Correcting Someone's Spelling

Sometimes people can be rude about it, but at the same time, continually misspelling words and using incorrect grammar gives a bad impression, especially in the work place. I don't think my clients or my colleagues would be too impressed if I couldn't spell correctly. And I have to spell words that many people mess up, like "diarrhea" and "abscess". If someone can't use correct spelling, it's may be hard to take them seriously.

You can't compare paint color to spelling because paint color is a matter of opinion - there is no right or wrong, it's whatever you like and what works for you. There is only one way to spell a particular word - that's one of the reasons why we have dictionaries.

I'm way better at spelling than math but still in my quick typing can't remember how to spell some things.

But as far as people correcting others spelling, I don't think thats cool. This is a casual place asking for advice, not a college essay or something.

I don't point out any spelling or grammar errors, but I tend to agree with Jo.

I've only noticed people pointing out something like that on questions/posts which are a little aggressive, or which are a bit prejudiced. Otherwise, I don't thing anyone cares to do that much...

PS: If someone did that to me, I'd probably brush it off. Not worth a or rant :)

ETA-------------------------
Did anyone notice I'd typed "thing" instead of "think" ??!! Can't find a better example. :) lol

I hate it when I misspell a word. Sometimes I will copy what I have written and put it in an e-mail and then spell check it. Then I copy it back to mamapedia. BUT, that being said, I don't recall ever correcting anyones' spelling or grammar.

I wish mamapedia would join the 21st century and have spell check, italics, bold, etc.

Good luck to you and yours.

Well to me correct spelling is a question of self respect. Like presenting yourself in the best light possible, you know?

I don't know anything about "right brain" or "left brain".

I only know if I'm ASKING for respect, than I ought to do it respectfully.

However, I am not compelled to correct other people's spelling mistakes. That's kinda Holier Than Thou.

So, does that make me "mid brained?"

:)

I don't know what exactly you are referring to but I have found there is only two situations where people here correct spelling. One is if you are over the top with the u r sks and all that. The other is if you are flaming or attacking.

Otherwise most of us have spelling errors so we don't point other people's errors out.

For example - Thea when I read your post, I had to read your 2nd paragraph 5 times because you wrote sight instead of site and I could not figure out if you did it on purpose or not. So you proved your own point. :)

I rarely point out a spelling error, but I have been known to, and I try and do it nicely as to educate the person. I like to be knowledgeable myself and hope that others mention my errors nicely. :) I was not an English major and I am terrible with grammar, so I am always trying to figure out the rules and try and make sure I am following them. For example I never know if I am supposed to put a comma before the word "so".

I've never corrected spelling or been corrected, but I've been tempted to correct others for reasons the post below by Jo W mentions. In addition, my thoughts are as follows:

Sometimes the spelling is so poor, that it is obvious that the writer is simply not taking care to type legibly. The writer ought to spell correctly as a courtesy to the reader. A pattern of misspelled words requires a lot of time and effort for the reader to make sense out of, and if it's so poorly done, the reader will not receive the message being communicated accurately, or will just give up and move on (which I have done on many occasions).

So, in the end, if you misspelled a word and someone corrects you, take the correction and spell it right next time. No reason to take it personally.

I have had ONE person correct my spelling of postpartum. Oh well.

Other than that? No. I don't have many misspelled words. I think spelling is important and the platform I use has a spell checker on it. So I get "squiggly" lines under a word if I misspell it.

When a word is misspelled it can mean different things...

tail - like a dog
tale - like a story

their - this is their story
there - we are going there
they're - They are responsible for this

your - this is your bike..
you're - You're expecting too much

advice - I am seeking advice
advise - I would like to advise you

conscience - Don't let misspelling this word weigh on your conscience.
conscious - You were not conscious after the accident.

counsel - I suggest you seek the counsel of a lawyer
council - the city council will decide on the referendum

It doesn't take much to RE-READ what you have written before you post it, does it? I know there have been times when I have been emotional when posting something and have went back and corrected it.

Paragraphs - many people on here have told people "paragraphs are your friends"...I can tell you that there have been several posts that I cannot answer because I cannot get through the one long sentence, paragraph...etc.

