spelling/grammar correcting shouldn't be a bad thing/try to learn something new
By Sissy15
@sissy15 (12269)
United States
August 18, 2018 5:43pm CST
A question has been sort of going through my head lately. I have always wondered why people get so offended when you correct their spelling or speech? I get they don't want to be made to look stupid but personally, I'd rather look stupid to a few people than to many which is basically what will happen when you continue to say or spell something wrong.
I mean there are people who are very rude about correcting people. There's a difference between doing it kindly and being rude. I make a lot of typos and errors in my posts and I'm more than aware of that. I will even go through and check it and miss various errors but will later re read it and try and fix them when I see them. I know the difference between there, their, and they're. I know the difference between here and hear and etc. but sometimes my brain sort of just quits working for whatever reason lol.
Regardless, I don't mind being corrected because how else would I learn how to say or spell something properly if I didn't even realize I was doing or saying whatever it is incorrectly? Since I graduated high school I've continued to learn new things and I strive to learn something new every day.
There is no shame in making errors there is shame in refusing to want to correct those errors if given the opportunity in my opinion anyway. The best way to learn is through our mistakes well actually the best way to learn is through someone else's mistakes lol but there is nothing wrong with being wrong sometimes. There's nothing wrong with making mistakes if you're willing to learn from them. I mispronounce words all the time and I do feel dumb when I realize I've been saying them wrong but if I wasn't corrected and continued to say it wrong to everyone I met after that I'd feel even dumber.
As children, we have to be corrected in order to learn we are wrong and it's really no different as adults. We aren't perfect and we aren't all skilled in grammar and speech and the best way to get better is to try and when we fail we need to learn from those mistakes. I had a friend who would always correct my grammar and I was always so grateful when he corrected me. He said I was one of the very few that didn't get mad at him for doing it. I might feel stupid temporarily but after that moment I save myself from more embarrassment.
The biggest issue with many adults grammar being poor is no one cares to try and make it better and when people try to correct them they get angry and feel as though they are being put down. If you aren't willing to try and make it better then that is on you. I know I have far from perfect grammar and make many mistakes but a lot are typos but I still make several. I am willing to correct my mistakes and try to learn which most people aren't.
My mom gets mad when I correct her speech. She thinks I'm picking on her when in reality I'm trying to help her. I don't say everything correctly either. My husband has corrected me a few times and that doesn't bother me. I have corrected him too and sometimes neither of us are sure who is correct and we look it up.
The best thing anyone can do is try. I get irritated at a lot of FB posts seeing everyone's horrible spelling and grammar because I know these people and I know they never tried to be better because I know they don't care as I've heard them flat out say it. In HS most of them wanted to cheat off of me (that's how I know a good portion of them) I never correct them because I know how they would react. I won't fault people for bad grammar or spelling if they are at least trying because it does come more naturally for some people than others but I get irritated when people are content to use third-grade spelling and grammar. Ultimately it's none of my business what they choose to do or not to do but when they post constantly and I find it all over FB it gets difficult for me to read because a lot of the time I can barely make any of it out. I have thought about just deleting people off FB but don't want the drama that comes with it but I have made it so I can't see some peoples posts because their posts just don't make a lot of sense and I don't like trying to read it.
I do my best not to judge others but sometimes I find myself doing it when it comes to stuff like this because I guess I can't understand not wanting to be better. When you have people who speak English as a second language writing better than them it sort of says a lot, these people are willing to try harder and don't take it for granted the way some natural speakers do. I don't expect people to have perfect spelling or grammar I just expect them to at least try. I won't make fun of them or anything I'd just like to be able to understand them. If you try and you're still not great that's fine because at least you are trying. Those that know they're wrong and don't even bother trying I don't get them. I taught myself a lot of things because I wanted to be better. Maybe I'm just odd in that way. I didn't pay a lot of attention in school as a kid and I didn't learn how to properly spell a lot of words until probably high school because of it. I went from being a horrible speller to being a semi-decent speller. Effort can go a long way. As people, we should want to be better because we have that ability and I don't understand wasting it. I read a lot and force myself to learn new things. There are a lot of people that come to the US and have to pass a citizenship test that most US citizens couldn't pass (I can by the way) I forced myself to learn about the government and laws. I taught myself about all of the various countries in the world and about all of the US presidents. I mean I love learning and I get a lot of people don't but you would be amazed what it can do for you in the long run. We all have different skills and abilities and it would be unfair to judge everyone by the same criteria but I do think we should all try to better ourselves and when given an opportunity to learn we should take it. I am sure this might be an unpopular opinion but understand I'm not putting people down for their inability to do something I'm just saying people should at least try.
