Did any of you learn proper spelling and english?

Question

I realize text/instant messaging is all the rage, but there's a lot to be said for proper grammar, spelling and appropriate use of the english language.

Answer 1

I learned Spell Check. I agree with you. Why not type the word to avoid any confusion for the people who don't read text.

Answer 2

I certainly did! I do get lazy about spelling at times though because it is so easy to use spell check. I know when a word looks wrong but can't always remember the correct spelling. My grammar is almost always perfect as I am a stickler on that! However, I have noticed that sometimes when I answer questions late at night, I leave words out and my sentences may become somewhat disjointed.
I can usually decipher most of the questions on here because I am a teacher and am used to reading things that students have written. Many of my students are Asian and English is their second language.

Answer 3

The point of a text message is to get an idea across as quickly as possible while using very few characters. Therefore, bad spelling and grammar should be expected.

Instant messaging is a conversational style communication tool. It was not intended for formal communication. There should only be an expectation of an exchange of ideas, not an expectation of property spelling and grammar.

Consequently, there are plenty of places where good grammar and spelling should be expected. These include hand written letters, business documents/memos, business instant messaging, school documentation/essays, applications, resumes, etc.

The common thread here is that when 2 friends are communicating it is generally understood that there is a conversational tone to all written communication. The consequences to this are that grammar and spelling will be lacking, but the general message should still be understood.

I think that as long as the communication was successful that it achieved its goal. Language was created to convey ideas, not to be argued about.

Answer 4

This question in "proper English" should be "Has any of you learnt (or "learned" in American English) proper spelling and English?

BTW, have you ever learnt that languages are spelt with a capital initial?

And did you know that spelling is a part of the language, so that by saying "English" you would include English spelling?

And in any case, who cares about grammar and spelling? We understood you all the same, even though your message has mistakes. So, why don't you just try to understand what you're told, even though it's full with mistakes?

ADDED LATER:

I don't mean to polemise, but in "Has any of you...?" the subject of "has" is NOT "you". It's "any", which may either take a singular or a plural verb, depending on whether it means "one, no matter which one" or "some, no matter which ones".

Answer 5

I agree with you.
Anything that stands in the way of good communication should be avoided. If your reader has to work to understand what you are saying, your communication is by definition not as effective.

Good spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spacing are all important for effective communication. I wish more Yahoo Answerers would attempt to incorporate them!

FYI This question in "proper English" should be "HAVE [collectively] any of you learnt (or "learned" in American English) proper spelling and English? - user above was incorrect.

Answer 6

Yes,I learned proper English spelling and grammar in school and frown upon the overly liberal use of text-abbreviations when writing other things,like these posts.Too many young people have not learned how to properly communicate and fail to understand that poor language skills,poor grammar,poor spelling all hold them back.A well-written work,whether a letter,a report,or a posting,does not contain grammatical or spelling errors or text-style abbreviations.Error-riddled writing looks sloppy and makes the writer look sloopy,ill-educated and uncaring.

Answer 7

I can understand the sentiment of what you're saying. But generally when receiving text/instant messages, there is an innate understanding that it's a more relaxed forum for communication. Which gives rise to an extended use of slang and abbreviations. However I would think you could gift anyone in your circle of friends with a guide to English grammar, and block the rest of us unwashed, un-learned Americans.

Answer 8

Yes, ma'am, I did.

I am as appalled as you are at the abuse of the English language on this site. Maybe if we begin answering questions that are incorrectly spelled and phrased, by giving the correct spelling and grammar, we can make a difference!

It has to start somewhere, right?

Answer 9

I read English for four years in school about 20 years ago. The teacher hardly knew proper English himself. I do make mistakes when I write in English but I don't see my lack of education as an excuse to avoid learning how to correct them.

Answer 10

Spelling in English wasn't standardized until relatively recently. Shakespeare himself spelled his own name several different ways.

English is elastic and ever-changing. The common usage of words usually becomes standard after some time-- e.g., in our lifetimes, "access" has become a verb, "hopefully" has come to mean "I hope," and we no longer put an "an" before words that begin with H.

That having been said, if "u" becomes an acceptable spelling for "you," I'm moving to France.

Answer 11

To the asking: Take a chill out pill, loosen up, and understand that unquestionably everyone isn't each and every of an identical. some human beings do exactly not desire to do issues that way. Others will not be able to. think of of the extensive forms of folk in this internet site. To the impolite answerer: close the h*ll up. you will get the evaluate the process W/O being an A$$h@l&. There, is my grammar etiquette and spelling superb suited for you, DUMBA$$?!?!