Top 100 Words in Plover's Dictionary: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "<markdown> What they are, and why they are stroked like that. ## Introduction Fun fact: The top 100 words in the English language make up about 50% of all written material. When learning steno theory, you might be confused by the fact that many common words are not written out phonetically. There are many reasons that this is the case, but it boils down to: - Avoiding [word boundary errors](https://github.com/openstenoproject/plover/wiki/Glossary#word-boundary) - Eas...")
 
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<markdown>
What they are, and why they are stroked like that.
What they are, and why they are stroked like that.


## Introduction
<span id="introduction"></span>
== Introduction ==


Fun fact: The top 100 words in the English language make up about 50% of all written material.
Fun fact: The top 100 words in the English language make up about 50% of all written material.
Line 8: Line 8:
When learning steno theory, you might be confused by the fact that many common words are not written out phonetically. There are many reasons that this is the case, but it boils down to:
When learning steno theory, you might be confused by the fact that many common words are not written out phonetically. There are many reasons that this is the case, but it boils down to:


- Avoiding [word boundary errors](https://github.com/openstenoproject/plover/wiki/Glossary#word-boundary)
* Avoiding [[Glossary#Word Boundary|word boundary errors]]
- Ease of stroking
* Ease of stroking


## The List
<span id="the-list"></span>
== The List ==


### 1. the
<span id="1-the"></span>
=== 1. the ===


`-T`
<code>-T</code>


The most common word in the English language is reserved to just one key, right-hand `-T`. The right hand position makes it easy to have a single stroke brief for some of the most common two-word phrases. For example: `SKP-T` for "and the".
The most common word in the English language is reserved to just one key, right-hand <code>-T</code>. The right hand position makes it easy to have a single stroke brief for some of the most common two-word phrases. For example: <code>SKP-T</code> for &quot;and the&quot;.


### 2. be
<span id="2-be"></span>
=== 2. be ===


`-B`
<code>-B</code>


Right-hand `-B`. The "B" key in Plover just happens to be the "be" key. How convenient! Writing out "be" like `PWE` is the word part "be^". For example: "beware" or "belated". And the phonetic `PWAOE` is "bee"!
Right-hand <code>-B</code>. The &quot;B&quot; key in Plover just happens to be the &quot;be&quot; key. How convenient! Writing out &quot;be&quot; like <code>PWE</code> is the word part &quot;be^&quot;. For example: &quot;beware&quot; or &quot;belated&quot;. And the phonetic <code>PWAOE</code> is &quot;bee&quot;!


### 3. to
<span id="3-to"></span>
=== 3. to ===


`TO`
<code>TO</code>


Written out by spelling, `TO`. This is easy to hit and free of conflicts.  
Written out by spelling, <code>TO</code>. This is easy to hit and free of conflicts.


Warning: `O` for "to" in the default dictionary is a misstroke. It is not free from word boundaries.
Warning: <code>O</code> for &quot;to&quot; in the default dictionary is a misstroke. It is not free from word boundaries.


### 4. of
<span id="4-of"></span>
=== 4. of ===


`-F`
<code>-F</code>


Right-hand `-F`. This is a simple one key stroke, and it frees up `OF` to be used for "off".
Right-hand <code>-F</code>. This is a simple one key stroke, and it frees up <code>OF</code> to be used for &quot;off&quot;.


### 5. and
<span id="5-and"></span>
=== 5. and ===


`SKP-`
<code>SKP-</code>


`SKP-`. This is an easy to hit stroke with only the left hand. This makes it a good candidate for starting phrases, like `SKPU` for "and you".
<code>SKP-</code>. This is an easy to hit stroke with only the left hand. This makes it a good candidate for starting phrases, like <code>SKPU</code> for &quot;and you&quot;.


### 6. a
<span id="6-a"></span>
=== 6. a ===


`AEU`
<code>AEU</code>


`A` is used as a prefix for words like "affix" or "arrive". The tense A sound is used to avoid conflicts. In some theories, these strokes are mixed, and you could swap them safely, if you wanted.
<code>A</code> is used as a prefix for words like &quot;affix&quot; or &quot;arrive&quot;. The tense A sound is used to avoid conflicts. In some theories, these strokes are mixed, and you could swap them safely, if you wanted.


### 7. in
<span id="7-in"></span>
=== 7. in ===


`TPH`
<code>TPH</code>


`TPH` is just the left-hand `N`. This combination frees up `EUPB` to be used for the "in^" prefix, like in  
<code>TPH</code> is just the left-hand <code>N</code>. This combination frees up <code>EUPB</code> to be used for the &quot;in^&quot; prefix, like in &quot;indoors&quot;. Also good for phrases, such as <code>TPH-T</code> for &quot;in the&quot;.
"indoors". Also good for phrases, such as `TPH-T` for "in the".


### 8. that
<span id="8-that"></span>
=== 8. that ===


`THA`
<code>THA</code>


We drop the ending T to bring this stroke into the left hand for use at the beginning of phrases. Examples: `THAR` for "that are", `THAS` for "that is".
We drop the ending T to bring this stroke into the left hand for use at the beginning of phrases. Examples: <code>THAR</code> for &quot;that are&quot;, <code>THAS</code> for &quot;that is&quot;.


