Short Common Words

Words you type every day

A handful of short words make up a large share of everything we write: the, and, for, you, not. When these words are automatic, your overall speed rises quickly, because you are no longer spelling them letter by letter. Your fingers learn them as a single movement.

How to practice

• Type each line twice. The second time, try to be a little smoother, not a little faster.
• Keep your eyes on the text, not on the keyboard.
• If a word trips you up, slow down and repeat just that word five times.

Common mistake

Typing the easy words carelessly. Short words are where most typos hide, because we stop paying attention to them. Give them the same care as long ones.