We never cease to be amazed by the ways technology can help our writing – and keep die-hard word nerds entertained. Here we take a look at some of the most clever and fun word apps and features out there.

Lasso that word!

You’re happily trawling the web on your iPad and you come across the word ‘sanguine’. Sang-what? If you happen to be using the search engine Bing, Microsoft has introduced a new lasso feature. This allows you to circle the word in question and then bring up a definition. No more copying and pasting. Now that’s something to be sanguine about.

Rhyming rap and Shakespearean taunts anyone?

For all you budding poet laureates or up-and-coming rappers, the Rhyming Dictionary is the app for you. Struggling to find a rhyme for Captain Picard? No problem! Bodyguard? Debarred? Leotard? A fun little limerick is already starting to take shape...

Or, if you’re looking to jazz up your taunts, there’s nothing like throwing in a little Shakespearean flair. The app iNsult generates the most peculiar sounding insults you’ve probably ever heard. Know anyone who’s a bootless tickle-brained lout? Or an unmuzzled hasty-witted gudgeon? Neither do we, but it does make for funny reading.

Fun and (word) games

From old classics to new creations, there’s plenty of fun to be had on your mobile. Here are some of our favourite word game apps:

• Word Solitaire

As you might have guessed, this is Solitaire – but with words. So instead of matching card suits, each card has a letter which you use to create words.

• Words with Friends

Words with Friends is basically Scrabble – but free. And because you link up to play against other users, it’s even been dubbed ‘the new Twitter’. High praise indeed.

• Crostix

A cousin of crossword puzzles, in this addictive game you rearrange the letters of the clues and answers to form quotes from famous people.

So whether you’re lounging on the beach this summer or indulging in a spot of café culture – these apps will help you while away a few sunny afternoons.