Nonsensical punctuation with dictation

I’m not sure when it started, but I am currently experiencing problems with nonsensical punctuation when using dictation on my iPhone 14 pro.


It may have been when it was last updated – I’m currently running iOS 16.5.


The problem is that it interrupts sentences with full stops and adds commas where they are not needed . It used to work fine and I just want it to work properly again. I know that I can turn off punctuation but would prefer to retain it if it can be fixed.


Does anyone have any ideas?

Posted on Jun 15, 2023 11:59 PM

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2 replies

Jun 16, 2023 1:53 AM in response to martinfromcheltenham

The dictation feature on an iPhone uses automatic punctuation to assist with the transcription of your speech into written text. Sometimes, it may add full stops (periods) to indicate the end of a sentence and insert commas where it interprets a pause or natural break in your speech.

However, the accuracy of automatic punctuation in dictation can vary, and it may not always accurately capture your intended sentence structure. It's important to keep in mind that dictation is an automated process, and it relies on algorithms to interpret your spoken words and convert them into written text.


To improve the punctuation accuracy when using dictation on your iPhone, you need to take care of the following tips:


  1. Ensure that you speak clearly and pronounce words accurately. This can help the dictation system better understand your intended sentence structure.
  2. To assist with punctuation, you can verbally indicate punctuation marks like "period," "comma," or "question mark" when appropriate. This can help guide the dictation system in accurately punctuating your text.
  3. After using dictation, you can manually review and edit the punctuation as needed. This allows you to correct any inaccuracies and ensure the text reflects your intended sentence structure.


Keep in mind that dictation is continually improving with advancements in technology and updates to iOS. Newer versions of iOS may offer enhanced dictation features and improved accuracy.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Nonsensical punctuation with dictation

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