plus, the Helperbird toolbar has a button to access Immersive Reader and the tools such as the Picture Dictionary. Install as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Kurzweil 3000 – Software with digital support tools for reading and writing. Kurzweil 3000 has a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, talking dictionary, translation tool, text-to-speech, and vocabulary study guides. Can install as a browser extension. Free trail period.
Read&Write – A software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Read&Write includes a digital dictionary, picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free 30 day trial.
Snap&Read – Another software toolbar with digital support tools for reading and writing. Snap&Read includes a picture dictionary, translation tool, and text-to-speech for pronunciation. Can be installed as a browser extension. Free trial period.
Note: Some educational institutions and workplaces have a subscription to these software packages as part of inclusion practices. Check to see if you have already have access to these tools through your school or employer, if applicable.
Start your journey to greater efficiency
Are you ready to transform the way you learn, work, or manage tasks at home? My mission is to help you implement mainstream assistive technology to enhance your daily life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
< To the Reading Toolkit page