### 9. have
<span id="9-have"></span>
=== 9. have ===


`SR-`
<code>SR-</code>


This is the left-hand `V`. The phonetic version of this would be `HA*F` which is much harder to stroke for such a common word, and the left-hand makes right-hand phrase parts feel more natural, like `SR-T` for "have the".
This is the left-hand <code>V</code>. The phonetic version of this would be <code>HA*F</code> which is much harder to stroke for such a common word, and the left-hand makes right-hand phrase parts feel more natural, like <code>SR-T</code> for &quot;have the&quot;.


`HAF` and `HA*F` get mapped to "half" and "1/2" in the default dictionary, respectively.
<code>HAF</code> and <code>HA*F</code> get mapped to &quot;half&quot; and &quot;1/2&quot; in the default dictionary, respectively.


### 10. I
<span id="10-i"></span>
=== 10. I ===


`EU` (`I`)
<code>EU</code> (<code>I</code>)


This is a non-phonetic stroke to give space for "eye". It's easy to hit and fits in some phrases, such as `SKPEU` for "and I". Note that, in some cases, you will use the `AOEU` cluster for I, such as in "I'll" (`AOEUL`) and "I'm" (`AOEUPL`) because the shorter versions are used for other things, in this case "ill" and the word beginning "im^".
This is a non-phonetic stroke to give space for &quot;eye&quot;. It's easy to hit and fits in some phrases, such as <code>SKPEU</code> for &quot;and I&quot;. Note that, in some cases, you will use the <code>AOEU</code> cluster for I, such as in &quot;I'll&quot; (<code>AOEUL</code>) and &quot;I'm&quot; (<code>AOEUPL</code>) because the shorter versions are used for other things, in this case &quot;ill&quot; and the word beginning &quot;im^&quot;.


### 11. it
<span id="11-it"></span>
=== 11. it ===


`T-`
<code>T-</code>


This is easy to hit and on the left hand for beginning phrases such as `TWAS` for "it was". Same pattern as for "in" and "if".
This is easy to hit and on the left hand for beginning phrases such as <code>TWAS</code> for &quot;it was&quot;. Same pattern as for &quot;in&quot; and &quot;if&quot;.


### 12. for
<span id="12-for"></span>
=== 12. for ===


`TP-R` (F-R).  
<code>TP-R</code> (F-R).


This drops the vowel to save effort for such a common word. If you want to use "for^" the prefix, then use `FAUR`. For example, forgone is `FAUR/TKPWOPB`.
This drops the vowel to save effort for such a common word. If you want to use &quot;for^&quot; the prefix, then use <code>FAUR</code>. For example, forgone is <code>FAUR/TKPWOPB</code>.


### 13. not
<span id="13-not"></span>
=== 13. not ===


`TPHOT`
<code>TPHOT</code>


### 14. on
<span id="14-on"></span>
=== 14. on ===


`OPB`
<code>OPB</code>


### 15. with
<span id="15-with"></span>
=== 15. with ===


`W-`
<code>W-</code>


This is another easy to use single key stroke that can begin phrases like `WOUR` for "with our" and `W-T` for "with the".
This is another easy to use single key stroke that can begin phrases like <code>WOUR</code> for &quot;with our&quot; and <code>W-T</code> for &quot;with the&quot;.


### 16. he
<span id="16-he"></span>
=== 16. he ===


`HE`
<code>HE</code>


This is recommended over the `E`-only version for most cases, but depending on the phrase or word you might need `E` (`SKPE`: and he), `HE` (`HEBGD`: he could), and `HAOE` (`HAO*EL`: he'll)
This is recommended over the <code>E</code>-only version for most cases, but depending on the phrase or word you might need <code>E</code> (<code>SKPE</code>: and he), <code>HE</code> (<code>HEBGD</code>: he could), and <code>HAOE</code> (<code>HAO*EL</code>: he'll)


### 17. as
<span id="17-as"></span>
=== 17. as ===


`AS` (spelling) or `AZ` (phonetic).
<code>AS</code> (spelling) or <code>AZ</code> (phonetic).


### 18. you
<span id="18-you"></span>
=== 18. you ===


`U`
<code>U</code>


The `U` key is used for "you". Can be used in phrases such as `SKPU` for "and you".
The <code>U</code> key is used for &quot;you&quot;. Can be used in phrases such as <code>SKPU</code> for &quot;and you&quot;.


### 19. do
<span id="19-do"></span>
=== 19. do ===


`TKO` (spelling).  
<code>TKO</code> (spelling).


Don't drop the vowel, because `TK-` alone is used for "did".
Don't drop the vowel, because <code>TK-</code> alone is used for &quot;did&quot;.


### 20. at
<span id="20-at"></span>
=== 20. at ===


`AT`
<code>AT</code>


### 21. this
<span id="21-this"></span>
=== 21. this ===


`TH`
<code>TH</code>


"This" is a special case, as it's basically set to `TH` for convenience and to open up the opportunity for several other briefs. For example, `THEU` is used for "think", and `THEUS` follows as "thinks".
&quot;This&quot; is a special case, as it's basically set to <code>TH</code> for convenience and to open up the opportunity for several other briefs. For example, <code>THEU</code> is used for &quot;think&quot;, and <code>THEUS</code> follows as &quot;thinks&quot;.


Also works in phrases: `TH-FS` for "this was"
Also works in phrases: <code>TH-FS</code> for &quot;this was&quot;


### 22. but
<span id="22-but"></span>
=== 22. but ===


`PWUT` or `PWU`.  
<code>PWUT</code> or <code>PWU</code>.


Mirabai uses `PWUT` as "but" and that is okay, but you can safely remap `PWUT` to "but the" if you want to use `PWU` as "but" exclusively.
Mirabai uses <code>PWUT</code> as &quot;but&quot; and that is okay, but you can safely remap <code>PWUT</code> to &quot;but the&quot; if you want to use <code>PWU</code> as &quot;but&quot; exclusively.


### 23. his
<span id="23-his"></span>
=== 23. his ===


`HEUS` (spelling), `HEUZ` (phonetic)
<code>HEUS</code> (spelling), <code>HEUZ</code> (phonetic)


### 24. by
<span id="24-by"></span>
=== 24. by ===


`PWEU`
<code>PWEU</code>


This is a non-phonetic mapping to make room for `PWAOEU`: "buy". Add an asterisk to "by" and get the word beginning "bi^", add an asterisk to "buy" and get "bye".
This is a non-phonetic mapping to make room for <code>PWAOEU</code>: &quot;buy&quot;. Add an asterisk to &quot;by&quot; and get the word beginning &quot;bi^&quot;, add an asterisk to &quot;buy&quot; and get &quot;bye&quot;.


### 25. from
<span id="25-from"></span>
=== 25. from ===


`TPR-` (`FR-`).  
<code>TPR-</code> (<code>FR-</code>).


This is similar to "for" (`TP-R`), but instead of dropping just the vowel, we drop the ending -M sound as well. This opens up "from" to phrases, like in `TPRUS` for "from us" and `TPR-T` for "from the" and `TPREUPLT` for "from time to time".
This is similar to &quot;for&quot; (<code>TP-R</code>), but instead of dropping just the vowel, we drop the ending -M sound as well. This opens up &quot;from&quot; to phrases, like in <code>TPRUS</code> for &quot;from us&quot; and <code>TPR-T</code> for &quot;from the&quot; and <code>TPREUPLT</code> for &quot;from time to time&quot;.


### 26. they
<span id="26-they"></span>
=== 26. they ===


`THE`
<code>THE</code>


Since "the" is stroked with just `-T`, we can place "they" in this stroke. It's important not to use `THAEU` to avoid potential conflict when we get to "they're" and "their".
Since &quot;the&quot; is stroked with just <code>-T</code>, we can place &quot;they&quot; in this stroke. It's important not to use <code>THAEU</code> to avoid potential conflict when we get to &quot;they're&quot; and &quot;their&quot;.


### 27. we
<span id="27-we"></span>
=== 27. we ===


`WE` (spelling) or `WAOE` (phonetic)
<code>WE</code> (spelling) or <code>WAOE</code> (phonetic)


### 28. say
<span id="28-say"></span>
=== 28. say ===


`SAEU` (phonetic).
<code>SAEU</code> (phonetic).


Advanced: Also present as a right-hand only shortcut as `-BZ`, such as `THEBZ` for "they say". Get the past tense with `-BS` such as `THEBS` for "they said".
Advanced: Also present as a right-hand only shortcut as <code>-BZ</code>, such as <code>THEBZ</code> for &quot;they say&quot;. Get the past tense with <code>-BS</code> such as <code>THEBS</code> for &quot;they said&quot;.


### 29. her
<span id="29-her"></span>
=== 29. her ===


`HER`
<code>HER</code>


### 30. she
<span id="30-she"></span>
=== 30. she ===


`SHE` (spelling) or `SHAOE` (phonetic)
<code>SHE</code> (spelling) or <code>SHAOE</code> (phonetic)


### 31. or
<span id="31-or"></span>
=== 31. or ===


`OR`.  
<code>OR</code>.


The phonetic version is given instead to "other" (`OER`).
The phonetic version is given instead to &quot;other&quot; (<code>OER</code>).


### 32. an
<span id="32-an"></span>
=== 32. an ===


`APB`
<code>APB</code>


### 33. will
<span id="33-will"></span>
=== 33. will ===


`HR-`
<code>HR-</code>


Left-hand L. Useful for phrases, such as `HR-B` for "will be" and `HRU` for "will you".
Left-hand L. Useful for phrases, such as <code>HR-B</code> for &quot;will be&quot; and <code>HRU</code> for &quot;will you&quot;.


### 34. my
<span id="34-my"></span>
=== 34. my ===


`PHEU` or `PHAOEU`.  
<code>PHEU</code> or <code>PHAOEU</code>.


We break phonetic convention to offer an easier to hit stroke.
We break phonetic convention to offer an easier to hit stroke.


