Two Investigations into Intelligent Text Processing

The collection of computerised functions we refer to as text processing probably accounts for the use of more machine cycles, on personal computers at least, than any other range of applications. In particular, word processing is probably the single largest application of personal computing power: yet, although computers have made it easy to put words on paper and on screens, so far they have provided very little help in ensuring that the result is high-quality, error-free text. Most users are familiar with the use of spelling checkers, and software which attempts to help the writer with grammar and style is becoming increasingly widespread; but these tools are very simple and of limited use in comparison to the kinds of skills a human proofreader brings to a text. It is no surprise that publishers still find the need to employ copy-editors.