Why Can’t People Spell?
Ok, so maybe I picked the wrong version of the ’spelling’ picture for this blog, but surely this one is preferable to a bee.
For anyone that cares to improve or concur, I am doing a quick spelling lesson for everyone. I am not sure if it is my heightened awareness of spelling blunders or if the general inadequacy is as apparent as it seems. Anyway, believe it or not, the following basic spelling errors / improper usage of words are very common mistakes. Yes, I notice this on official documentation, not just internet colloquial speak. I will state that I am far from perfect in grammar and spelling, but c’mon, these are things that a 3rd grader should know. I am going to use the most basic examples for each situation so that it is easier to understand. I know that throwing official dictionary rules and jargon may not be very effective.
Then and Than:
Then – used to relate to time. IE – “I went shopping and then decided to get something to eat.”
Than – used to compare something IE – “My spelling abilities are better than yours.”
Your and You’re:
You’re – contraction of ‘You are’. IE – “You’re funny”. Keep in mind, if you can substitute You Are for your usage of You’re, then you have it right.
Your – indicating possession IE – “Your inability to spell basic words is not flattering.”
Their, There and They’re:
Their – indicating possession IE – “The party is at their house.”
There – usually pertaining to a place. IE – “The party is over there.”
They’re – contraction of ‘they are. IE – “They’re going to the party.”
The expression “a lot”. This is two words! Use a space.
When people intend to use have as a contraction but it ends up being a separate word somehow:
Could’ve somehow turns into Could of?
Should’ve somehow turns into Should of?
Would’ve somehow turns into Would of?
You get the idea.
Regardless. How much more regardless can something be? I’ve seen enough of “irregardless.” If you use the term “irregardless”, why not go all out and say (hyphens used for effect) anti-mis-un-dis-ir-regardless? I can’t imagine anything getting any more regardless than that.
I will add more examples as I think of them. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all write as accurately as third graders?