I find it irritating as well, and I tend to take great care with my spelling. If I'm not sure about a word, I'll google the spelling, but I think it's really tacky when I see people on here point out little spelling mistakes. I saw someone do it the other day (and I've seen this person do it multiple times to other people) and it just irritated me because it was SO unnecessary and irrelevant. I can't remember the post it was on though...

I am both right-brained and a spelling freak. I do understand when people have trouble with it, or go too fast - my brain knows spelling better than my fingers do, and sometimes my fingers win the race! - but a misspelled word goes against my grain, so to speak, and I'm just itching to correct it.

It's a disorder with many of us. We do try to keep from being rude about it - except among ourselves, and then we talk frankly about what we've seen (but not who did it). If you happen to read that discussion, you'll think we're terrible. (So please don't read it!)

I really do try to stay courteous. I might use the same word in my answer, spelling it correctly, and maybe the poster will notice. Spelling badly won't keep anybody out of heaven, but a person who wants to be taken seriously will try to communicate at least as well as she can.

I'm glad there isn't any math on this site, or somebody would be correcting me all the time....

If your errors make it difficult to understand your message, than spelling is interfering with communication.

Often, when people misspell words on this sight, they're actually spelling a DIFFERENT word (like if I had typed "there" in this sentence). I totally takes me out of the flow of reading their question, and I often give up.

Spelling (except -not accept- in rare instances) is not a matter of opinion or personal taste. It isn't like picking an ugly paint color, it's like painting an image of a door on the wall of your house. If I try to walk through it and can't, I might tell you about it!

Hope this helps,
T.

I don't correct them. Mostly because I am type fast and often "miss" words in my sentences. I am not perfect. But there are certain typos that drive me nuts. (and yes sometimes I make the same mistakes)

They're, Their and There
Wait, weight
no and know (this one absolutely irritates me)
to, two and too

I am a decent speller, but my browser also underlines misspelled words for me.
ETA: I prefer those who use correct sentence structure, paragraphs and minimal text speak. I will take a misspelled word over the above any day.

It's just what the low road looks like. Nice to take a tour every once in awhile, but you don't want to live there. :)

I often only find my own mamapedia misspellings after I post the message, and to go back in and correct them has at times caused my whole post to disappear! So I would rather leave in a mis-typed word than have to re-type the whole message all over again. So no, misspellings are not a problem for me as long as I can follow the question. There have, however, been some postings that do not just have typos or incorrect spelling of a word here and there, but the whole line of thought was hard to follow due to lack of punctuation, capitals, bad spelling, etc. Finally, my daughter has dyslexia and some people simply can not learn to spell well, even if a spell checker puts a red line under the word, they cannot choose the correct one.

I don't correct others' spelling on here, but I will often go back and correct my own grammar or spelling!

It bothers folks because it is distracting. Our brains are actually wired to "skim" when we read. We only stop to figure out an unfamiliar word or when something you have read does not make sense. When we read (as adults), we do not "read" every word on a page... So, when someone uses poor grammar and incorrect spelling, it forces the read to "stop, read, think, reread, project and move on" which is cognitively frustrating.

If someone's grammar and spelling is too difficult to read, I typically find another question and move on!

This question has been asked many times. Usually, it is asked after a troll on here riles up a lot of people, like two different posters today.

One was several months ago on a holiday weekend. She started out with a sob story that had people feeling sorry for her and writing well thought-out posts to her. Then she wrote another one that was full of misspellings, ranting and craziness - reading it and looking back at her first one was like giving yourself mental whiplash - how could this be the same person writing? The kicker was the things she said about her stepkids.

I wasn't the only one to realize that she was a troll. In subsequent days, she told everyone that she was a law student, that she had rheumatoid arthritis and made a mess typing because her typist wasn't with her, and that her typist didn't like writing on MP for her and would make a mess of it for spite.

It also seemed that she couldn't keep up with how many kids she had.

I could tell you a whole lot more inconsistancies, but that's belaboring the point. The thing with these trolls is that when they ask trolling questions - questions designed to get people arguing or upset - they are jerking people around. There are a lot of people here who try hard to give good advice. There are a lot of people here who have terrible problems. It is an insult to both of these groups of people for someone like I'm talking about to be mispresenting themselves, to be making this stuff up, and jerking people around.

THOSE are the kind of people who I will take to task for spelling. I have and do take up for the others. I have seen some people make fun of a "real person" for misspelling, and usually it's someone whose English is their second language. Those kinds of posts are usually deleted by MP for flaming.

I think that you just have to "be around" enough here to tell the difference in a person who types like they text, spells badly naturally, and a troll who is doing it on purpose.

Dawn

I'm a hottible (that's funny I did not do that on purpose) typer and have no spelling dictionary on mamapedia so maybe I should say nothing. BUT To take Cheryl O's example If I let someone continue to believe the word is Post pardum instead of post partum) then I'm not being a good friend. I see this kind of mistake a LOT and I believe it is not a usually a typo and sometimes not a spelling mistake but actually misusing the word (Advise, advice there is a difference!!!) Maybe it's because I am an ESL teacher but I will correct it if I can do it subtly and kindly, by using it correctly in my reply, not by pointing it out and embarrassing anyone. I feel nothing but gratitude if someone "educates me".

I never understand why people are so concerned with spelling and grammar on this site. They should go to a English Lit site if they want to correct spelling and grammar. I make spelling mistakes but usually they are type-o's as opposed to spelling errors. Either way, I think those people have waaaayyyyy too much time on their hands. Just like the ones who read everyone's profile and prior questions before responding to a post.

I don't think I do. I mostly Mamapedia from work, where I don't get the underline on misspelled words...at home I do.

I am in my capstone MBA course and if I'm confused on a question, I'll often copy and paste other people's responses into a Word document so I can compare and see if it helps me understand the concept more clearly. You would be surprised how many people have words spelled incorrectly in their responses to MBA questions...it blows my mind! Of course I don't correct them, but there IS a spellcheck for our discussion posts, so I'm not sure why it isn't used.

My daughter is dyslexic. My husband is dyslexic. My BFF is dyslexic. They are very intelligent people. However, spelling-and reading-is a huge challenge for them. For example, my daughter had difficulty understanding a question on her summer AP World History assignment because she kept reading the word 'region' as the word 'religion'. Those two words have vastly different meanings even outside of the context of a sentence. So for people who are reading-challenged, it is particularly important for words to be spelled the same consistently, which is why correct spelling is important. It would probably be okay if they are spelled incorrectly, as long as its consistent. (And then we might as well accept the new consistent spelling as the correct spelling. For example, English words like colour become color in the US. )

So to respond to your question, for me its about making sure that I am clear on the communication, whether I am the one writing or reading. Its not necessarily to show the upper hand or any holier than thou attitude. And I promise its not personal. :)

I do not like it when people point out a spelling error. The writer may have dyslexia or some other disability. Maybe they are paralyzed and can only type with their nose???? You never know, right?

It is a fact that many doctors, professors and other well educated, intelligent people cannot spell.

My daughter has dyslexia, My husband has dyslexia and I am not a great speller. My daughter's IQ is in the upper 120's which is above average intelligence, Her IQ was tested in first grade, I am sure that if she was tested now it would be even higher. she is going into 6th grade and inspite of having major dyslexia, with a lot of hard work she reads at 11.8 grade level. She gets by with her spelling, but probably will never be a great speller due to her disability. So, as you can tell I am very passionate about this subject and get quite irritated when I see people correcting someone. Why correct someone??? To make yourself look better or feel better about yourself???

My point...People should not judge others, especially when they don't know the circumstances behind their spelling error.

I don't correct...OUT LOUD. I definitely see it, so clearly it might as well be dressed in neon lights. It's extremely distracting, so for fun, I take my red pen to it, to get it on out of my system. I can't help that.

I can't explain for everybody, but for me it changes the meaning, so communication is not clear. Also, because it comes so easily to me (spelling and grammar), I have a very difficult time understanding why others don't get it. I still don't understand, but I am becoming more tolerant and not taking it personally. People who are content with using bad grammar and/or spelling annoy me because it makes no sense to me.

A typo is not quite the same as a plain old misspelled word. Anybody who knows a keyboard can pick out a typo.

