How to Check Inclusive Language in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word can help ensure that your writing is free from exclusionary language, such as gender or age bias, by checking for potential issues during the proofreading process. However, this feature is not enabled by default. If you want to use it to promote inclusive language, follow these steps.
Note that the inclusive language feature is only available in the version of Word provided with a Microsoft 365 subscription. It is not accessible in standalone versions such as Office 2019 or earlier.
To get started, open your Word document. From the “Home” tab, click Editor and then select Settings. Alternatively, you can access this option by going to File > Options, selecting Proofing, and clicking the Settings button. In the “Inclusiveness” section, check the boxes for the language issues you want Word to flag, and click OK.
Once activated, the grammar checker will identify non-inclusive terms, such as “whitelist” or “blacklist,” and suggest alternative wording. The tool primarily targets subtle biases, flagging words like “mankind” and recommending “humankind” or “humanity.” However, it does not flag more obvious racial slurs, likely because they are already widely recognized as offensive.
For additional tips on creating professional and inclusive documents, explore further resources on improving your writing in Word.