[Learn](/learn/) / Bigrams # What is a bigram in typing? A bigram is a sequence of two keys, such as TH, ER, or Space followed by T. It measures the movement from one key to the next, not only the two keys on their own. By PeakTock Updated August 17, 2026 In one minute ## Bigrams reveal transitions that single-key scores can miss A key can be fast on its own but slow after another key. Bigram analysis shows the exact transition where you pause or make an error. PeakTock for Mac calls these patterns key pairs. ## 1\. How a bigram works A bigram is any two-key sequence. The word _the_ contains two letter bigrams: T \+ H and H \+ E. Typing analysis can also include spaces and punctuation, so Space \+ T can be a useful pair at the start of a word. Order matters. T then H and H then T contain the same two keys, but the hand movement is different. They are two different bigrams. __Common types of key-pair movement__ | Example | Movement | What to observe | | --------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------- | | ER | Two nearby keys | Whether each key uses its assigned finger | | TH | Left hand to right hand | Whether a pause appears between the hands | | ED | Two keys with one finger | Whether the finger releases E before returning to D | | Space + T | Thumb to left hand | A pause at a word boundary | ## 2\. Why bigrams affect typing rhythm A pair result describes the measured interval and errors between two presses. Compare it with other pairs that use similar keys. A longer interval, wrong order, or repeated correction can show which transition deserves inspection. Different pairs create different demands. A pair can use two hands, two fingers on one hand, or the same finger twice. It can move inward, outward, up, or down. The best result depends on your keyboard layout and your real behavior, so frequency and repeated measurements matter more than a list of pairs that are assumed to be difficult for everyone. The [Mac methodology](/learn/mac-methodology/) explains how PeakTock combines personal pair speed, accuracy, consistency, frequency, and evidence over time. ## 3\. How PeakTock uses bigrams PeakTock for Mac records bigrams as **key pairs**. It measures their speed, accuracy, and consistency. A pair needs at least 20 observations before it can affect the score of the key at the end of the pair. Frequently typed pairs have more effect than rare pairs. Compare the result with other pairs that end in H. If several are slow, inspect H across contexts. If only T then H is slow, practise that pair. The web app can run a focused drill for one selected pair. It does not build a personal pair history. PeakTock for Mac measures your own key pairs over time and uses them to choose practice. ## 4\. How to practise a slow bigram Use the pair that your result names, in the same order. Type a short set of real words that contain it. Watch the interval, order, and accuracy instead of chasing one target speed. Retest in normal text. If PeakTock does not name a pair, collect another comparable result instead of choosing one at random. ## 5\. Explore a specific bigram Pattern guides connect one pair to its keyboard movement, finger sequence, frequent words, possible errors, and a focused web drill. [ Alternating hands · right index → left middle **How to type the HE bigram** See why HE appears in about 1 in 10 words in English text, then practise it → ](/learn/bigrams/he/) [ Same finger · left middle → left middle **How to type the ED bigram** Learn the top-row return behind a common English ending, then practise it → ](/learn/bigrams/ed/) [ Same hand · right middle → right index **How to type the IN bigram** Follow the down-left path from I to N in common words, then practise it → ](/learn/bigrams/in/) --- Canonical HTML: