I find this silly. Why exactly do people get angry when I fix their spelling errors? I'm not doing it to be rude or anything, I just think. It's kind of helpful to know some of these things. It definitely wont look good on your resume that's for sure!
[question posted by LouieWpHs04]
responses and comments:
I strongly agree with you, and usually I will be very happy if people correct my spelling mistakes. However sometimes it depends, on both the occasion and who the corrector is. Unless it's in very public or official occasion, I would say the correction is really a favor to me and will be greatly appreciated. [jasnhelsinki]
It may annoy them, but you're doing them a favor. I wish you'd clue in some people around here how to spell and use 'lose' and 'loose'. I keep seeing people write that they are loosing something. I never have said anything, but it's an error people keep repeating. [AmbiePam]
And also "to" and "too" seems to be a common error. But I think that often it is simply a typo that was not caught either by rushing or by not previewing the post before hitting submit. I have been guilty of that several times. [nova1945]
When I make spelling errors here on myLot, I see every one of them.... right after my comment has posted. There isn't much I can do about it then. Being disabled I don't need no stinking resume....:) [Destiny007]
It's because we could not please everybody. But I would take it as a great help if someone like you would rectify my work. I won't feel bad at all if others have corrected my spelling errors in my writings. I would highly appreciate it and with gladness I would accept my shortcomings. In the first place nobody's perfect. [ryanphil01]
Hello Louie, Sometimes it cannot be avoided that no matter how good our intentions are, still we can offend somebody. Maybe it's the way on approaching or the terminologies we are using while correcting their wrong spelling or whatever that they've done wrong. It is very important that we will be more sensible on other's feeling. And let's try to figure out first the proper approach to tell that person his/her mistakes. Let's try to be more polite and try not to be subjective in the correcting errors. [sheenmadness]
Well, you need to realize a few things. First of all, English is NOT the primary language for a lot of folks on this forum. Some people may know how to spell full well, but have poor typing skills, so they just let bad spelling slide because it takes so long to type something. Thirdly, if you get the point they are making, then that's the purpose of this forum. Some people don't take well to others pointing out their flaws. And since this isn't an interview, or an editing session, they might not be interested in your advice. Since this is the web, you may not INTEND to be rude, but people may infer that your message is rude. You can't predict that! [cassidy22]
Oh I wasn't talking about this forum, I was just saying in general. I never really correct anyone in this forum and usually the only place I actually correct people is in forums where I know the primary language is actually English. I do get bashed a lot when I correct people's spelling but eventually they'll learn, or should learn that I was only doing it to help them. [LouieWpHs04]
Because everybody also have their self ego and self confidence. When you try to point others error, people tend to protect themselves because they feel that they are doing wrong. But in fact, they are doing wrong. This kind of people seldom face any failure in their life and they don't dare to face failure in their life. What they want is winner but no failure. IMHO, human is no a super machine but every human can make mistake. Human already make a lot of mistake. The only we can do is to study from the mistake and gain more from that. Only mistake will make you grow. When you can learn from mistake, you will be aware when you face the same problem again. Self ego and self confidence is always in ourselves. So don't blame anyone if they can not accept what others comment about their mistake:). [cywong]
I think it's because sometimes people don't actually check their posts before they submit them. Once they're posted you cannot rectify any mistakes. Therefore you could be seen as 'nit-picking' at posts for no reason. Also, some people aren't very good at English but they do their best with their spelling and grammar and having someone correct their mistakes could really dent their confidence. If their post is understandable i don't think it really matters if there's a few spelling mistakes. I understand you think you're being helpful but some may see it as an insult. [hailie17]
hmmm i guess they find it annoying. i too, at times, correct my friend's spelling errors but some of them don't really like it. i guess they think that i'm trying to "show off" or something i don't really know i'd prefer my spelling errors to get corrected by a friend than laughed at by a stranger somehow but i guess that's only me ^_^ [a_year_older]
"It definitely wont look good ..." Won't Physician heal thyself. all the best urban [urbandekay]
bad spelling irritates me. some people make errors every other word, it's unbelievable! if i'm talking to a friend on aim or something i'll usually politely correct their spelling. they make fun of me for it and everything, but just jokingly. but i wouldn't ever correct someone's spelling on a site like this because i don't know them and it usually does offend people for some reason. [xleslieanne]
If you are correting their spelling errors on chat or a forum..it really may upset people. In chats or forums..spelling really is not an issue. If, however, you are correcting their spelling on documents or assignments..I can see no wrong at all..It depents whether you go overboard and are always correcting.. There is a phrase "nobody likes a know it all" [littlefranciscan]
