how would one improve spelling...?

Question

they never helped me in school with spelling so here i am in college. so how may i improve?

Answer 1

Study phonics. That is what worked for me. Also, use a spell checker.

Answer 2

Study a little phonics. Phonics is the system that explains how the sounds of the language are mapped to the writing system of the language.

Or, since you're in college, do all of your assignments on the computer and use the spell checker. Be aware, though, that the spell checker isn't foolproof. Sometimes you will use a spelling that isn't appropriate for the word you want, but is still a true word in English. Spell checkers sometimes won't mark those.

Answer 3

Read. This helps SO much. I have great spelling skills- and I attribtute it to an early love of reading. I've been reading since I can remember, and it's really helped my language skills.

Spell check also helps. Keep a dictionary on hand too.
But I advise you not to use spell-check as a crutch- it is not infallible. Oftentimes, if you spell a word very badly, it will mistake that word for another one and offer you corrections for that word. Or if you type in a name, it'll think the name is a misspelling. For example, I typed in the name "MacQuade" and the autocorrect feature on my writing program kept changing it to "Acquire." Finally, I had to shut that feature off until I was done with my document. |:-|

I also encourage you to attain a good knowledge of phonics and become familar with suffixes/prefixes/root words. OK... so prefixes, suffixes, and roots don't have A LOT to do with spelling, but they will help.

Good luck.

*edit* Brandon is right; there are a lot of poorly-written articles and books out there. In addition, many writers deliberately use misspelling or grammar errors to add "flavor" to their writing, to make it more creative and help it expand. And there's nothing wrong with that. But my high school teacher has a saying in regards to speling and grammar: "You can break the rules only if you know them." Meaning, if you wanna break a few spelling/grammar rules, you better know what you're doing.

So I'd suggest you stick to the more professional stuff and become more accustomed to the set rules of spelling. After all, most people rely on good spelling (and grammar, too) for effective communication.

Answer 4

Man I had the same problem!!! Anyways if you can't improve it, change it! My spelling was the worst in class, people always comment on how bad it was. So in the summer of grade 8 I finally had enough. So I changed to cursive writing style instead, and guess what, after 2 years I now have a writing that is considered to be "mysterious" by others. First of all, others have a hard time of reading what your writing but at the same time, they think it's cool because of the look of cursive. And you're writing speed gradually increases because you don't lift off the page until a word is written. So it will really help in the long run.

I think of it as an investment.

SHOOT, I read the question wrong. OMG you're talking about spelling not writing...........i feel so noob now......

Answer 5

I'd suggest looking for a computer program or something dedicated to improving spelling. The people that are telling you to read a lot are partially right, but there are a lot of poorly written books and articles out there. It just seems like you would learn more if you were to use something that's dedicated to helping you learn. I'm not a whiz with spelling or grammar but I constantly spot errors. Yahoo Answers is filled with errors. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody found a few in my answer here.

Answer 6

One way is just to practice, practice, practice. If you're so serious about improving your spelling, go use a little kiddy textbook with all those phonics. Read books. Read anything. Reading is very full of benefits and can help your spelling, believe it or not.

Answer 7

well if you study around 20 words per day & continue doing that for a week and then giving ur self a quiz to see if u remember how to spell the words or sometimes a lot of reading and focusing on the word will help but the first one i wrote is the best thing to do. (for me maybe u)

Answer 8

Look through a few spelling books and find your level. Can go to a library or just buy at Half Priced Books to take home and teach yourself.

Will not be that hard once you get into it.

As for as here, just go to http://www.iespell.com and download it (free) as it works in browsers.

I also have dictionaries on and around my computer desk to check on words and at times just browse checking different letter words..

Answer 9

DON'T rely on a spell checker. There are plenty of misspellings that are still words, so doing this is lazy. Take the time to identify words you regularly misspell. Put them on a list and test yourself on a regular basis. Only remove them once you nail them 100% of the time.

Answer 10

well for me, when i write words i know when they are spelt wrong by how they look. sometimes i know the spelling because i know the origins of the word. might help if u know which words are derived from languages; or good old fashioned sounding it out might help (and thats where knowing the origins of the words help because some letters might be silent). when u are writing papers, just use spell check at the end.

Answer 11

Practice, spell words, test yourself. They sell spelling books at most teacher supply stores.