### 35. one
<span id="35-one"></span>
=== 35. one ===


`WUPB` (phonetic)
<code>WUPB</code> (phonetic)


### 36. all
<span id="36-all"></span>
=== 36. all ===


`AUL` (phonetic).  
<code>AUL</code> (phonetic).


This vowel is common in the Plover dictionary, such as in `WAUL` (wall) and `PWAUL` (ball).
This vowel is common in the Plover dictionary, such as in <code>WAUL</code> (wall) and <code>PWAUL</code> (ball).


### 37. would
<span id="37-would"></span>
=== 37. would ===


`WO`.  
<code>WO</code>.


Left-hand-only brief is useful for phrases: `WOB` for "would be" and `WOU` for "would you".
Left-hand-only brief is useful for phrases: <code>WOB</code> for &quot;would be&quot; and <code>WOU</code> for &quot;would you&quot;.


### 38. there
<span id="38-there"></span>
=== 38. there ===


`THR-`
<code>THR-</code>


This brief is used to avoid conflict with `THER` for "they're" and `THAEUR` for "their".
This brief is used to avoid conflict with <code>THER</code> for &quot;they're&quot; and <code>THAEUR</code> for &quot;their&quot;.


### 39. their
<span id="39-their"></span>
=== 39. their ===


`THAEUR` (phonetic).  
<code>THAEUR</code> (phonetic).


The homophone "they're" is stroked with `THER` which is the brief `THE` for "they" with `-R` added on.
The homophone &quot;they're&quot; is stroked with <code>THER</code> which is the brief <code>THE</code> for &quot;they&quot; with <code>-R</code> added on.


### 40. what
<span id="40-what"></span>
=== 40. what ===


`WHA`
<code>WHA</code>


Similar to `THA` for "that", `WHAT` is "what the".
Similar to <code>THA</code> for &quot;that&quot;, <code>WHAT</code> is &quot;what the&quot;.


### 41. so
<span id="41-so"></span>
=== 41. so ===


`SO` (spelling)
<code>SO</code> (spelling)


### 42. up
<span id="42-up"></span>
=== 42. up ===


`UP`
<code>UP</code>


Use `AUP` for the word beginning "up^" like `AUP/WARDZ` for "upwards".
Use <code>AUP</code> for the word beginning &quot;up^&quot; like <code>AUP/WARDZ</code> for &quot;upwards&quot;.


### 43. out
<span id="43-out"></span>
=== 43. out ===


`OUT`
<code>OUT</code>


Use `AOUT` for the word beginning "out^" like `AOUT/SPOEBG/*EN` for "outspoken" or `AOUT/RAEUPBLG` for "outrage".
Use <code>AOUT</code> for the word beginning &quot;out^&quot; like <code>AOUT/SPOEBG/*EN</code> for &quot;outspoken&quot; or <code>AOUT/RAEUPBLG</code> for &quot;outrage&quot;.


### 44. if
<span id="44-if"></span>
=== 44. if ===


`TP-`
<code>TP-</code>


The bare left F is used for "if". Good as a phrase beginner, such as `TP-T` for "if the". Same pattern as "it" and "in".
The bare left F is used for &quot;if&quot;. Good as a phrase beginner, such as <code>TP-T</code> for &quot;if the&quot;. Same pattern as &quot;it&quot; and &quot;in&quot;.


### 45. about
<span id="45-about"></span>
=== 45. about ===


`PW-`
<code>PW-</code>


The left-hand B is used for "about" as a convenient brief. Some theories do this word differently. One nice benefit of being on the left side is, of course, phrases: `PW-T` for "about the".
The left-hand B is used for &quot;about&quot; as a convenient brief. Some theories do this word differently. One nice benefit of being on the left side is, of course, phrases: <code>PW-T</code> for &quot;about the&quot;.


### 46. who
<span id="46-who"></span>
=== 46. who ===


`WHO` (spelling).  
<code>WHO</code> (spelling).


We can't use `HAOU` (hue) or `HAO` (hoo).
We can't use <code>HAOU</code> (hue) or <code>HAO</code> (hoo).


### 47. get
<span id="47-get"></span>
=== 47. get ===


`TKPWET` or `TKPW-T`
<code>TKPWET</code> or <code>TKPW-T</code>


### 48. which
<span id="48-which"></span>
=== 48. which ===


`WEU`. Just a brief.
<code>WEU</code>. Just a brief.


### 49. go
<span id="49-go"></span>
=== 49. go ===


`TKPWO` (spelling), `TKPWOE` (phonetic), or just `TKPW`.
<code>TKPWO</code> (spelling), <code>TKPWOE</code> (phonetic), or just <code>TKPW</code>.


### 50. me
<span id="50-me"></span>
=== 50. me ===


`PHE` (spelling), `PHAOE` (phonetic).  
<code>PHE</code> (spelling), <code>PHAOE</code> (phonetic).


As with many of these common words, being less strict on the vowel gives your fingers a potential break.
As with many of these common words, being less strict on the vowel gives your fingers a potential break.


