Fact · Dictation for work and study
A typical shorthand system uses symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which lets a trained writer keep up with speech.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“A typical shorthand system provides symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which can allow someone well-trained in the system to write as quickly as people speak.”
Shorthand, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, n.d., Introduction.
Open the original- What it measures
- This is why phrase outlines matter in legal dictation: a stock legal phrase can be written as one shorthand unit.
- What it does not show
- The sentence says a well-trained writer can keep up with speech. It gives no speed figure for any particular system.