I hate it when people think that your and you're are the same word and can be used in the same way. You're is you and are. For instance, "You're going to have to sit down." or "If you know where you're going, it's easy." Your is possession. "That is your ball." or "Your car looks great." Simple, people! [UnselfishShellfish]
haha oh yes, that's usually my #1 correction I make to people...over...and over again! Some people still make the mistake even after I correct them.. [LouieWpHs04]
I think people feel like they are being put down or made fun of when people correct them. I think with it being online people can not tell if the corrections are sincere or sarcastic. I for one do not mind being corrected I figure it can only help me. I am sure I have plenty of spelling errors on mylot. [lala766]
As much as you are being thoughtful and helpful, it does not change the fact that, no one really likes it, when people point out flaws or mistakes they have made. Not initially anyway.It also depends on the persons mood at the time.Some people, are more inviting of people telling them and/or pointing out things like that, and well, some are not.I do not imagine, that this/these person/people feel/s any better now.First, they are told how they spelled something wrong and second, they are criticized, for the way they reacted, to the fact, that someone told them, they spelled something wrong.I invite people to inform me of mistakes I have made.Not whether my opinion is right or wrong, but actual mistakes.It depends on how they bring it to my attention.For example, one girl, recently told me, that what I wrote was great, but that she had a few words of advice.This is a good way to approach it.Usually a positive comment, prior to the correction, is a common courtesy and a respectful way of approaching this sort of thing."That was an interesting article and I learned a lot from this.Were you aware that you spelled supercalafragilisticexbealadotious wrong? I do not know if you are aware, just thought I would tell you.It might make the difference between blah blah balha and blah blah blah".Someone pointed out a spelling mistake of mine recently.I meant to spell bridge and instead, I spelled bride...It was rather humorous. It is great to help others, but there is a polite way of doing it and a not so polite way. I am curious to know whether this person, if they are on here, will now watch your discussions like a hawk, waiting for you to make a mistake and get you back, so to speak.Curious. Either way, it is all good.What I am curious about is, why it "seems" that you yourself, are a bit frustrated about the fact, that someone did not respond the way you expected them to, after telling them they spelled something wrong.Why does it bother you so much that they are bothered by this.Silly you may find it, but maybe they do not.I will say, that I myself, am a very common sense individual at times, telling someone a spelling mistake and expecting that they will be grateful, seems an obviously beneficial way, to react. Anyone who does not do, what I think is common sense, I have difficulty comprehending, and have a low tolerance for them.See how I said I.That is what it is all about.Figuring out why I do things and what I can do to improve this. Why do I feel this way.....So maybe the bigger question is, why do you care about the fact that someone got angry, about your correction. Are you also a common sense type of person and annoyed by the seemingly lack of it, through your eyes? I do not know. What I do know, is that maybe you already know the answer or have one, but need to be and feel justified, in what you did.That is commonly, the reason people discuss things. To gain comfort in knowing, that their actions are not un familiar to others.That we all experience some thing similar.It is often how we learn to relate to one another and learn about the art of communication. What is acceptable.What is not.We are all struggling to be good people in our own right.At least I hope we are.Does that help? It helped me learn a bit about myself and how I react to certain things, so thanks for helping me see myself clearer.Although, now I am paranoid that I am going to spell something wrong!!!!! Hahahhaahha Oh yes and thank you for stimulating my brain. Aside from that though, and I mean no disrespect, but are you aware, that the question you asked, is not grammatically correct? Instead of I'm curious why people................you should have put, "I am curious, as to why some......Now I am just buggin you, I do not even know if that is true.Anyway, have a great night..................I thank you for this post.......... [azariah33]
Well, when you are not invited to help, then you shouldn't because your help is not wanted and they just don't care..so let them be with their mistakes and do only those who would appreciate that you help them..ask so you don,t get ungrateful people. [ImmigrationSolution]
because not all people love that they are corrected sometimes they feel insecure...many discussions and comments posted here have error, the one who posted it know that they made wrong but they can't edit it so they have no choice...i know i made some wrong spelling and because of this i have no right to correct others...the most important for me is the thoughts of someones's comments and discussions. [julyteen]
Well, dont take things seriously... Its a nice thing that u r doing -trying to correct others mistake... Also, they are getting a chance to learn better and to rectify their mistakes.. But alas, they are a bit short tempered ppl i guess, So just ignore it. They are under loss... not you. Silly people act silly ;) Have a nice time! [rashmigs]