### 51. when
<span id="51-when"></span>
=== 51. when ===


`WH` (brief) or `WHEPB` (spelling)
<code>WH</code> (brief) or <code>WHEPB</code> (spelling)


### 52. make
<span id="52-make"></span>
=== 52. make ===


`PHAEUBG` (`MAIK`) (phonetic)
<code>PHAEUBG</code> (<code>MAIK</code>) (phonetic)


### 53. can
<span id="53-can"></span>
=== 53. can ===


The left-hand `K-` only, useful for phrases. `K-B` (can be).
The left-hand <code>K-</code> only, useful for phrases. <code>K-B</code> (can be).


### 54. like
<span id="54-like"></span>
=== 54. like ===


`HRAOEUBG` (phonetic)
<code>HRAOEUBG</code> (phonetic)


### 55. time
<span id="55-time"></span>
=== 55. time ===


`TAOEUPL` (phonetic)
<code>TAOEUPL</code> (phonetic)


### 56. no
<span id="56-no"></span>
=== 56. no ===


`TPHO` (spelling).  
<code>TPHO</code> (spelling).


The phonetic version is saved for "know".
The phonetic version is saved for &quot;know&quot;.


### 57. just
<span id="57-just"></span>
=== 57. just ===


`SKWRUFT`
<code>SKWRUFT</code>


Remember that `-F` is sometimes used for S.
Remember that <code>-F</code> is sometimes used for S.


### 58. him
<span id="58-him"></span>
=== 58. him ===


`HEUPL`
<code>HEUPL</code>


### 59. know
<span id="59-know"></span>
=== 59. know ===


`TPHOE` (phonetic)
<code>TPHOE</code> (phonetic)


### 60. take
<span id="60-take"></span>
=== 60. take ===


`TAEUBG` (phonetic)
<code>TAEUBG</code> (phonetic)


### 61. people
<span id="61-people"></span>
=== 61. people ===


`PAOEPL`
<code>PAOEPL</code>


In this case `-PL` is used for the "pl" sound instead of `-M`.
In this case <code>-PL</code> is used for the &quot;pl&quot; sound instead of <code>-M</code>.


### 62. into
<span id="62-into"></span>
=== 62. into ===


`TPHAO`
<code>TPHAO</code>


`TPH-` is "in", and `AO` is sometimes used for `oo` which sounds liked the vowel in "into". Can't use `TPHAOU` as it is being used by "knew".
<code>TPH-</code> is &quot;in&quot;, and <code>AO</code> is sometimes used for <code>oo</code> which sounds liked the vowel in &quot;into&quot;. Can't use <code>TPHAOU</code> as it is being used by &quot;knew&quot;.


### 63. year
<span id="63-year"></span>
=== 63. year ===


`KWRAOER` (phonetic)
<code>KWRAOER</code> (phonetic)


### 64. your
<span id="64-your"></span>
=== 64. your ===


`KWROUR` (spelling).  
<code>KWROUR</code> (spelling).


Don't use `KWRUR` as that's the word ending `^ur` like in `KHROES/KWRUR` (closure).
Don't use <code>KWRUR</code> as that's the word ending <code>^ur</code> like in <code>KHROES/KWRUR</code> (closure).


### 65. good
<span id="65-good"></span>
=== 65. good ===


`TKPWAOD`
<code>TKPWAOD</code>


### 66. some
<span id="66-some"></span>
=== 66. some ===


`SOPL`
<code>SOPL</code>


As a word beginning, `S-` and `SPH-` are used: for example, `SPH-PB` for "someone" and `S-G` for "something".
As a word beginning, <code>S-</code> and <code>SPH-</code> are used: for example, <code>SPH-PB</code> for &quot;someone&quot; and <code>S-G</code> for &quot;something&quot;.


### 67. could
<span id="67-could"></span>
=== 67. could ===


`KO`
<code>KO</code>


Brief like `WO` for "would".
Brief like <code>WO</code> for &quot;would&quot;.


### 68. them
<span id="68-them"></span>
=== 68. them ===


`THEPL`
<code>THEPL</code>


### 69. see
<span id="69-see"></span>
=== 69. see ===


`SAOE`
<code>SAOE</code>


### 70. other
<span id="70-other"></span>
=== 70. other ===


`OER`
<code>OER</code>


Shows up as a word part, like in `TPHOER` for "another".
Shows up as a word part, like in <code>TPHOER</code> for &quot;another&quot;.


### 71. than
<span id="71-than"></span>
=== 71. than ===


`THAPB` (spelling)
<code>THAPB</code> (spelling)


### 72. then
<span id="72-then"></span>
=== 72. then ===


`THEPB` (spelling)
<code>THEPB</code> (spelling)


### 73. now
<span id="73-now"></span>
=== 73. now ===


`TPHOU`
<code>TPHOU</code>


### 74. look
<span id="74-look"></span>
=== 74. look ===


`HRAOBG`
<code>HRAOBG</code>


### 75. only
<span id="75-only"></span>
=== 75. only ===


`OEPBL`
<code>OEPBL</code>


In Plover's dictionary, `E` is often added to strokes to make them end with an "ee" sound. `OEPBL` can be thought of as "onl/ee". Lots of briefs use this, such as `KRAER` for "contrary" and `TPAEPL` for "family".
In Plover's dictionary, <code>E</code> is often added to strokes to make them end with an &quot;ee&quot; sound. <code>OEPBL</code> can be thought of as &quot;onl/ee&quot;. Lots of briefs use this, such as <code>KRAER</code> for &quot;contrary&quot; and <code>TPAEPL</code> for &quot;family&quot;.


### 76. come
<span id="76-come"></span>
=== 76. come ===


`KOPL`
<code>KOPL</code>


### 77. its
<span id="77-its"></span>
=== 77. its ===


`EUTS`
<code>EUTS</code>


`T-S` is used for "it's".
<code>T-S</code> is used for &quot;it's&quot;.


### 78. over
<span id="78-over"></span>
=== 78. over ===


`OEFR`
<code>OEFR</code>


Emphasizing the tense-O sound to contrast with `OFR` for "offer". To use as a prefix, use `AUFR`, such as `AUFR/TKOPB` for "overdone".
Emphasizing the tense-O sound to contrast with <code>OFR</code> for &quot;offer&quot;. To use as a prefix, use <code>AUFR</code>, such as <code>AUFR/TKOPB</code> for &quot;overdone&quot;.


### 79. think
<span id="79-think"></span>
=== 79. think ===


`THEU` (brief), with a whole family: `THEUS` for "thinks", `THEUG` for "thinking".
<code>THEU</code> (brief), with a whole family: <code>THEUS</code> for &quot;thinks&quot;, <code>THEUG</code> for &quot;thinking&quot;.


### 80. also
<span id="80-also"></span>
=== 80. also ===


`HR-S` (brief)
<code>HR-S</code> (brief)


### 81. back
<span id="81-back"></span>
=== 81. back ===


`PWABG`
<code>PWABG</code>


### 82. after
<span id="82-after"></span>
=== 82. after ===


`AF`
<code>AF</code>


`AFT` is a misstroke entry which you could consider remapping to "aft" or "after the". To use as a prefix, use `AFR`, such as `AFR/TAEUFT` for "aftertaste".
<code>AFT</code> is a misstroke entry which you could consider remapping to &quot;aft&quot; or &quot;after the&quot;. To use as a prefix, use <code>AFR</code>, such as <code>AFR/TAEUFT</code> for &quot;aftertaste&quot;.


### 83. use
<span id="83-use"></span>
=== 83. use ===


`AOUS` or `AOUZ`
<code>AOUS</code> or <code>AOUZ</code>


### 84. two
<span id="84-two"></span>
=== 84. two ===


`TWO` (spelling)
<code>TWO</code> (spelling)


### 85. how
<span id="85-how"></span>
=== 85. how ===


`HOU`
<code>HOU</code>


### 86. our
<span id="86-our"></span>
=== 86. our ===


`OUR`
<code>OUR</code>


### 87. work
<span id="87-work"></span>
=== 87. work ===


`WORBG`
<code>WORBG</code>


### 88. first
<span id="88-first"></span>
=== 88. first ===


`TPEURS`
<code>TPEURS</code>


This brief drops the "t" sound for comfort.
This brief drops the &quot;t&quot; sound for comfort.


### 89. well
<span id="89-well"></span>
=== 89. well ===


`WEL`
<code>WEL</code>


### 90. way
<span id="90-way"></span>
=== 90. way ===


`WAEU`
<code>WAEU</code>


### 91. even
<span id="91-even"></span>
=== 91. even ===


`AOEPB` or `AOEFPB`
<code>AOEPB</code> or <code>AOEFPB</code>


Dropping the -F makes this stroke easier to hit.
Dropping the -F makes this stroke easier to hit.


### 92. new
<span id="92-new"></span>
=== 92. new ===


`TPHU`
<code>TPHU</code>


Briefed to avoid conflict with `TPHAOU` for "knew".
Briefed to avoid conflict with <code>TPHAOU</code> for &quot;knew&quot;.


### 93. want
<span id="93-want"></span>
=== 93. want ===


`WAPBT`
<code>WAPBT</code>


### 94. because
<span id="94-because"></span>
=== 94. because ===


`PWAUS` or `PWAUZ` (briefs)
<code>PWAUS</code> or <code>PWAUZ</code> (briefs)


### 95. any
<span id="95-any"></span>
=== 95. any ===


`TPHEU` (brief)
<code>TPHEU</code> (brief)


### 96. these
<span id="96-these"></span>
=== 96. these ===


`THEZ` (brief) or `THAOES`/`THAOEZ` (phonetic).  
<code>THEZ</code> (brief) or <code>THAOES</code>/<code>THAOEZ</code> (phonetic).


The brief is much easier to hit.
The brief is much easier to hit.


### 97. give
<span id="97-give"></span>
=== 97. give ===


`TKPWEUF`
<code>TKPWEUF</code>


No need for an asterisk, which is often the case with common words in the Plover dictionary.
No need for an asterisk, which is often the case with common words in the Plover dictionary.


