Why can't people spell anymore?

Question

It's really not that hard to tell the difference between to, and too

Or their, there, they're

Have teachers stopped teaching spelling? And besides spelling, there's usage: why do people have such a hard time with infer and imply? Or the really tough one, affect and effect.

Actually, they're not hard at all - I just don't think teachers are teaching these anymore, and why not?

Answer 1

Laziness and ignorance coupled with expediency...those are deadly combinations wherever they are collectively applied.

It bothers me too, but we can't all strive for the same thing like perfection, can we?

23 Dec 2006, 6:17pm, Philippines

Answer 2

First, some people are better at certain things than others.

Nevertheless, you may be on to something -- although I don't think it's all that bad.

1. English is not a phonetic language, so it will always be difficult.
2. Spell check ability in programs is replacing our attention to such things.
3. The Internet has increased visibility of errors -- you're just seeing more of it -- as well as decreased the formality of the language. People don't care because they don't have to.
4. Teachers might be focusing on more communicative tasks and literature in the classroom and not so much on spelling.

Answer 3

With programs like spell check on computers and predictive texting on cells, people just don't need do bother with knowing how to spell a word. It all comes down to laziness and the assumption that people will understand what it is we're trying to say. But it could also be the lax requirements that most states have on the subject. I know doctors that can't spell worth a damn.

Even this box I'm writting in has spell check. Score!

Answer 4

Teachers still teach spelling in Indiana at least. That doesn't mean they can make kids care about it, though.

Maybe spelling has always been this bad, and we are only noticing it now because people write so much on-line. Before the Internet, no one except editors had much chance to see the spelling mistakes of numerous strangers.

Answer 5

Why do the people who ask these questions always have poor grammar?

"Why can't people spell anymore?"

It should be

"Why can people not spell anymore?"

although even that is poorly written. A better formed question would be

"Why do people no longer correctly spell words?"

I will tell you why. Language is a dynamic entity that changes every generation. There is a reason why society no longer speaks Middle English. A younger generation had decided that "thee", "thou", and "thy" were no longer appropriate forms of speech and discontinued their use. Grammarians back then predicted the end of society as they knew it. One day, this new generation of kids will have kids of their own and they will lambast them for their poor grammar. They will predict the end of society as they know it. The circle of life will have completed. Young parents will say, "Now I know what my parents were complaining about." These complaints will go on ad nauseum until the last person on earth dies. The trick to solving this problem is to focus your energy on something more useful. There are more important things in life to be concerned about.

Answer 6

i haven't been to school since 1956 and i still can't get it streight on how to use these words right. there their what ever comes out as long as you know what i'm talking about like i after e except c i will never get that one right everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.my mind just goes blank what i don't understand is they have check spelling in the corner why don't they use it i quit school when i was 16 joined the marines on my 17 th birthday back then they had never herd of ADD and i had a raging case of it my mind was every where but school and i'm sad to this day about it both of my sons have some ADD

Answer 7

Some facets of learning are easier for some then others.Like the guy with ADD,I to struggled with school.Pushed from one grade to the next.Know-one seemed to care weather you got it or not.The teachers got paid,the school got paid by the government for filled seats.Everyone was happy,but the kids leave with a B.S. education.Bottom line is the school system sucks in America.Your happy,you comprehended what you where being taught.Then you play smug and belittle those less fortunate then you.That is one reason why they system sucks,people like you in there supposedly teaching kids. So they will understand what the hell they are being taught.Yeah,I'm pist,I ended up with shiit and you play Holler then Thou.

Answer 8

I asked a similar question.Basically people are so lazy especially in the States,A lot of young people think that it is trendy to mispell words.Maybe I should not participate in Answers as I am English.They are ruining my mother tongue.It would be very good if a persons nationality were shown plus their location.I would deduct points for wrong spelling of words.They ignore spell check.Some of the questions posted inane.I ask what I believe to be interesting topics,but get few answers.Mention sex and everyone replies.

Answer 9

see everyone cant speak the same way
like an Indian can't speak like an European
even the teacher at different places can't speak the same
that's why now mostly people can't spell properly

Answer 10

They are. Unfortunately, teenagers nowadays are more interested in things that are NOT spelling and english. Not to mention the fact that the U.S has one of the worst public education system.