Tell Backspace from Delete
Rub out the letter you meant, from either side of the cursor.
Backspace rubs out the letter behind the blinking line. Delete rubs out the letter in front of it.
Most laptops carry only the backwards one, and most typing needs only that.
Key points
- Backspace erases the letter behind the cursor
- Delete erases the letter in front of it
What to remember
- Tap the key. Held down, it takes whole words.
- Backspace looks behind. Delete looks ahead.
Try this
Type a word on your own device, put the cursor in the middle of it, and press each key once. Watch which letter goes.
Practice: Tell Backspace from Delete. Your first lesson is free, with no account or card; the rest are part of a Lantern plan. Interactive lessons require JavaScript.