Why don't people take the time to correct their grammatical and spelling errors?

Question

The easiest way to appear intelligent and to gain respect from people that are on-line, viewing the content of your question or email, is to spell correctly and use proper grammar. The site gives everyone plenty of time to edit their entry and I don't believe that all the misuse is because of translation. Why don't people take the few extra seconds to form a precise expression?
P.S.: If you get nasty, I'll report you. Simple. So, be hateful if you want to...I'll just have your comment removed.

I suppose "School" has something to do with correct manners of speech in your world...to some the very fact that we are allowed tongues doesn't mean that we should use them without thought. This isn't about education. This is about the use of our brains.

A Chinese Guy in China: I definitely understand translation problems. I probably sound like a complete moron when I speak another language...but for the most part, you would probably work harder to make yourself understood than the people I'm referring to.

Answer 1

I agree with you 100% I also don't like questions typed in "Internet Lingo" or in "Text Message Speak."

I have a horrible time writing and spelling so when I answer a question I cut and paste my answer into my word processor first to catch my mistakes. I have frequently given an answer of 2,000 words and the Yahoo Answers Spell Check just won't do the job. Nor does it check for grammar errors.

I think the entire purpose behind this board is for people with real questions (not the phony ones or the jokes) to come and ask a community that can help them. I work hard on my responses to make each response a proper response and I do my best to add references and to check my facts so I can get selected for the Best Answer. This is the way this board should work.

I really hate people who give outright lies for an answer, or a wild guess. Sometimes they even admit that they are just giving a guess, clearly they are doing that for the two points. That isn't fair and when I come across people like this who have clearly violated the Community Guidelines I take the time to file an abuse report.

I have also looked at questions that I couldn't even read and I had to move on to another. With all the computers and computer savvy people out there I don't understand why they don't take the few minutes to spell check their work. It is almost an insult to the rest of us.

No, this isn't school, the people who hang out here are either those who are still learning or who are giving them the benefit of their experience. If you want to be taken seriously then you need to provide a question or answer that is written in proper English so the audience can read it.

Answer 2

Partly because they're lazy but also because you just can't spent quite as much time being perfect in everything you do.... you have to pick and chose what you spend your time on. I don't think a website like this, a forum or an informal email is that important; it may only take a few seconds to spell check but I sometimes write a hundred answers/emails/forum posts a day, then the time adds up.... I'd rather read & post ten more questions than spend the time making sure they're all perfect. On the other hand, business mails should be spellchecked, a lot of people don't do that either. And I know that my posts are readable even if there may be an occasional typo; some people make so many errors I can't figure out what they're saying! That's just stupid, that defeats the purpose of posting anything.

Answer 3

You certainly do have the right to not conform with nice handwriting, correct spelling and punctuation if that is the way you wish to conduct your life but you will be taken less seriously by people who know how to do all these things correctly and will only be attractive to those with the same attitude as your own - one of non-conformity and rebellion. If an educated employer is looking for workers, and has many applications to study, those things which you think are unimportant could be what will lose you the opportunity of working for that employer. Even in conversation with a few other people, the one who uses incorrect words and phrases to describe things, or to get someone else's attention, will be the one who is given the least attention. Rebellion is spotted a mile off and others (except other rebels) usually shun such people. However, when rebels get together (because no-one else wishes to be in their company) they are all then trying to be top dog and end up falling out with each other. It's a pathetic sight and not much of a life.

Answer 4

I think there is one thing to consider, especially here on Yahoo Answers and that is that most people are trying to answer questions fast, in order to be one of the first respondants. You also have a huge range of ages posting here, this means that trendy speak filters through.

While I much prefer to read a correctly formulated question, I'll also take time to try to understand some of the others. Most of the time they are no less valid.

Answer 5

dear
as i have myself noticed that very few people writes grammatically correct English and the simple reason is that they were never taught the correct way of usage and grammar. even in the most elite schools and colleges,emphasis is given on spoken English rather writing correct English.
further, as time passes by, our cognitive faculties diminishes as we loose our ability to learn rather believe in preaching the wards whatever we have learn ed. Correct usage comes from practise only. how many times we have been asked by our teachers to practise writing? one or two. we never take it seriously and therefore never bothered about the same as we treat it as a foreign language and the use it only for communication purpose and none else.

Answer 6

PEOPLE ARE FREAKING LAZY!!

It bothers me too, don't even worry. The more people sit on their fat asses to watch TV and play video games, the more their brain rots. That goes for computers too. Yeah, I'm on a computer, but I'm a full time student majoring in BioSciences, working full time at night, and play basketball and run for track.

My point is, I'm not lazy. I really wish there was a way to improve this lazy trend of sitting our lives away.

Answer 7

People are overall, very lazy. I cannot stand questions that don't use basic punctuation and grammar conventions. I tend not to reply to questions I can't make out, which is a loss for them really, if other more intelligent people than myself do the same.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Because sometimes they don t read when they write something when you say and you write it at the same time it helps with your grammer and some people may be in a hurry and also some people can t spell certain words.

Answer 10

I agree, however I believe that people here answer questions with just about anything so they can earn points, not about helping the person.

And wow, based on some answers, like "because this isnt school" shows me how lazy people really are! very sad....