word processing
word processing — noun
1. The activity of using computer software to type, correct, format, and arrange wr
The activity of using computer software to type, correct, format, and arrange written words so that they can be printed as documents, saved as files, or shared electronically.
Omar used word processing software to format his résumé before the job fair.
word processing software — most common collocation
Most word processing programs include tools for checking spelling and adjusting margins.
word processing programs — tool/application collocation
Luisa learned basic word processing skills during her first week at the office.
The teacher asked the students to do their homework using a word processing application.
Modern word processing lets you change fonts and add pictures without retyping anything.
- desktop publishing
more specialised — focuses on page layout, images, and design for professional printing
- text editing
simpler — just changing the content of text without formatting or layout features
- document preparation
broader — includes any steps needed to produce a finished document, whether digital or printed
文法句型
word processing + noun (software, skills, program)
do + word processing
use word processing + [purpose]
用法筆記
Uncountable noun — you cannot say 'a word processing'. Use 'a word processor' to refer to the software or the device. In modern everyday speech, 'word processing' is assumed to mean the computer-based activity.
常見錯誤
2. The older meaning of using specialised typing machines — first purely mechanical
The older meaning of using specialised typing machines — first purely mechanical, later computerised — to produce printed business documents such as letters, forms, and reports, before personal computers became common.
Early word processing machines used magnetic cards to store a single page of text.
word processing machines — historical equipment collocation
The office manager ordered a new word processing system that could type letters twice as fast.
word processing system — technical equipment collocation
In the 1970s, word processing equipment was large enough to fill a whole desk.
An exhibit at the technology museum shows how word processing evolved from electric typewriters to modern computers.
- automated typing
focuses on the mechanical process of typing rather than text editing
- document production
broader — includes any method of creating documents, not just typing machines
文法句型
word processing + equipment/system/machine
word processing + [noun phrase] + for typing/producing
用法筆記
This older sense is now mainly found in historical writing or discussions of early office technology. In everyday conversation, the modern computer-based sense (sense 1) is always assumed. The equipment referred to here would now be called a 'dedicated word processor'.