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Readability stats enabled but not showing up in Word for Mac 16.51 after spelling/grammar check

Anonymous
2021-07-07T15:57:41+00:00

I have Word for Mac version 16.51.

A few weeks ago I was able to see readability statistics after I completed a spelling/grammar check. I must use this feature for my work.

Now, no document stats come up after completing the check -- and, yes, I do have the "Show readability stats" checked in preferences.

Has Microsoft removed this feature for Word for Mac?

If not, why has it gone away on my computer?

Note that I've most likely done an automatic update since I last used the feature.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | MacOS

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435K Reputation points
    2021-07-07T18:55:00+00:00

    Sorry - that was a typo. 16.51 is what I have.

    I believe I see the problem... Microsoft is in the process of constructing the Editor feature for Mac Word. However, they seem to be doing it by slipping in unfinished, fragmented bits & pieces to limited groups of users for testing purposes. There have been a number of proofing-related issues over the past several weeks. The Editor component is fully functional in Word for Windows, Word Online & the Online web app but they haven't yet got it right in Mac Word. BTW: This isn't being done by any one specific update. Each change is being sneaked in surreptitiously via the back door & very well may disappear in the same manner or be replaced by some other anomaly.

    Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done at the User end other than sending negative Feedback via the Help> Feedback feature.[or the Help Improve Office icon at the right end of a document title bar]. The mor users who complaining & the louder they scream the more likely Microsoft will hear.

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-08-05T20:05:52+00:00

    Hi - I created a post about the same issue and was directed here. While Office online might be your best bet, I found a macro that returns the readability stats when you run it.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/classic-spell-check-dialog-macro-to-use-to-get/a53fff0c-f15d-4150-95d6-1724c6ddca91

    It's helpful if you've dealt with macros before, but kind of a pain if you haven't.

    In the meantime, I've submitted feedback as well. Here's hoping they fix it soon.

    Thanks for your suggestions, DSticks.

    Is that a macro that will work with Word for Mac? I've not created one before and am willing to give it a try, but it will require a lot of learning on my part. Really?

    BTW, Office 365 Online is not a good option for me. It doesn't give the F/K grade level, which is what the old version gave. I'm better off with a free readability checker, honestly. A lot quicker.

    But, I do want to have the functionality and stability that the old spelling and grammar checker gave me. The new "Editor" tab is cumbersome, doesn't let me check specific text (which is what I need to do) and doesn't, as of the desktop version now, give me readability stats.

    I'm not a happy camper.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-07-12T15:40:54+00:00

    Thanks, Bob. So, it appears to be evolving. I've launched a complaint and haven't heard anything back.

    To clarify, the "readability statistics" I'm referring to are the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level Grade scores. I have been able to seen the other Word Count stats but that's not what I'm looking for.

    Hoping they resolve this soon. Urgh.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-07-07T18:28:48+00:00

    I appreciate your response, Bob!

    To add more detail, I have rebooted/restarted my mac about four times since discovering the problem and did it again just now. Still, no joy. Also, the language is set to standard, US English on the new documents as well as the old ones that previously worked with the readability feature.

    Maybe something has changed with v16.51? Now, I have a brand-new "editor" pane on the right side instead of the popup window previously used by spelling/grammar check. (See embedded image below this paragraph.) BTW, this pane appears on the online 365 version of Word and shows a ton of stats, including readability...but I need it on my Mac desktop version since I'm often working online.

    You have v16.31 for Mac, correct? When you get v16.51, can you let me know if you have this problem, too? I would greatly appreciate it!

    I'm still plugging on to find an answer, so, send 'em to me, folks!

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  4. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435K Reputation points
    2021-07-07T17:53:16+00:00

    The feature works as expected here running v16.31 & most definitely has not been removed.

    The first suggestion would be to restart your Mac. That simple step often resolves more issues than one might think.

    If that doesn't resolve it one of the most common causes is that the language attribute of the text is one for which the program doesn't provide Proofing Tools. Select All then go to Tools> Language to confirm that the correct Language is indicated.

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