Why is spelling and grammar so appalling on this site?

Question

I am stunned by how many people posting questions and answers do not seem to have even a basic grasp of spelling, grammar and sentence structure. It's like reading the musings of three-year-olds and doesn't bode well for the future of our language, let alone our nation. What's more, nobody seems to mention it. How can we make people care more about reading and writing like functioning English-speakers?

And note to Tommy, no, I don't think the entire world speaks English, nor did I hint at any such thing. This is a question on an American web site, so it applies to the English-speaking citizens of America or guests to this web site who speak English. Can't really correct the grammar on Yahoo Japan, now can I?

Answer 1

You know, I really had no clue that this many people had this severe of a spelling problem. I don't care about perfect spelling and grammar, but some of these folks aren't even trying. I do understand that everyone on here is not fluent in the English language, but most of these people have no excuse. I think it mainly comes from lazy kids who think it takes WAY less time to just write "u" or "plz" instead of "you" and "please." Maybe they don't know how to properly type?
I have a friend who is severely dyslexic and he can type better than most of these folks.

Answer 2

Spell Check Appalling

Answer 3

One of the reasons for the bad spelling and grammar is the HASTE with which the answers are posted. People answer off the tops of their heads, knowing full well that if their answer is beyond number 29 it is unlikely to be read.

It's like this, why bother writing a well reasoned, well organized, well worded answer if by taking the time to write it, it will be buried at answer number 36 or something.

So people answer in haste, not really caring about what they say and how they say it.

Place holding, aka "squatting" is now a violation. I was one who gave brief answers and composed a better one and re posted withing ten or so minutes.

Questions are often written just as hastily. But there is no reason for such poorly written questions since the issue of time is not in play.

Another reason for all the poorly written questions and answers is KIDS! Kids! Kids! Kids think it is so cool to clobber the English language by writing in the style of "ghetto thug". Also so-called adults who slept through English and Composition classes in high school and never really learned how to write straight English are to blame.

My answer is a perfect example of taking my time to write and at least correct typos and spelling errors. My answer is #28 and some of the ones ahead of mine are just what the asker is talking about!

People who grow up with English as their first language should be ashamed of how they are clobbering their language. I am afraid it is the USA English speakers and writers who are the most guilty of writing in "ghetto thug" or other substandard forms of English. I hope the kids who are here from non-English speaking countries are NOT using the "ghetto-thug" writers as examples to follow!

Answer #33 Yes, those words are spelled correctly, but they are used in the WRONG context. Just because they SOUND the same as the correct word, doesn't mean you have used the correctly!

Answer 4

I was about to post a similar question!

I can understand that people like to use abbreviations, like "r u" for "are you." It saves keystrokes, which I suppose is great if "ur" in a rush or don't type well.

I can also understand not using capital letters. Reaching for that shift key can be rather burdensome, I suppose.

Still, there are two phenomena that set my teeth on edge. The first is the bad spelling. Yahoo Answers provides a spell-checker. There is no excuse for incorrect spelling! The second is the lack of punctuation. It is no trouble to strike the "." key now and then. Writing without punctuation is nonsensical.

Why bother to post an answer if your grammar and punctuation are so terrible? Who would take an answer seriously from someone who has the writing mechanics of a trout?

Answer 5

I realize that for some posters, English may be a second language. I think those people try harder that Americans to get it right. It only takes a minute to spell check friends. Why not, when it is so convenient?
Don't you find some of these questions/answers hard to read when the grammar and spelling are so shall we say....unconventional?
One thing we should not do to improve the English style around here is correct people who don't want to learn. People hate that. I only do it in response to personal abuse. If someone answers one of my thoughtful and reasoned questions with "your and idiot"
I tell them that they probably meant "you're an idiot" and explain a little about the use and abuse of apostrophes. But I only do that to f**k with their head.

Answer 6

Don't forget that a number of people are dyslexic. Also standards of education in many poorer areas mean that many school leavers are functionally illiterate. Its not just the schools that are responsible here, parents that don't read for pleasure rarely encourage their children to do so.
Although there is a spell check available when you post; and its not always clear to people which version they should choose; and there is no grammar check.

Just be grateful for the skills you have, and before you jump in to critisize someones post remember that for many Deaf people written English is their second language.

Answer 7

My problem isn't the occasional spelling or grammar mistake - we're all guilty of that, me included (And i have seen a fair few typos in just this particular subject!)

What annoys me is text speak

Plz tnx 2moz, Da, innit, all that rubbish. Its not a question of where people are from, what ages, etc. Its the people who are either too lazy to write whole words, or think they're "wannabe Gangstas". If they disappeared I wouldn't have one little problem with grammar or spelling!

Answer 8

coz duuuh everyones on the puter learning how a new puter language, neway duncha know "threw that in just for you" as long as the 1st n last letters right everyone knows ya dun read the letters in between

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.


hahaha if your still around creviazuk i luuuved that it was cute

Answer 9

I am appalled by those, who are so critical of others who are struggling with Grammar & spelling are you so feeble minded you do not know, many on here are very young, very old or from another country, go to the Education Catigory maybe they will appriciate you, As a very old Woman I do not.I am smart enough to understand what most every one is saying, I decode it, I guess you need a Decoding Class.

Answer 10

I wos finkin thet as wel. I imajin mos ar ilitrate.

Serious though, it is absolutely dreadful. I fear for the nation with the level of questions and the unbelievable spelling on this site. I could spell better at six years old than some people on this site.
What about text spelling as well? It shows a lack of intelligence.
Do you agree?