Got questions about Teeline shorthand?
This is the place to start.

Whether you're wondering how fast you need to write, what counts as a Teeline symbol, or how to make dictation practice work — we've collected the most common questions (and honest answers) here.
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Getting started

What is Teeline shorthand?

Teeline is a fast, efficient method of writing by hand that uses simplified letter shapes and shortcuts to record spoken or written words quickly. It was developed in the UK in the 1960s and is commonly used by journalists, secretaries, students, and anyone who wants to take notes faster than they can type.

Why should I learn Teeline instead of another shorthand system?

Teeline is designed for modern English speakers and is much easier to learn than older systems like Pitman or Gregg. It’s based on the Roman alphabet, so you don’t have to learn a new symbol for every sound. It’s also flexible, adaptable to your own style, and widely used in UK journalism training.

Is Teeline hard to learn?

Not at all. Most learners pick up the basics within a few weeks. Like any skill, it takes time to build speed and fluency, but the early progress is encouraging. With just a few minutes of daily practice, you'll quickly be able to write faster than longhand.

How long does it take to become fluent in Teeline?

It depends on how regularly you practise and what you mean by “fluent.” Most people can reach a comfortable writing speed of 60–80 words per minute within three to six months. Reaching higher speeds (100+ WPM) may take longer and usually requires consistent daily practice.

Can I teach myself Teeline without a course or teacher?

Yes — Teeline is very learnable on your own, especially with the right resources. Many people successfully teach themselves using books, websites, and dictation practice. This site provides step-by-step guides, printable worksheets, and real-world dictation examples to support independent learners.

What do I need to start learning Teeline?

You’ll need a smooth-flowing pen (like a gel or rollerball), a notebook or shorthand pad, and somewhere quiet to practise. That’s it. You don’t need any special equipment, though many learners also use headphones and a timer when doing dictation work.

Is there a specific age or profession Teeline is best for?

Teeline is useful for anyone who takes notes: students, journalists, lawyers, administrators, writers, researchers — and even hobbyists. It's great for the practical aspect of writing faster, but it's also a good way of keeping the brain active by learning something new and interesting. It's accessible for teens, adults, and older learners alike. If you can write the alphabet, you can learn Teeline.

Learning and progression

What’s the best way to practise Teeline each day?

Start small and be consistent. Spend ten to fifteen minutes a day writing outlines, reviewing brief forms, or doing short dictations. It helps to write at your natural speed first, then go back and check for accuracy. Little and often works better than long, occasional sessions.

How can I build up my speed?

Speed comes from confidence, not rushing. Start by making sure your outlines are clear and consistent. Then work on short dictation passages, gradually increasing the speed as your accuracy improves. Use a timer or metronome, and don't be afraid to repeat the same passage several times.

What speed should I aim for?

That depends on your goal. For general note-taking, 60 to 80 words per minute is more than enough. Journalists often aim for 100 WPM or higher. Most people find 60 WPM quite comfortable for real-world use. It’s better to be accurate and readable than fast and messy.

How do I test my words per minute (WPM)?

Play a timed dictation, write along, then count the number of words you wrote correctly in one minute. If you're using a longer passage, divide the total correct words by the number of minutes. Don’t count misread or skipped words. You can use our WPM calculator to help.

Why do my outlines look messy or inconsistent?

That’s normal at first. Try to slow down slightly and focus on stroke shape and direction. Use a pen that flows smoothly and avoid writing too small. Practise writing each outline three times in a row, keeping the size and angle consistent. It will come with time.

Do I have to use the official brief forms, or can I make up my own?

The official ones are useful, especially in exams or shared settings, but personal brief forms are fine too. Many shorthand users invent outlines that make sense to them. Just make sure you can read them back. If you’re using Teeline for work, consistency matters more.

What do I do if I forget an outline mid-sentence?

Skip it and leave a blank or a mark to come back to later. Don’t let one tricky word slow you down. You can also write the word in longhand or part-shorthand to keep the flow going. Once the dictation is over, you can fill in the gaps.

Can I use Teeline in real-time conversations or meetings?

Yes, with practice. Most people don’t write every single word, just the key points. You can listen for the main ideas and use brief forms or phrases to stay up to speed. Over time, your brain gets better at choosing what to write and what to leave out.

Technical & Style Questions

What’s the best pen to use for Teeline shorthand?

A smooth, fast-flowing pen works best for Teeline. Gel pens, rollerballs, and fountain pens with fine nibs are popular choices. You want a pen that doesn’t skip or drag, so you can write quickly and clearly. Ballpoints can be used, but they may slow you down slightly.

Should I write Teeline on lined, plain, or shorthand-ruled paper?

Lined paper is fine for most learners. Some prefer shorthand-ruled pads, which have narrower lines to help with compact writing. Plain paper works if you’re confident, but it can be harder to keep your writing even. The main thing is to stay comfortable and consistent.

How do I write numbers and punctuation in Teeline shorthand?

Numbers are usually written in full, just like in longhand. For example, 1985 would be written as digits, not as shorthand outlines. Most punctuation is the same - only question marks, full stops, dashes and hyphens are different - this is to reduce confusion, for example, a dash or a hyphen could look like a 't' when viewed in a paragraph of Teeline shorthand.