12 people like this
13 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
19 Aug 18
I correct my husband's errors and he laughs and said he tried. When he is typing something he will often ask the spelling of a word. I ask how he is using the word in a sentence and will correct him if he is using the wrong word.
When I was working at our local high school I had a conversation with an English teacher who said she didn't correct spelling or grammatical errors. She was more concerned with the content of what was written. I disagreed with her. Told her that sadly there are way too many who have never learned basic spelling grammar rules. How were they to realize that what they had written was filled with errors if she did not point them out the errors? I understood her reasoning for overlooking the errors, but still was shocked that she didn't bother to correct them.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
19 Aug 18
Perhaps there should be some criteria:" These papers are quick, just for your opinion and immediate response, I will not grade down on grammar and punctuation BUT the papers that have an edit phase, and a day or two to work on had best be correct." I feel I have forgotten more than I care to admit.
2 people like this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
I had teachers like that too. I took comp 1 and comp 2 in college and my comp 1 teacher was stricter than my comp 2 teacher. My grammar has always needed work but I've always done my best to fix what I can. I feel like ignoring their issues often sets them up for failure later down the line. I do think it should depend on what they're doing though. I remember we had assignments where grammar didn't matter because they were looking for depth and not grammar but those assignments weren't every day. They called it free writing to get our thoughts flowing and we also did journals in which grammar didn't matter but on papers and things it did. I understand errors or typos because they can be so easy to make I find I make a lot of them when I'm tired or have a lot going on and my mind isn't always focussed. I find them in almost every post I make and I get so irritated with myself. I usually go through and double check everything before I post but I almost always miss some and sometimes they are rather large ones.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
18 Aug 18
What I have noticed here is that native speakers make more mistakes than those who have English as their second language. myLot is against correcting anyone but I would certainly not mind being corrected.
3 people like this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
19 Aug 18
I don't correct anyone because you just don't know how people will react. I only correct people if I know them really well but even then they tend to get snippy at times. I don't mind when I'm corrected but you're right about the native speakers making more errors because often times we take the fact that we can speak it for granted and we just assume we are right plus those who speak it as a second language have to work harder to learn it but sometimes those that speak it as a second language do make a ton of mistakes it really comes down to when they started learning to speak it and for how long. My friend that always corrected me actually speaks it as a second language. He is originally from Russia but he has almost perfect English and barely has an accent. I don't think he even really speaks Russian anymore. He moved to the US in high school and learned to speak it quickly.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158876)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Aug 18
I think it has to do with ego. I get hurt feelings to be honest ,but would like to know in the long run. I think texting and such has really gotten people rather lazy. They do run on sentences and really bad grammar now days. It is very sad to see this.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
I think you're right. My feelings are never hurt by it but I do get embarrassed knowing I made such a big blunder. You're right about texting. My husband is taking online classes to get his HS diploma since he never finished high school and one of the classes required to him write a post on a discussion board with his peers and then comment on a peer's post and they had to use two complete sentences. This was impossible for most of them. They were using letters and numbers for words. I really hope they don't pass these people because clearly, they need to learn to write a complete sentence. My husband had a difficult time responding to some of them because he couldn't even read half of them.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
@celticeagle Do you write in cursive? They stopped teaching that but I hear they are bringing it back. I was one of the last groups to actually learn how to read and write in cursive. I remember we were eventually forced to write everything in cursive because "once you get in high school this will be required of you". It never was. I rarely ever wrote in cursive in high school or at any time after elementary school. The only time I use cursive is when I sign my name. My ex-friend couldn't read or write it either and he was a year older than me. He was supposed to learn it but never bothered. I can write in cursive and sometimes read it. The issue with cursive is everyone's looks so different and sometimes I can't make out certain words. I can usually make out most of it but sometimes have issues with certain letters.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158876)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Aug 18
@sissy15 ......My grandson can't read my writing. He never learned. It is rather scary. I hope they don't pass those folks also.
