A handwriting input display apparatus causes display means to display a stroke generated by an input made by using input means to a screen as a handwritten object. The apparatus includes display control means for causing the display means to display character string candidates including a handwriting recognition candidate when the handwritten object does not change for a predetermined time. When the handwriting recognition candidate is selected, the display control means causes the display means to erase a display of the character string candidates and a display of the handwritten object, and causes the display means to display a character string object at a position where the erased handwritten object was displayed. When selection of the handwriting recognition candidate is not performed for a predetermined time and the display of the character string candidates is erased, the display control means causes the handwritten object to be kept displayed.