Checking spelling

Vim has a built-in spell check that you can enable with :set spell. You can also set the language with :set spelllang= followed by the two-letter code of the language and optionally a dash and the region (e.g., :set spelllang=en or :set spelllang=en-GB).

After enabling the spell checker, you can move between different mistakes with ]s and [s.

I knew about the spell check, I knew Vim highlighted spelling mistakes, and I knew how to move between the mistakes. I usually fix them manually and I never bothered to learn how to make Vim fix them for me. Until today.

Press z= and Vim will present a list of numbered suggestions. Press the equivalent number and Vim will replace the mistyped word with the one you chose. Alternatively, you can use 1z= to apply the first option without seeing the list. In fact, you can change the number and use 2z= for the second option and so on, but that increases the risk of picking the wrong option and it’s not a useful tip. I presented it here for curiosity and completeness.

• Vim
• Neovim
• Vi
• Tips
• TIL