Why does Teeline leave out vowels, and how can you still read it?

Teeline shorthand drops many vowels to save time. In most cases, the outline is still easy to recognise from the surrounding consonants and context. You’ll get used to reading vowel-less words quickly. If a word might be confusing, you can leave the vowel in — especially early on.

What do I do with silent letters in Teeline?

Silent letters are usually left out. For example, the “k” in “knife” or the “b” in “doubt” wouldn’t appear in the outline. Teeline is all about writing what you hear, not what you spell. If you wouldn’t pronounce the letter, you don’t need to write it.

How do I join letters that don’t naturally connect in Teeline?

Some letters just don’t flow well into each other. Different devices can be used - for example using an upward 'L', shortening the 'L' or lifting the pen from the paper to add the next letter as in the case sometimes after an 'X' or a 'K'. Practice helps. You’ll learn which joins feel natural and which need workarounds.

What if I’m left-handed? Can I still use Teeline shorthand?

Yes, Teeline works perfectly for left-handed writers. You may need to tilt your paper differently or experiment with pen grip, but the system itself doesn’t depend on writing direction. Many left-handed journalists and students use Teeline successfully. The key is to find a writing position that keeps your hand relaxed and the outlines legible. If you can write longhand, you can write shorthand.

Uses in the Real World

Is Teeline still used by journalists today?

Yes, many UK journalists still learn and use Teeline shorthand, although it is not compulsory now as part of journalism courses. That said, it's reliable for interviews, court reporting, and fast note-taking when recording isn’t allowed or practical, . Even with laptops and phones, shorthand remains a trusted skill in busy newsrooms.

Can Teeline help with note-taking at university or work?

Absolutely. Teeline is ideal for students in lectures, researchers, administrators, and anyone who wants to take notes quickly without relying on recordings. It helps you focus, stay engaged, and review your notes more efficiently later on. You don’t need to write everything, just the key points in a fast, readable form.

Will Teeline help me get a job in journalism or admin?

For journalism, yes — shorthand is offered as a part of most UK training programmes and employers may expect a certain WPM speed (often 100+). For admin and office work, it can set you apart and help with meetings, dictation, and fast documentation. It’s a practical skill that shows attention to detail, good organisation, and a commitment to personal development that is valuable in any workforce. 

Is Teeline acceptable in court or formal settings?

Yes, Teeline can be used in court, official hearings, and legal settings, as long as you are confident in your accuracy and able to transcribe clearly afterward. Shorthand notes are also admissible as evidence in UK courts.

Can I use Teeline on digital tablets or styluses?

You can, though it takes some adjustment. Writing Teeline on a tablet with a stylus is possible if the app responds well to handwriting. Some users prefer paper for speed and flow, but others successfully use digital note-taking apps with good pen responsiveness and minimal lag. It’s worth experimenting to see what works for you.

Resources and help

Where can I get free practice materials?

Right here on teeline.co.uk. You’ll find free printable worksheets, flash cards, practice outlines, and full dictation in our resources section. These materials are designed to suit all levels, from beginner to advanced. It's also updated regularly with new content, so check back often or join the mailing list.

Do I need to buy a textbook to learn Teeline?

No, you can learn a great deal for free using the lessons and materials on this site or elsewhere. However, a good textbook can help reinforce your learning and give structure to your progress, as well as providing you with everything conveniently in one place to save you time. The Professional Teeline textbook is designed to support self-learners and classrooms alike and contains the up to date language you need.

Are there any printable worksheets or flash cards available?

Yes. The resources section includes PDF downloads for flash cards, blank practice sheets, speed drills, and outline review exercises. There are also themed vocabulary sheets for areas like journalism, law, and healthcare. All are designed for easy printing and regular use.

What does teeline.co.uk have?

• Learning material on this site is free and fully accessible; no enrolment or paywall required.
• The site provides maintained and reviewed pages with trusted, reliable outlines.
• Focus is on hand-written practice and understanding joins, not 'shortcuts' such as memorising outlines.
• While the optional coursebook is the complete Teeline course and recommended for purchase, learners can practise using the free material here.
  
  

Teeline vs Other Systems

What’s the difference between Teeline and Pitman shorthand?

Teeline is based on the regular alphabet, while Pitman uses phonetic symbols and line thickness. Pitman is older and very fast when mastered, but it takes longer to learn and requires a fountain pen or pencil for line shading. Teeline is easier to pick up, more flexible, and better suited to modern English writing and fast note-taking.

Is Gregg shorthand used in the UK?

Not often. Gregg shorthand is more common in the United States. In the UK, Teeline is the most widely taught and recognised shorthand system, especially in journalism training. Gregg is more cursive and flowing, but it’s less common in UK classrooms and workplaces.

Can I mix Teeline with another system?

You could, but it’s not usually recommended. Each system has its own logic and structure, and mixing them can cause confusion or make your notes harder to read back. If you already know another system, it’s best to stick with one style for consistency, especially if you're using it professionally.

Why is Teeline preferred for modern use?

Teeline is fast, simple, and based on the alphabet we already use. You don’t need special pens or paper, and it’s quick to learn compared to older systems. It’s flexible enough for everyday use, fast enough for professional note-taking, and widely taught across the UK — especially in media, admin, and legal work.