WORD REPLACEMENT - SHORTCUT USAGE

[ALI786]

I am a new Android user after having been on iOS since the original iPhone. I've got my new SONY XPERIA E1 One pretty much set-up the way I want but I'm just having one issue that I can't resolve.

I've gone into Settings > Language & keyboard  > Personal Dictionary 
I've created a bunch of keyboard shortcuts but they never work in any applications (example: omw = On my way!)

I've typed my shortcuts in every app there is but none of them work. I've rebooted the phone but still no dice. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for any and all help!

[ALI786 · Accepted solution]

As a newBIE ANDRIOD USER, any particular 3rd party recommendation?

[_alexdon_]

Check out this:

http://www.androidauthority.com/the-best-keyboard-for-android-apps-198452/