I know, I know. This is an old discussion but let me just drop my 2 cents. No everyone is a perfect speller. In fact, most people in this world cannot spoil that great. So unless you know someone well and you know he/she really wants to know where he went wrong, skip the being nice and helping to correct his errors part. Also, it may sometimes just be a typo error so... just my thoughts.:P [lordwarwizard]
It's nothing wrong with you to do so. You have to understand that there are some mean people in this world. Last night I received a comment of my response. Hard to believe this person said the unkind words to me, although he is one friend in my list. Perhaps my response means nothing to him, but I do so as I want my friends to have more responses. No matter what, it is wrong to say things like that to me. I feel very hurtful. But anyway, just let it be and I won't respond anything to this one's discussions again. He's still in the list but he is no longer my friend. [youless]
We have exactly the same situation. I pretty have a good vocabulary and my grammar doesn't stink. So, I have the courage to share my knowledge and help out people who are in need of some assistance. Other people find it rude that I correct whatever they write that is wrong. What can I do? I'm just trying to be helpful... and, I have done the job of a copyreader when I became the Editor-in-Chief of our petty school paper. [cr0ssf41r13]
I have not seen you correct my spelling but I am sure you could for so many posts. Do me one favor if you see me type something with the g missing in say the word "talkin" do not bother to correct it. That is how I say it sometimes online. Yes, I know it is just a "g" why not add it but I do not sat it when I talk so why use it. I do know to make sure that it is there if what I am typing is going on say a resume as you said that is one of the worst places to make spelling mistakes. [razcal2267]
You are right, it is better to correct spelling mistakes. I know I appreciate it and often apologize when I make one, but usually, I make it when Im kind of tired. The other way of looking at it though, are is Kings English, or Queens English the more correct way to spell things? Does this depend on where you re from? [Goatlady]
To a degree it does depend where you're from... for example. Here in Australia words with an o followed by an r often have a u inserted in between.. eg. favourite rather than favorite (as they would write in the US)... that in itself could be viewed as a spelling error when in fact it is just a spelling variation caused by different cultures. There would be no point correcting me for that particular spelling variation. Though I must admit, when I am on a forum where members are predominantly American, I do try to spell words the way they are accustomed to seeing them... not because I don't want to appear like I can't spell, but to avoid any confusion on their part. Oh, another cultural spelling difference... when you give someone a check in payment of some item or service, here in Australia it is spelled cheque. That is one that used to confuse me a little. [jewelenterprises]
Oh boy, do I relate to this one! Oddly enough, it is my partner who doesn't appreciate it... seems to think I am trying to show off or act superior. My partner is a person who likes to dominate so must always feel superior (probably due to a low self esteem)... and therefore doesn't like to be corrected! Sometimes I get offended by the reaction as it comes across as an accusation when in fact all I am doing is helping with a letter or document that outsiders are going to handle (I don't correct anything else) to protect her from looking like an illiterate. [jewelenterprises]
I don't get upset if people correct my spelling errors, as in a recent on where I typoed and used "Live" instead of "Lives." I get pissed at ME for not noticing them. Memo to self: Don't get pissed, re-enlist. (C) 2008 RJScott [rjscott]
You are right, it will help them to spell things correctly, but it is human nature to be irritated when we are told that we are wrong. People just don't like being criticized and I also think it makes them feel a little embarassed. they don't want to appear to be less intelligent than someone else. Its just human nature. I think most people also think that when you correct them, you somehow think you are better than them. I would just try not to correct people unless you are helping them with a paper or resume or some other important document. It will save you from arguments! lol [rposta07]
Hi Louie, Not all can take criticism or pointing out of errors, I call it very posively. They are not mature enough. I cant guess why but it happens. These people cannot tolerate anything different from what they are doing or want to do. Criticism is not easy to take for all [anuraa30]
I sometimes correct people's spelling errors too. I think they get annoyed because in some cases they actually know how to spell the word but have just mistyped it. People may feel like you are belittling them by pointing out their errors and no one likes to be made feel like that in the same way no one likes their mistakes to be highlighted. [LauraT2008]
won't, not wont.... Hope you're not offended. But seriously, sometimes it's not the intention, it's how people take it. And some people don't like to be corrected. They don't care about spelling or grammar or aren't good at it and feel like you're pointing out their shortcomings. Best to either leave it alone or politely ask if it's OK first, I think. [dawnald]