Turn off the grey word suggestions that appear as you type

Why it happens

Your Mac tries to guess the rest of the word or phrase you're typing and shows its guess in light grey just after the cursor. Some people find it handy, but it can be distracting or make you lose your place. It's one switch, so you can turn it back on any time.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click Keyboard in the sidebar.

2. Under Text Input, click the Edit… button next to Input Sources.

   Keyboard›Text Input›Edit…

3. Turn off Show inline predictive text, then click Done.

   Keyboard›Text Input›Edit…›Show inline predictive text

4. Type a few words in a note or email to check the grey suggestions are gone. Quit and reopen any app that still shows them.

Still not fixed?

1. If words are being changed rather than suggested, that's autocorrect. Turn off Correct spelling automatically in the same Edit… panel.

   Keyboard›Text Input›Edit…›Correct spelling automatically

2. If suggestions only appear on one website or in one app, they come from that site or app, not your Mac. Look for a suggestion setting in that app or in your account settings on that site.

3. If the switch keeps turning itself back on after a restart, your Mac may be managed by a school or company. Ask them, or contact Apple Support if the Mac is your own.