Someone just asked the cost of a 'bear' in Egypt! Now if this is a big furry beast, non-native to Egypt, it's rather distracting. If on the other hand, it's a 'beer', that's making it difficult for genuinely helpful people to respond sensibly. So to all those who say we're pedantic or small-minded, how do you answer this one?
2006-09-18 00:09:40 · 42 answers · asked by Michael E 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm always amazed how much debate this stirs up! I only do it to be controversial!
You all have a good day out there, and stop stressing about it!
2006-09-18 00:27:25 · update #1
Could've been the Heineken Bear.
Or perhaps: Gladly, the cross eyed bear.
Sentence construction and spelling does matter - it can change the context and meaning of a sentence. For the majority of us humans, spelling, writing and reading are natural abilities that we are born with. We have brains that function better when they are used more often. So people should actually take time out and put some effort into learning to read, write and spell, and stop making lazy excuses.
2006-09-18 00:28:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's no good getting bitter about it, you have to look at the lager picture - That question about the bear / beer clearly baited you. The beauty of the English language is that so many words mean different things, and thus jokes based on wordplay are plentiful. Getting back to your point, yes people should take more care, but as long as everone understands the gist of what is being said no damage is done. In the bear / beer case, the asker of the question should have taken more care - A spell check would clearly not have been enough.,
2006-09-18 00:11:35 · answer #2 · answered by Perkins 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It indeed does matter. I enjoy throwing out the words that get a perplexed reaction as well. I have noticed so many misspelled words in the short amount of time I have been on here that it makes me wonder if abbreviated words and misspelled words is always acceptable when you are in this type of communication. I can remember being proud to win spelling bees in grade school, yes that was 25 years ago, doesn't seem like it. What's really sad is that there is a spell check.
2006-09-18 00:24:30 · answer #3 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spelling does matter! I have been accused of being pedantic, especially when people say 'pacific' instead of 'specific'!
Even though I saw something the other day, a whole paragraph of writing that was all spelt wrong, the only thing was that the first and last letter was in the right place. A bit like this:
Wehn wrdos are seplt wonrg, it deos my haed in!
I bet you know what that says!! Full of useless information me!!
2006-09-18 00:24:33 · answer #4 · answered by keiraebony 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah! That explains it! I am so used to daft questions on this site that I really thought some stupid frat boy was going to try and buy a bear, and I didn't even open it up to answer it!
Yes, spelling does matter, inasmuch as it helps clear communication. I'm not in favour (mostly - sometimes I just can't resist it if their opinions are daft, too...) of just criticising people for poor spelling when their general meaning is fairly obvious, and we all make tyops from time to time, but a bit more attention paid to decent spelling would be nice.
2006-09-18 00:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by gellhorn 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree with you. However, perhaps this person was in a hurry or spoke a language other than English. Also, if you were to do spell check, bear is a word, so it would be overlooked. I think it's more about taking the time to look at your question or answer and see if it makes sense, rather that speedily typing and clicking Submit.
2006-09-18 00:18:12 · answer #6 · answered by torreyc73 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't agree more with you darling. Spelling and grammar, hallmarks of self dignity and intelligence.
For those deluded souls who have no self respect, please note, you ARE judged on poor spelling and composition.
A questioner tried to note a resemblance of beer/bear however these spelling do not sound alike and therefore are NOT homophones.
Another questioner, a little arrogantly stated that she (had to be a woman) was more intelligent than yourself because she could speak more than one language! Well, who can't and since when was that an excuse for writing poorly, unless she was employing the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none!"
2006-09-18 00:31:56 · answer #7 · answered by Raymo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course spelling matters, however the 'check spelling' function must work in tandem with people actually proof reading. People may be spelling correctly but they words they are using are just wrong (see: bear / beer and old favourite they're / their / there).
And if you are called a pedant then long-live pedantry!
2006-09-18 00:22:07 · answer #8 · answered by sarcasticquotemarks 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ah! I saw this question and thought, how strange. Did wonder why someone would even think such a thing, never mind ask it. So I guess spelling in this instance does count if 'beer' is indeed what was intended.
Come to think of it: how much IS a BEAR in Eygypt?
2006-09-18 00:22:59 · answer #9 · answered by William G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes, spelling definetely matters. I wouldn't want to tangle with a "bear" in a bar anywhere. Especially not in Egypt. I know nothing about the local customs there.
2006-09-18 00:12:33 · answer #10 · answered by linda B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