How hard is it to actually spell words correctly when posting a question?

Question

I cannot believe how many questions I come across where the spelling and grammar are so bad.

Answer 1

The two most common elements in the world are hydrogen and stupidity.

Knowing that, it all makes sense that even people whose first language is English can't spell/write/read properly. Quite sad, really....

Answer 2

Apart from the obvious answer that it's down to simple ignorance - which many here have pointed out, you might consider that it's a result of the poster 'not caring'. In the latter sense it's actually a fairly 'smart move'. If we take the time to 'decipher' their cryptic postings and still provide an answer for them, why should they bother to spell check or even re-read their own typing?, Minimum effort to achieve maximum result equals success in nature, in education, business, and now presumably 'online'.

If you (and I am not presuming that you do) respond to questions that are poorly framed, or which include spelling errors, some might say you are simply encouraging the questioners to 'carry on' without making any attempt to improve their grammar or spelling. So basically it could be argued that it's the fault of the responders, not the posters. Get's back to a fundamental ethical issue, do you confront ignorance and error, or distance yourself from it, or accept it as the norm? What is the morally (responsibly) correct thing to do?

I've also mentioned elsewhere that the short lines in dialog boxes on screen make it hard for the eye (and hence brain) to 'scan' the text at a natural rate - basically the 'end of the line' that happens so often in a small text box 'disrupts' the rhythm of the eye/brain text editing function trying to scan the text for errors. This of course presumes the author bothers to re-read their submission, but explains why some brilliant folk still make the occasional error.

Answer 3

Yes, there is spell check. But remember that this site is available to people who have different levels of ability in English, including those for whom it is a second, third, tenth language. And each of you speaks how many different languages? Fluently? If you check the bottom of this page, you'll see that it's available through 20 different national versions of Yahoo, and in only two of them is English the official language

Another thing to keep in mind is that in some places, the English that is spoken is a dialect, something that is similar to what is commonly referred to as "The Queen's English", but is heavily influenced by the native tongues of the area. One such place is India, but it's probably not the only one.

Remember as well that spell check cannot help if the incorrect word is used but is spelt correctly.

You know what they say about the throwing of stones...

Answer 4

I've wondered the same thing. I guess it's either people intentionally being stupid or else it's kids. I can't remember if I could have spelled words such as "statuatory" under age 10. But, then again, when I was ten, there were no easy internet dictionaries to look up spelling... And then there's the Check Spelling hotlink sitting right there... It really doesn't make sense... Stupid adults or lazy kids...

Answer 5

It amazes me too. I know a 23-year-old girl who still thinks "soup" is spelled "soop".

In their defense, some of them are learning English as a secondary or even tertiary language. However, if someone only knows one language and can't say anything intelligible in it, there's a problem.

Answer 6

I agree. I guess people don't think its important to check their questions before posting them or have time to use the spell check equipped on the computer software.

Answer 7

I know, especially since it comes with Spell Check!

Answer 8

Spelling is not the only problem. Did anyone see the question where the poster asked:

If they combined President Washington and President Lincoln's birthday into just President's day, why didn't they include President King and President Columbus?

I kid you not...

Answer 9

I recall thinking the same thing, as with any blog, or MySpace, or Y!A.....my God!! WTH is up? Do we assume that 90% of the folks who come to Yahoo Answers are 11-14 years old and have been held back a grade or two? lol.....
It erks me too, just had to agree with you!
7

Answer 10

You have to keep in mind that in america media is geared to a third grade education, which might reflect the average person's intelligence. Appreciation for literature and language in general is pretty low.