### 98. day
<span id="98-day"></span>
=== 98. day ===


`TKAEU` (phonetic)
<code>TKAEU</code> (phonetic)


### 99. most
<span id="99-most"></span>
=== 99. most ===


`PHOFT`, `PHOEFT`, `PHO*ES`, or `PHO*S`.  
<code>PHOFT</code>, <code>PHOEFT</code>, <code>PHO*ES</code>, or <code>PHO*S</code>.


Go with the option you like most.
Go with the option you like most.


### 100. us
<span id="100-us"></span>
=== 100. us ===


`US`
<code>US</code>
</markdown>

Latest revision as of 21:29, 12 February 2024

What they are, and why they are stroked like that.

Introduction

Fun fact: The top 100 words in the English language make up about 50% of all written material.

When learning steno theory, you might be confused by the fact that many common words are not written out phonetically. There are many reasons that this is the case, but it boils down to:

The List

1. the

-T

The most common word in the English language is reserved to just one key, right-hand -T. The right hand position makes it easy to have a single stroke brief for some of the most common two-word phrases. For example: SKP-T for "and the".

2. be

-B

Right-hand -B. The "B" key in Plover just happens to be the "be" key. How convenient! Writing out "be" like PWE is the word part "be^". For example: "beware" or "belated". And the phonetic PWAOE is "bee"!

3. to

TO

Written out by spelling, TO. This is easy to hit and free of conflicts.

Warning: O for "to" in the default dictionary is a misstroke. It is not free from word boundaries.

4. of

-F

Right-hand -F. This is a simple one key stroke, and it frees up OF to be used for "off".

5. and

SKP-

SKP-. This is an easy to hit stroke with only the left hand. This makes it a good candidate for starting phrases, like SKPU for "and you".

6. a

AEU

A is used as a prefix for words like "affix" or "arrive". The tense A sound is used to avoid conflicts. In some theories, these strokes are mixed, and you could swap them safely, if you wanted.

7. in

TPH

TPH is just the left-hand N. This combination frees up EUPB to be used for the "in^" prefix, like in "indoors". Also good for phrases, such as TPH-T for "in the".

8. that

THA

We drop the ending T to bring this stroke into the left hand for use at the beginning of phrases. Examples: THAR for "that are", THAS for "that is".

9. have

SR-

This is the left-hand V. The phonetic version of this would be HA*F which is much harder to stroke for such a common word, and the left-hand makes right-hand phrase parts feel more natural, like SR-T for "have the".

HAF and HA*F get mapped to "half" and "1/2" in the default dictionary, respectively.

10. I

EU (I)

This is a non-phonetic stroke to give space for "eye". It's easy to hit and fits in some phrases, such as SKPEU for "and I". Note that, in some cases, you will use the AOEU cluster for I, such as in "I'll" (AOEUL) and "I'm" (AOEUPL) because the shorter versions are used for other things, in this case "ill" and the word beginning "im^".

11. it

T-

This is easy to hit and on the left hand for beginning phrases such as TWAS for "it was". Same pattern as for "in" and "if".

12. for

TP-R (F-R).

This drops the vowel to save effort for such a common word. If you want to use "for^" the prefix, then use FAUR. For example, forgone is FAUR/TKPWOPB.

13. not

TPHOT

14. on

OPB

15. with

W-

This is another easy to use single key stroke that can begin phrases like WOUR for "with our" and W-T for "with the".

16. he

HE

This is recommended over the E-only version for most cases, but depending on the phrase or word you might need E (SKPE: and he), HE (HEBGD: he could), and HAOE (HAO*EL: he'll)

17. as

AS (spelling) or AZ (phonetic).

18. you

U

The U key is used for "you". Can be used in phrases such as SKPU for "and you".

19. do

TKO (spelling).

Don't drop the vowel, because TK- alone is used for "did".

20. at

AT

21. this

TH

"This" is a special case, as it's basically set to TH for convenience and to open up the opportunity for several other briefs. For example, THEU is used for "think", and THEUS follows as "thinks".

Also works in phrases: TH-FS for "this was"

22. but

PWUT or PWU.

Mirabai uses PWUT as "but" and that is okay, but you can safely remap PWUT to "but the" if you want to use PWU as "but" exclusively.

23. his

HEUS (spelling), HEUZ (phonetic)

24. by

PWEU

This is a non-phonetic mapping to make room for PWAOEU: "buy". Add an asterisk to "by" and get the word beginning "bi^", add an asterisk to "buy" and get "bye".

25. from

TPR- (FR-).

This is similar to "for" (TP-R), but instead of dropping just the vowel, we drop the ending -M sound as well. This opens up "from" to phrases, like in TPRUS for "from us" and TPR-T for "from the" and TPREUPLT for "from time to time".

26. they

THE

Since "the" is stroked with just -T, we can place "they" in this stroke. It's important not to use THAEU to avoid potential conflict when we get to "they're" and "their".

27. we

WE (spelling) or WAOE (phonetic)

28. say

SAEU (phonetic).

Advanced: Also present as a right-hand only shortcut as -BZ, such as THEBZ for "they say". Get the past tense with -BS such as THEBS for "they said".

