Does terrible grammar and spelling annoy you?

Question

For example if someone types in "txt msg" speak when they have a full keyboard in front of them, or maybe even someone who doesn't use proper punctuation.

AnArdRi, you're probably right in what you say there. I was thinking that also but I guess its just the way I'd say it. Can anyone clarify?

Ok maybe I should have made the question, "Does txt msg speak annnoy u? ;)

Sheesh some people are taking this question way too seriously I only asked. I wasnt trying to have a dig at anyone. For the record it doesnt particularly annoy me I just don't see the point in it and I think it makes you look stupid and/or lazy which isn't a very good reflection on yourself. Thanks for all the informative answers most people have contributed to this.

It annoys me when you get the odd person on here who seems to make it their goal to argue. For your information Jackie I do have a life, I thought the whole point of this place was to ask questions? No wonder you got a thumbs down.

TheMonkey thanks for your brilliant answer! I'll be adding you if you don't mind?

Answer 1

It depends. A couple of errors in informal writing, such as Answers, is fine and I accept that typos are a part of life but it does annoy me when a piece of writing is full of spelling errors and/or grammatical mistakes. If it's clear that the person has made very little effort then it does become irritating. Also, while I accept that text message slang has a place (although personally I never use it), I find it incredibly sad when people use slang in situations where it's not appropriate, such as exams, formal writing or situations where it may confuse others. Language is the only means we have to clearly convey our thoughts, feelings and ideas to others - an inability to do this well causes problems in life that are totally avoidable. Dictionaries and (gulp!) spellcheckers are available and helpful when used properly and not as a crutch. Certain errors (you're, your, there, their, they're, possessive apostrophe etc.) do annoy me a great deal because they're very simple rules which are not being properly taught anymore and which people themselves appear to be to lazy to learn. I was never taught correct apostrophe use at school, but took it upon myself to check as I would be ashamed to write an essay or job application which was ungrammatical and full of spelling errors.

So yes, there is leeway - some people are writing English as a second language, some have learning disabilities or dyslexia, and even the best writers sometimes make mistakes - but the fact remains that not making an effort is abominable. People should care about the way they speak and write - we are judged on it. Being lax in spelling and grammar suggests not only that you did not receive a good education but also that you don't care whether or not you do things well.

Someone once said:
"There is nothing wrong with not knowing; only with not wanting to know"

Mistakes are okay, repeating them and never attempting to improve is not.

The state of reading, writing and speaking skills in the UK have become woeful. We don't all need to be excellent writers and orators, but we do need to be accurate and competent and more to the point - we SHOULD care.

Added:
Thanks Dn_Version!

Answer 2

No but I live in London so that may be why. My advice to you friend is don't come down here it's much, much worse then on this answers page.
Lets start a world wide genocide on all people who don't speak the language as the way it's supposed to be spoken.

Answer 3

No. The most important thing is that people do not feel inhibited about writing because of anxiety over their spelling and or writing.

If people write something I can always ask what they mean if I am not clear. If people do not write I do not know to ask!!

Answer 4

It doesnt bug me all that much when they use Txt message stuff...but the puncuation can bug me because sometimes I cant understand what they are saying...and then I misunderstand a question and make a fool of myself.

Answer 5

yes and i KNOW i misspell words but what gets me is the getto stuff da .dem,ho,ect ect ,heck you cant answer a ? you cant undestand!!!! as a matter of fact i told someone that just a few mintunes ago when i anwsered there ?


ok now dont get annoyed with my use if the ? ok its a shortcut

Answer 6

Yes, it annoys me intensely. I think the English language is beautiful. We should not cause pain to the reader by the use of poor spelling and grammar. I also love Anglosaxon words.

Answer 7

It irritates me, but I have taught English as a foreign language for years.

However, I read questions which I can't understand, because the English is so confused. Then I just shake my head and ignore them. Language is for communication.

Answer 8

Most people equate bad spelling and grammar with low intelligence. This has been proved to be untrue in most cases, so I just equate it with laziness, immaturity, aggression and pathetic attempts to look 'cool' in front of a peer group. Innit?

Answer 9

i dont mind text speak to a certain extent-eg u for you and ur for your but when someone types a full conversation in text speak and you have to concentrate to try figure out what the hell they're saying, it can get annoying!

Answer 10

if it's text speak it doesn't really bother me, though sometimes I don't get what they're trying to say or the effect is lost on me cause they haven't said it clearly. However, if it's obvious ignorence it pisses me right off. what did these people do in school!