Does incorrect spelling bother you?

Question

Yes, we all make the odd typo and you can't blame children as we all had to learn at some point. I'm a primary school teacher and part of my job is to teach children basic spelling. It really bothers me when I see basic spelling and grammatical errors coming from adults, who went to school, in professional positions.

Some common errors:

1. a lot is TWO words (you don't say alittle do you?)
2. definIte not definAte
3. there, their and they're
4. lose and loose.

There are so many and I just worry about the literacy of society nowadays. What has gone wrong? This is England, where our first language is english.

I pray I haven't made any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors as I will get a grilling!

Please people, use spell check, use an online dictionary or buy a dictionary, especially when writing letters or doing your CV.

Does this annoy you are am I just being difficult?

I can understand why people shorten words when texting to save on money.

Answer 1

If words are mistyped, then it's acceptable, but I am with you on this one......

where, were and wear is another common one I come across in secondary school.......
'wear' are you going on holiday???? aaaarrrrgggghhhh.

witch and which
'witch' channel did you watch on tv last night????

It drives me mad when my daughter borrows my mobile to text her friends and takes it off predictive texting because she can't use it!!!!!!


****** have to add to this.......I've just read a question that says 'why ain't' .......
isn't has the same number of letters as ain't, but is the correct way to say it so it is not even like they're abbreviating!!!!!!

Answer 2

Did you ever stop and think?- Not everyone has an higher education then others and they are trying hard enough time just to get the lines out so one can read their needs?
Spell check doesn't always work.
People may be just getting used to the computer.
Four years ago I didn't even know what a mouse was. LOL
There is also people whom are learning the English spelling.
Therefore the meanings are still odd to them (So many meaning for one word).
I find more and more that school won't even hold back a child anymore. They just put them in next grade. I had a foster child in grade 8, could only tell time to digital. Other child grade 6, Could only read a grade 3 level (That was pushing it).
I do agree something is wrong but please stop and think of others as individuals.
Note: Not to sound rude, but there are so many people on yahoo Q's & A's. You know, I know and they know they are smart, educate and some just trying to get by life the best they can. I'm one of those ones that are just trying to get by the best that I can. Educate some school but more taugh from street smart. I can't spell worth a dam (Thank you spell check) and know no fancy big words. So maybe I'm one of those kind of people your describing in your posting.
And my point is who cares, you are just there to help a person solve a problem, answer a question and not play the teacher or play spell checker. You are just a person like me.
Just look at it that way when you do come across another me.
Ok, thank you have a good night.
Ps. Sorry if mistakes but spell check is not working.

Answer 3

It is really annoying as in most cases it is laziness when checking what has been typed or written. I am appalled that so many people in reasonable jobs, they answer questions while a work, have such a poor grasp of spelling. Other common errors are the TOO an TO. OFF and OF.
It is down to the education standards of the past 30 years that placed more emphasis on Expression than accuracy.

Answer 4

I understand where you are coming from. But I do have one thing to say about adults spelling incorrectly, to which i hope you reflect on.


I spell horribly. I mean absolutely horrid. I came to America at the age of..well almost...eight years old. That is when I started learning English. I was young enough to learn fast and eventually English became the language of my thoughts and dreams. English comes easier to me than any other language, i consider it my first language (eventhough it is technically not so). I have absolutely no accent (many people who meet me and find out that I am not native to the states are surprised) and speak, read and structure the language better than a lot of Americans.

I started in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, until I was abruptly switched to advanced placement and honors classes. I stayed in advanced classes until I graduated high school, with my best subject in English.

I still cannot spell to save my life. I had to learn the language both fast and late in childhood, and so I became an audio learner. I pretty much started writing what I heard, phonetically. I have second grade journals filled with sentences like " tuddai ie went too skul" (today i went to school). I gradually improved, But to this day I have issues with certain things. Like I still question double L's. (as i did with the word phonetically) That is just one mistake that I try to correct over and over again. Eventhough I passed Advanced Placement English with flying colors... I still manage to go back to the habitual start-off mistakes of my early childhood. It seems silly, but true. I constantly question definIte/definAte and lose and loose, not because I am an illiterate human being, but because of my background. No, not everone has the same background...but we do all have different and special backgrounds that contribute to who we are- flaws and all.

Answer 5

Teachergirl, I am absolutely with you on this. I'm a young person (a minor; can't drink nor drive), and MAN does bad spelling bother me! I came across an article once - according to one study, most people can't stand reading something after encountering five or so spelling errors. It bothers me, too, that the people making these mistakes are *native speakers* of their language (i.e., English). The only sort of justification for bad orthography are: a) lack of education (never went to school or never had a qualified teacher) and b) learning difficulties.

Don't forget run-ons, comma splices, and, and...the list goes on.

Cheers, and don't let the typos get you down!

Answer 6

Poor spelling, punctuation and grammar really bothers me - especially when it is on public signs and business letters. I recently received a letter from a company who wished to sell batteries to our Organisation This short mail-shot had 16 spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Would you buy anything from a company who wouldn't take the time to ensure that it was right?

A massive sign outside a Local Authority Nursery reads "Child's Nursery". Eh? Only one child?

And another thing. When did the word 'have' become 'of'? eg
"I could of told you that".

Answer 7

What annoys me is the fact that it propagates itself. In today's "global village" you can end up dealing with people in virtually any country - bad spelling and more importantly the use of "text-speak" are considered to be normal. I once got an e-mail from a guy in india which consisted of:
"km8"
(Okay, mate)
(or: should've been something like:
I acknowledge your request and am taking the necessary action).
Yes, we'll always fight with the americans about pronunciation and spelling of words like colour and aluminium, but it's OUR language - it's up to us to set the standard against which international english is measured (until the chinese take over the world, that is)

;)

Answer 8

We cant all be super intelligent and I really struggle with spelling and find it really offensive when someone gives me a hard time over it is it really so important that we have the right to be rude to people and I am sure there are things that you cant do and I can but you know what I would never be condescending about it. You can be intelligent without having good spelling and grammar.

Yes I am sure you can find lots of things wrong with my answer but maybe you have to much time on your hands.
Those poor Small children will anyone ever be good enough.

Answer 9

There are'nt many things that annoy me but bad spelling does im afraid.Ok people moan about others not using the spell checker.In my opinion adults shouldnt need a spell checker!..I can forgive some youngsters for spelling mistakes but by the age of 13 they should know how to spell.And adults certainly should,obviously excusing the ones with learning difficulties,dyslexia etc.Theres no excuse!

Answer 10

it does bother me but not to the point that i will tell them off, i'll learn how to be tolerant about it and concentrate more on the message that is being convey by the spellers, neither do grammars bothers me, because the most important thing is the message and communications that is being offered, ask question if their is some misunderstanding and clarify and learn from what is being convey.