How come nobody on the Internet can spell?

Question

I think when people are spelling propose, P-U-R-P-O-S-E, then we have a pretty big problem.

Sorry, I guess I shouldn't criticise spelling when my grammar isn't perfect. But it's a legit question. WHY CAN'T anyone on the Internet spell. And when I say ANYONE, I don't literally mean ANYONE. Clearly there are many who can spell, and I know some people do use slang. Like, when someone says "ur 2 gr8t" or something along those lines, I don't assume that they can't spell "you're" or "too" or "great". But seriously, you have to admit, there are lots of people out there who can't spell at all. What's going on with that?

And you can pick apart my question all you want-- go for it. But I'm not attacking anyone specifically, so don't take offense. I mean, unless you can't spell. Then go for it. You have to the right to be offended.

Answer 1

I actually got a nasty gram from someone (38 years old) that was upset that I corrected her with her spelling. The whole problem is deeper than you state. Why is it that poeple drop some letters to replace with others that make the sound that is made when you speak the word. For example: Iz dat wat u ment? How about changing words altogether like "gangsta" instead of gangster, ax instead of ask, fiddy instead of fifty. It's like the trend is heading toward more people using ebonics to communicate with others.
This shows that our our educational system isn't just going to crap, it has been crap.
BTW I saw a question where someone spelled propose as "perpose".
Pretty sad when there is a spell checker available!

Answer 2

Most look for the slang, or quick replies... Many others are not good at typing. Still more have not gotten past the fifth grade reading levels, etc.

If you are in a hurry, slop it up. If not, practice patience and write a responsible reply. That's my advice to a lot of people.

There are hundreds of thousands of words in the English language, and most can't get past the rudimentary nasty slang words. Go figure.

I would imagine that it would also have to do, a great deal, with the age of the responding person.

Be patient, their time will come.

Answer 3

I hate to split hairs, but unless you are from Great Britain, the American spelling is "criticize", not with an "s". However, I know what you mean...the spelling, particularly on this site, is horrific; I often wonder if it's laziness or just lack of education. If so...as an English teacher, I have my work cut out for me for many years.

Answer 4

Everyone should have been in on a two hour exchange between an English teacher and me, right here on Q &A.

Had no idea what a hanging infinitive is.

One of our own American educators. English teacher? Geezzz.

I finally gave up, and said to him, "What in hell am I doing, teaching a teacher?"

This site should be required reading for all teachers.

Answer 5

Hmm... How about people on the internet who have poor grammar such as yourself? How about correcting your own errors before you start trying to correct others?

It isn't, "HOW COME nobody on the Internet can spell?"

It is correct to say, "Why can't anybody on the Internet spell?"
or "Why is it that nobody on the Internet can spell?"

Got it? Understand?

Answer 6

yes but to err is human. and another thing, how come all the grammar people come on correcting our mistakes. And another thing, why are some answers sooooo serious when I thought this was supposed to be light hearted. And another thing why am I now on my high horse (I coming down now! honest) lol

Answer 7

Because K-12 education in this country is joke.

Answer 8

your the stupid person, i'm sorry but what group of people hijacked and killed 3,000 americans back 5 years ago adn tried to do it again.............. MUSLIMS! seriously i know you were joking, i known you were just kidding, you MUST be a terrorist

Answer 9

maybe its just their style i mean alot of people wanna use shortcuts like they use slang and whatever so who can fix none of em can

Answer 10

I can spell