ETA: I also think of it as an aspect of intelligence, as in paying attention to the origins or words and meanings, etc., so they can be used correctly For example, I have seen someone use the word "type-o". If that person can explain that particular word to me in a way that makes the spelling make sense, then okay. However, I believe that the person meant "typo", as in typographical error. Because I understand the origin of the word "typo", I can use and spell it correctly. I am dumbfounded by people who don't care to understand the correct meanings and usages of the words that they choose. I don't mean to be this way, but that's a sign--to me--that they have poor understanding and no interest in gaining understanding. For me, that translates to someone whose conversation is gonna get on my nerves.

It irritates me so bad....I'm in between computers right now, so using a smartphone which changes a lot of my words, I can only see one line at a time and if it's too long, I can't get back to the end and I'm already frustrated and then for someone to point out an error that doesn't make it hard to understand or change meaning .....really? I also don't have dedicated me computer time unless it's late and I'm exhausted so shoot me for the occasional spelling error.

when I see misspelled words, most of the time I assume it is the keyboard messing up, or someone just typing very fast and not paying attention. Unless of course it is very evident that someone can't spell at all. Also with capital letters. Sometimes I just don't take the time. But I do agree with Theresa in that it is a matter of self respect.

On Mamapedia, I do NOT correct spelling. I just assume that the person has a legitimate reason for not spelling things correctly...

I know that my internet browser automatically underlines my misspelled words... and that even though I am decent at spelling words, I do make errors, because I'm not perfect. So I don't jump all over a few random errors, because without my computer letting me know, I would make them too. (heck, even WITH the computer I still make some!)

When someone's post is completely grammatically incorrect, then I refrain from correcting because I don't KNOW the person... English may not be their first language, or maybe they weren't blessed with the same education I was. Either way, I just give them the benefit of the doubt and try to read the question in the spirit it was meant.

NOW, I DO get annoyed when people are spelling things out in obvious text speak, 'cutesy' terms, and the posts that have to be decoded in order to read... That just pisses me off, and I don't even bother to read it. *So annoying!!!*

Now, with people I DO know, I do tend to be a grammar Nazi... Especially my little sister. lol! BUT I am lighthearted and teasing about it, and she gets to tease me about my abominable math skills... so we are even. :)

Oh Jane,

For fun, when I used to read the Sunday papers (pre-smart phone) I used to circle all the misspellings and grammatical errors. Just for me, just for fun. While I still notice them, I don't want to write on my phone. LOL

What I have found, with the advent of spell check, is that my spelling abilities have decreased. I depend, overly much, on the red line to point out the error of my ways. Oops, there was a line!

I have trouble with lose and loose, choose and chose, and often use a different word to avoid having to think about which word is which spelling.

I have to admit, horribly misspelled missives drive me to distraction. Minor errors, meh, I just keep reading.

My son, is the world's worst speller. He has an excellent vocabulary and reads and speaks beyond his years (he is 16). But he cannot spell. His generation has grown up with the red lines, and I notice a distinct disadvantage for them.

I can spell...but I always find my mistakes. This is not the most important website in my life, but have a little input here and there. If I make a mistake, it is usually from typing too fast and I really don't care.

When I am at work, I like to be sure my t's are crossed and i's dotted.

I rarely point out errors, unless the person is asking for help editing a letter, or in the case of someone that is clearly trying to portray themselves are more educated than others.

Words that are obviously typos don't bug me at all.

The one misspelled word that makes me grit my teeth is 'rediculous'. That isn't a typo. It isn't pronounced 're'- or 'red' so it isn't even a phonetically workable spelling. The typist likely mispronounces the word when they speak.

I never point it out, but it bothers me how often I come across the error because the more frequent it becomes, the more people will assume it is correct.

I don't get it either. I have a couple of aunts that reading their emails take a serious amount of encrypting. They post things on my facebook occasionally, and I had a 16 year old kid call her out.

I told him that it was unnecessary. I told him that I didn't want every one pointing out every little mistake I made, so I don't feel the need to do it to other people.

This is off-topic slightly, but internet browsers like Firefox have a built-in spell-check, so even here, you'll get those little red squiggles under a misspelled word. ^_^

I'm a stickler for spelling, but every now and then, I realize I've made a typo.

What bugs me worse, which I keep to myself, is the text lingo. I have a hard time understanding what people are trying to say. I prefer not to waste any time on figuring it out.

Just my opinion.
No offense to anyone.