Writing Article: Why spelling is important.

28

posted by cassie-1-2-3

Spelling is important.
Grammar is important.
Especially when involving words…

In today’s world, written word is growing more and more common. With the fairly recent introduction of text messaging, email, IM services, social networks, and online self publishing (which is what we’re all doing here on Fanpop when we post articles, and what I am mainly addressing), it is not only important how your words sound, it’s just as important, if not more so, how they look.

link* to me, some people seem to believe that spelling and grammar is not at all important in these self publications.
Just to list a few examples I’ve come across:

" so what if [your spelling] is wrong it just mean that u r writing this from ur heart and not really caring about the spelling"

This, I can see this person’s point, but that is what a rough rough draft is for. (I don’t know if rough rough is the proper term, but that’s what my 12th grade English teacher called it)

" dont tell me what to do. A lot of people love my articles....they dont care if things are spelt wrong....your not wiser, or smarter then me soo leave me alone. "

This, I find to be very ignorant.

Yet another one.
" o wow come on who cares if her spelling is messed up!"
Please, let me tell you.

(I have quoted three different people. I’m not targeting anyone)

Why spelling is important:
Spelling can be defined as a code that uses letter sequences to represent specific words that have an associated pronunciation and meaning within the mental dictionary.

As stated above, how your words look is very important. Your eyes need to actually see this code before your brain can decode it.
Some people read strictly for the content (newspaper or magazine article, movie review, and so on), but many other people (many people on Fanpop) read to feel something. To get into the writers mind and truly relate to the story. Reading around typos and misspellings is very annoying and takes a little too much more effort than it’s worth. It makes you think to yourself,
If the author doesn’t care enough about what he/she is saying, then why should I even bother reading this?
NONE of us want that.

Some of you may consider bringing up this little item:
“I cluod not blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch sudty at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas thgouht slpeling was ipmorantt.“

I admit, this isn’t the most difficult thing to read, but it’s not the most enjoyable thing to read either. As a writer, you don’t want people to just read your stories. You want them to enjoy the experience and feel the urge to do it again and again.

The difference between a spelling error and a typo:

A typo is generally an accident, such as you hit the wrong key by mistake, whereas a spelling error is, in a way, intentional. You honestly believe the word is spelled a certain way, when in reality, it’s not.

Example:

I always feel ridiculed when users comment on my horrible spelling.

Typo: I alwsys feel ridiculed when users commment on my horrible spelling.

Notice how on the keyboard, the s is right next to the a. This is a simple mistake I’ve seen almost everyone make. Adding an extra letter, or leaving one out is also very common, along with reversing the order of two letters.

Spelling error: I always feel ridaculed when users comment on my horrable spelling.

There’s not really any simple slip of the finger that would justify this. None that I can see or understand, at least.

When speaking, spelling means absolutely nothing, but when writing, it makes all the difference in the world.

I was going to include why grammar is important as well, but I feel I’ve been typing forever, so I’ll end it here.

*I only did that because I love The Killers.

MalloMar, Portia0623 and 26 others like this

cassie-1-2-3 I did try to make sure I spelled everything correctly so i don't look like a hypocitical idiot. Hopefully, it worked.

2dolphn97 ok i am not completely disagreeing with you, spelling is important, but making a mistake and mispelling a word are basically the same because what if you really do not know how the word is spelled? is it considered by other people that you are stupid? no its not it just means they do not know how to spell one word. grammer is too, but like if you are having a conversation with someone, some people do not want to have to worry about spelling or using correct grammer completely correct, and i am one of them. i mean its most important when your writing and crap, but if you are just having a conversation with someone, its completely different... i mean think about this, do you have to worry about grammer and spelling when you are talking to someone verbally? no you don't. so why would typing make a difference. i hate it when people type something that is unreadable too, but if some people type lyk this its not cmpletely unreadabl is it? it realy isnt. but how you were typing under spelling i could read but it wasnt completely clear 2 me is the way im typin really that unreadable? it doesnt really make my brain strain to understand. most people only 1/2 txt tal;k and thats me, it isnt unreadable and its completely easy to understand. i really do not have a disregard 4 the human language like most people would think. well you are wrong people who think this. it is just a comment, not offical. its not going to be read by the most imporant people in the world... (oh and wen i mean important i mean like teachers, presedents, etc.)it is basically just stating how you feel in the shortened version. i mean how many of you actually reread all of everything you have posted on fanpop? followed all of the rules of both grammer and spelling. not many i might add. also why do people like when someone writes something on here only comment on the speelling and gramer? y not comment on the question or article like you r supposed to do, instead of commenting on spelling and grammer? some body explain it cause i am litterally confused about this. i am not doing this to disregard your article or anything cause i would hate that myself if that happened 2 me which it has. i hope you take my feelings into regard people reading this the next time you comment on someones comment or conversation about grammer and spelling. ps do not tink bad of me for saying all of this and do not comment badly about this cause after all this is my opinion.

cassie-1-2-3 I did mention in the beginning of the article that I was adressing online self publications. When having a conversation online, it's not as importand because you,re not showcasing your words. You're showcasing what you have to say. It does differ from having a verbal conversation because you cannot actually see what you are saying. When communicating verbaly, you concentrate on pernunciation so it sounds right. When you communicate through text, you concentrate on spelling so it looks right. It's all to make what you're saying easier for the other person to understand. If a person just doesn't know how a word is spelled, use a dictionary or spell check. That's what they're for. Even if you think you know how it's spelt, spellcheck anyways. It's something you should ALWAYS do. I read everything I produce as I produce it.. I'm not sure what you mean there. I see what you're saying about people not commenting on anything besides spelling and grammar. Maybe because it's the most obvious and apparent flaws and those should be fixed first.

DracoLuver I read the icon ... ohmygosh. Spelling IS important and it's tiring when I'm forced to read so many mistakes. I just give up reading in general and no author wants that. Thanks for posting this article!

bri-marie This is [i]awesome![/i] I'm so irritated with responses like, "this isn't the published world! Spelling doesn't matter!" when I point out spelling mistakes (or them trying to write off 'hba' as a typo of 'had'). Nice to a know a competent person realizes the importance of spelling.

Darkshine I completely agree with this! I am pretty sick of watching how spelling is practically dying out, especially within the young generations! People just don't pay attention to it, and some even think misspelling things a lot or using confusing acronyms is "cool". Each one to their own... Again, great, well-written article!

RavenclawRocks This is proof that Twilight fans are smart :)

thetacoman CANNOT STOP LAUGHING XD "I like HORSE! HORSE like carrot!" Awesome article! *looks at pic again* X)

AbbieCoast My Dad likes hores but my mom says no...

nihonphilia I still think a purposeful mistake for an effect is fine. *arguments in syntax*

1

In The Eyes Of Death: Chapter 3

posted by wolfclan121

The best part of being a mother is you always know if something's wrong with your children. Even in death. Jannet was in trouble, but I don't know what with. Well, she has been hanging out with this boy, David. Strange boy, It's as if he can see me! When I watch them he stares at me with his cold, blue eyes. His eyes. They see things. See things others can't. Wittiness things others can't handle. Wittiness things from others nightmares. I fear for him. I fear for Jannet. Then, on that faithful Summer's day. I saw something. He saw something. No, please Jannet, no!

1

(The First Story I Wrote) In The Eyes Of Death: Chapter One

posted by wolfclan121

The car crash changed my life. It changed so much, that i'm not even living anymore. I walk the earth as a kinderd-spirit. Dead, forever. I follow my family sometimes. At one stage they actually thought they had a mouse infestation. For the one hundredth time i'm sorry I broke your vase,Jannet. My daughter, she loves collecting china and other lovely trinkets and stuff like that. For a sixteen year old she does have a lot. But Mike on the other hand, he loves cars,wants to become a famous race car driver. I worry for him, making his dreams so young, I did too. And look where it got me! Dead in my husband's car right in front of my kids! Of course, that was many years ago. On the road to becoming a famous song writer.

1

Love is Wild: Chapter 2- Wild Man

posted by sawfan13

Sun shining like a holy light. After getting out of the tent, I was welcomed by such greenery and wildlife. Such green lush beauty in the glowing morning light made everything just pop and colorful. So many different shades of green and nature all around. I definitely didn't get this New York! The lush vegetation, the scenery, the little cute monkeys climbing around, it was like being in a zoo almost. I heard rustling in the bushes, and prepared myself for an animal attack. As soon as I saw my sister's pink tennis shoe pop out of the bushes, I was slightly relieved. The girls walked out of...

1

The Edge of Mental Health-Chapter 4: Dina Speaks Out

posted by sawfan13

This place is totally different from how Bea told me how is was. Freedom? I feel like a lab rat and everything is limited. They watch you do everything, and all the pills that they give you, you have to take them and they watch you take them.Yet, Janice doesn't take them. I've seen her little tricks, and I must say for myself that it's pretty brilliant how she does it. They watch her take them, but then after they leave, she takes them out of her mouth, puts them in her pockets, and then around nighttime or so, she'll trade with another girl for pills that Janice wants. This goes against...

Modern Day Princess Ch. 1

posted by para-scence

I laid on my comfy bed, with my eyes closed, listening to music. This was my escape. This is what kept me in this world. Music. Without it, life just wouldn't be fair. The awesome guitar solo, sick bass, kick-ass drums, and meaningful lyrics soothe me. I took a deep breath, ready to lose myself, when there was a knock on the door.