29. her

HER

30. she

SHE (spelling) or SHAOE (phonetic)

31. or

OR.

The phonetic version is given instead to "other" (OER).

32. an

APB

33. will

HR-

Left-hand L. Useful for phrases, such as HR-B for "will be" and HRU for "will you".

34. my

PHEU or PHAOEU.

We break phonetic convention to offer an easier to hit stroke.

35. one

WUPB (phonetic)

36. all

AUL (phonetic).

This vowel is common in the Plover dictionary, such as in WAUL (wall) and PWAUL (ball).

37. would

WO.

Left-hand-only brief is useful for phrases: WOB for "would be" and WOU for "would you".

38. there

THR-

This brief is used to avoid conflict with THER for "they're" and THAEUR for "their".

39. their

THAEUR (phonetic).

The homophone "they're" is stroked with THER which is the brief THE for "they" with -R added on.

40. what

WHA

Similar to THA for "that", WHAT is "what the".

41. so

SO (spelling)

42. up

UP

Use AUP for the word beginning "up^" like AUP/WARDZ for "upwards".

43. out

OUT

Use AOUT for the word beginning "out^" like AOUT/SPOEBG/*EN for "outspoken" or AOUT/RAEUPBLG for "outrage".

44. if

TP-

The bare left F is used for "if". Good as a phrase beginner, such as TP-T for "if the". Same pattern as "it" and "in".

45. about

PW-

The left-hand B is used for "about" as a convenient brief. Some theories do this word differently. One nice benefit of being on the left side is, of course, phrases: PW-T for "about the".

46. who

WHO (spelling).

We can't use HAOU (hue) or HAO (hoo).

47. get

TKPWET or TKPW-T

48. which

WEU. Just a brief.

49. go

TKPWO (spelling), TKPWOE (phonetic), or just TKPW.

50. me

PHE (spelling), PHAOE (phonetic).

As with many of these common words, being less strict on the vowel gives your fingers a potential break.

51. when

WH (brief) or WHEPB (spelling)

52. make

PHAEUBG (MAIK) (phonetic)

53. can

The left-hand K- only, useful for phrases. K-B (can be).

54. like

HRAOEUBG (phonetic)

55. time

TAOEUPL (phonetic)

56. no

TPHO (spelling).

The phonetic version is saved for "know".

57. just

SKWRUFT

Remember that -F is sometimes used for S.

58. him

HEUPL

59. know

TPHOE (phonetic)

60. take

TAEUBG (phonetic)

61. people

PAOEPL

In this case -PL is used for the "pl" sound instead of -M.

62. into

TPHAO

TPH- is "in", and AO is sometimes used for oo which sounds liked the vowel in "into". Can't use TPHAOU as it is being used by "knew".

63. year

KWRAOER (phonetic)

64. your

KWROUR (spelling).

Don't use KWRUR as that's the word ending ^ur like in KHROES/KWRUR (closure).

65. good

TKPWAOD

66. some

SOPL

As a word beginning, S- and SPH- are used: for example, SPH-PB for "someone" and S-G for "something".

67. could

KO

Brief like WO for "would".

68. them

THEPL

69. see

SAOE

70. other

OER

Shows up as a word part, like in TPHOER for "another".

71. than

THAPB (spelling)

72. then

THEPB (spelling)

73. now

TPHOU

74. look

HRAOBG

75. only

OEPBL

In Plover's dictionary, E is often added to strokes to make them end with an "ee" sound. OEPBL can be thought of as "onl/ee". Lots of briefs use this, such as KRAER for "contrary" and TPAEPL for "family".

76. come

KOPL

77. its

EUTS

T-S is used for "it's".

78. over

OEFR

Emphasizing the tense-O sound to contrast with OFR for "offer". To use as a prefix, use AUFR, such as AUFR/TKOPB for "overdone".

79. think

THEU (brief), with a whole family: THEUS for "thinks", THEUG for "thinking".

80. also

HR-S (brief)

81. back

PWABG

82. after

AF

AFT is a misstroke entry which you could consider remapping to "aft" or "after the". To use as a prefix, use AFR, such as AFR/TAEUFT for "aftertaste".

83. use

AOUS or AOUZ

84. two

TWO (spelling)

85. how

HOU

86. our

OUR

87. work

WORBG

88. first

TPEURS

This brief drops the "t" sound for comfort.

89. well

WEL

90. way

WAEU

91. even

AOEPB or AOEFPB

Dropping the -F makes this stroke easier to hit.

92. new

TPHU

Briefed to avoid conflict with TPHAOU for "knew".

93. want

WAPBT

94. because

PWAUS or PWAUZ (briefs)

95. any

TPHEU (brief)

96. these

THEZ (brief) or THAOES/THAOEZ (phonetic).

The brief is much easier to hit.

97. give

TKPWEUF

No need for an asterisk, which is often the case with common words in the Plover dictionary.

98. day

TKAEU (phonetic)

99. most

PHOFT, PHOEFT, PHO*ES, or PHO*S.

Go with the option you like most.

100. us

US