"What?" I called over the music. It opened; it was my twin sister, Asteria. The only thing identical about us is our eyes, which are ice blue. Her pale blond hair reflected the light pouring in from the hallway, while my room was dimly lit. She was all dressed up,...

SOUL Experiment #0012 Chapter 2

posted by Skitty_Love

"Mmm this tea is delicious. Many thanks Soul." Professor Rhinestone said charmingly. I quickly nodded. "Yes! Will we be starting training soon?" He looked up at me, is fuchsia colored bangs covering his shinning eyes. "Very well. We need to you to be top Taoloid, after all." He said, I showed him a little smile. "Yes!"

"Hyaaaaaaa!" I balanced the long bamboo pole on the tip of my index finger. "Aye, this is not gymnastics Soul, this is real. This is battle. Come at me." He held his pole in front of him in a dynamic position. "Uh...I.." His leery glare caught me. "Yes.. Hyaaaaaaaaaa!" I sprinted...

SOUL Experiment #0012 Chapter 1

posted by Skitty_Love

Life is horrible and meaningless. All humans are going to die one day. While I will be living till the Earth crashes. Maybe, I'll still be alive then. I am SOUL. The 0012th Experiment done by Professor Rhinestone. Hes an admirable professor at the most, I have poured everything I own into his heart, I "love" him so. Well, actually Professor has told me never to speak that word, er, "love". He says its a pointless word that means nothing beyond "admire". I guess that is why his surname is 'Rhinestone', he acts like a solid stone never able to break in two. He is powerful. Meanwhile I am but...

Hells Outlaw -- Chapter 20

posted by HouseMindFreak

Chapter 20

Koda awoke to the sound of a click in front of his face.
The hell was that?
Slowly opening his eyes, the morning sun blaring painfully into them he barely could see a gun barrel of a pistol pointing to the center of his forehead.
“Whoa!”
He was awake now, staring cross eyed at the gun barrel.
“Make one move and I’ll send one through your leg; keep you from movin’.”
The gun was being held by a rather small but definitely strong young man with short and thick messy black hair, and wearing nothing but his sleeping shorts.
“Ok, I know this looks weird havin’ some strange dude...

The Gregindorf Prophecies - Prolog

posted by PenelopeWolf1

Prolog;
The Gregindorf Prophecies

"Marinsa," Whispered Yanzo Jamleaf. "Where are you hiding?" Yanzo was looking for his friend and leader Marinsa Jackson. She had been in hiding for so long that Yanzo didnt know where she might be.
Marisa had hair so white it looked like a cloud, and eyes so green it looked like a forest. She was small but was fierce.
Yanzo was the opposite; He had black shaggy hair, blue eyes that looked like electric and was tall.
Yanzo heard a crack of leaves and a twig. He turned and saw Marinsa walking towards him.
"Hello my old friend," She said with a small smile.
...

1

Stardom Chapter 2 - Elaine and Blaine, Mischievous Twins

posted by Vampiyaa

"This is beautiful!" Aiko breathed. Elaine beamed and laughed, "I knew you'd love it!" Elaine had called Aiko's apartment at five in the morning, telling her (well, more like yelling at her) to come to a spot in the park. In that spot was a bench facing a brilliant, crystal-clear waterfall that flowed around the bench like a sparkling moat. An authentic wooden bridge with white and blue roses woven in the railings connected the park with the solitary bench.
"We're going to meet your brother in such a beautiful place?" Aiko gaped.
"Yeah!" Elaine exclaimed, flopping down on the bench and grinning...

Psychoanalysis: Chapter 7

posted by Insight357

I saw black sneakers with purple shoestrings. Then tight black pants. Next a draping black shirt, with small hands covered by fingerless, leather gloves. A cross choker sat at the base of her neck. My eyes then fell upon hers. Those eyes, those piercing blue eyes, somewhat similar to my own. The black hair teased slightly, with choppy, side bangs, covering the outer corner of her right eye. It was the girl, from the hallway. The one who thanked me. I gasped softly.
“Hello, Lucy,” I said to her.
“Hello,” she said in the same small voice....

1

Hells Outlaw - Chapter 15

posted by HouseMindFreak

Chapter 15

Jax felt he had been pounding on the door of Bone’s garage for an hour. Finally, he heard the click of the lock and they door opened and he was greeted by the barrel of a shotgun.
“Whoa Bone come on its just me,” Jax said quickly with his hands up in surrender as Bone stepped closer to him without lowering his gun.
“Yeah I know it’s you, the hell you doin’ here?” Bone replied. His voice was raspy like he had a sore throat.
“I’m not drunk if that’s what you’re thinkin’.”
“No? Then why are you here?”
Bone kept his shotgun pointed at Jax.
“Look, I just escaped...

Hells Outlaw - Chapter 12

posted by HouseMindFreak

Chapter 12

The late afternoon sun shined on Koda’s back as he headed further west. Soon the sun would be shining in front of him, slowly drifting its way down the western horizon. Night would follow…

The hospital grew quiet as the hours went by. Jax’s pain had subsided but his anger and vengeance did not. With each passing minute he grew more restless and ready to leave his hospital bed.
He gently took the oxygen tubes out of his nose then gritted his teeth as he pulled the IV out his hand. Slowly, he moved his feet towards the edge of the bed but quickly pushed them back as he saw a nurse...

Hidden Power-Part One, The Two Odd Visitors

posted by woofbark

Somewhere in the universe, a planet was dying.

The planet was Esphera, Earth's twin. Here lived people like on earth, who wore pants, shirts and dresses; they went to school and had emotions;they had their own currency. There were no cars here, but they had instead hovercrafts- spade-shaped vehicles that floated in the air. Most people on the planet were too poor to buy a hovercraft, one of the most expenisve items in Esphera.

But the thing that sets Earth and Esphera apart is the children.

Children on Esphera are all born with a special power-like invisibility-that vanishes at age 16. After...

1

Learning the truth. Chapter 1: First days.

posted by I_DONT-KNOW

Okay so I am really bored, so I thought I would develop this wierd dream I have been having.

One mind can change the world, one life can save another. One girl will save us all. This is the prophecy we were given long ago, and this is the story of the Girl it belongs to.

She sat on a large wall that was high enough to overlook the park on the other side of it, her legs swung freely and her hands sat crossed on her lap. It was the middle of summer and all the other teenagers and children were in the large park, enjoying the hot sun.But the girl stayed were she was, smiling at the fun that evryone...

The girl who cried wolf chapter 6

posted by greenstergirl

My attempt to draw Danny....It is horrible

Her scream was high pitched. The kind where you get a shiver down your back. The kind when someone scrapes their nails on a chalk board. The kind where the person screaming is in utter pain. But gladly it wasn't all the way like that.

You would think the water elementals would be more careful around the giant sea snake. It's one of the many creatures that live in our vally's lake. Some of the water elementals are even fish or sea snake shape shifters. Thats why I laughed when one of them screamed at the giant serpent.

Trixi yelled at me for my rude behavior and we ran towards the snake. From...

The Day I Died (Short story, Pt. 1)

posted by cute20k

BANG! BANG!A shill cry; a scream.

It's funny, you never feel your death creeping closer. It's not like you feel the silent breaths of your death tip-toeing toward you. And if you did, like it would matter. Most people reach out to grab their world when they see it falling... then again, I'm not most people.

Hi, I'm Ever Flarez. I was- I mean, I am? - an average girl. The thing is, my life kinda clashed with the whole average thing.

Here I am. I'm not alive. But I am something. I'm ... well- dead, you could say. But the thing is I'm not gone, gone. It's like my life is gone- not me.

I know you...

Kiely's new secret chapter 1

posted by melcu

"what should we do today Teki?" Kiely asked her tiny dog. Knowing that the dog couldn't posibly respond in any other way than wagging her tail or bark and that is exactly what the dog did.
Kiely sat next to her chihuahua and ran her hand down her back feeling her soft black and brown fur."your a good baby girl" she crooned at the little puppy.
"Lets go to the park and then we could go to fred's,"Kiely finally desided Teki was still wagging her tail. Kiely made her way to the bathroom to freshen up and take a shower. She got out of the shower and headed toward the mirror to see if she had any...

1

Finding Love : Chapters Five, Six, Seven, and Eight : Part One ; Casey's Story

posted by dancing_banana

X: Chapter 5

Matthew

I’m picking up Casey on Saturday and my heart melts a little more when I see her. She’s got her hair curled, her makeup done lightly, and a pale pink halter dress on, and a white sweater to cover her shoulders.

“Wow, you look amazing.” I mean it too.

“Thank you, is the sweater okay? I think I might have something else if I can’t have any white on.”

“It’s fine, my cousin won’t care a bit.”

“Okay, good. You clean up nice.” She tells me well checking me out in my suit.

We talk some while we drive to the beach, but mostly we joke, and try to make it not awkward....

Leaving Ilias: Swept Away-Chapter 2

posted by ButteBaby_K

The manor I imagine. Without the moor however.

Chapter 2: “Ilia,” he whispered into my ear as we walked across the soft meadows surrounding the manor, “how magnificent your beauty is.” Arik’s words curling around me seducing me completely, he had been doing so since the moment he arrived. “Please sit,” he asked as he took my dainty hands into his large rough ones. Today I had worn green to emphasize the one feature about myself I cherished the most, though he begged to differ. I sunk into the grass, soft like moss still holding his hand ever so lightly. He kneeled beside me, chasing away the strands of hair that flickered...