1 person likes this
@moirai (2836)
• Philippines
19 Aug 18
I agree.
Correcting someone's spelling or grammar isn't bad per se. It can actually help the person being corrected, and help others who see it as well.
One problem is that there are also a lot of people who use correction as an insult. For instance, two people initially are having a discussion on a topic, but neither wants to budge. Then, as the debate heats up, one of them changes tactic and resorts to just correcting the other person's spelling and grammar in a sarcastic way. This might be one reason why people have become resistant to being corrected, and defensive about it.
The result of that is not good because people will just develop an attitude of 'spelling and grammar is unimportant' and others who see it might also think that.
On my part, if ever I correct someone, I just try to make sure it's clear that I'm doing it to try to help, not to make fun of the person. :)
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
I do agree with you. I think it's incredibly rude to just start correcting a stranger's grammar because you can't have a civilized argument. I have seen this too but when it's coming from a friend or a family member people take a lot of offense to it too. I know my family members hate when I correct them so I've stopped. I don't mind them correcting me. I mean I feel embarrassed sometimes but I'd rather be corrected and feel embarrassed in that moment than the several that come after it and have people silently judge my ignorance but that's just me I guess.
1 person likes this
@moirai (2836)
• Philippines
21 Aug 18
@sissy15 I see.
Well, in the case of correcting friends and family in person, maybe they will take it better if we correct them privately instead of in front of others. For instance, sometime after the incident, when we are alone with them, maybe we can try to jokingly mention the error and give them the correction. 
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
21 Aug 18
@moirai A lot of the times it was in private. People just don't like being corrected because they don't like feeling like an idiot in the moment. It's not even a matter of being an idiot as much as it is learning something you didn't know but most people don't use this level of reasoning.
1 person likes this
@just4him (305818)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
19 Aug 18
I totally agree. People should try. I've been a good speller all my life, but there are things I didn't know, and grammar and punctuation are one of them. I had a hard time in English throughout grade school. However, it didn't stop me from pursuing what I love best, writing.
Recently I downloaded the Grammarly app to help me with my grammar and punctuation, and I've been amazed at how bad my grammar is. On the surface, it doesn't look bad, but when I put it against Grammarly, I find all the errors, and I correct them.
One thing I've always been is a typo freak. I hate typos. Even in best selling books, I find them and my mind trips over them, and I wonder how they could have missed it when they proofed their novel. However, no one is perfect, so I do my best to improve my writing every day. Writing is my life. I need to know how to use the language.
2 people like this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
I use Grammarly too but sometimes even it isn't accurate. It sometimes wants to correct "mistakes" that I know are correct but it's wonderful for other things. I have always been horrible at punctuating too and it makes my life easier and with its help, I have gotten a lot better of knowing how and when to use it too. All we can do is continue to try and do our best.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
18 Aug 18
It comes down to the person giving or receiving the criticism.
Personally I'd avoid correcting anyone unless I knew them well or the person had asked for criticism.
On here it's an absolute no no to comment on spelling or grammar unless someone asks you to do so.
2 people like this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
19 Aug 18
You're right but a lot of the time people take it as a personal attack, which in some cases it can be but I don't correct anyone unless I know them well either but even then they sometimes can get snippy with me. I am ok with being corrected I mean it is a little embarrassing to find out you've been saying or spelling something incorrectly but it's way more embarrassing if you continue to do it with even more people.
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
19 Aug 18
When I was younger, I did very well with spelling and grammar. I find I am losing it now with no graded practice or corrected sharing. Maybe I will pick up something when I work in the high school. I also know people who are TRYING but are mentally challenged. They even, on occasion, are in college, receiving special help. The structure of what the write on Facebook drives me insane, but I will not correct them. They will not learn. They are going to a diploma mill online university which shall remain nameless. Hubby and I can correct each other and HELP each other freely.
1 person likes this
@sweetashoney (3594)
• United States
18 Aug 18
You are right Sissy15, I see poor grammar and spelling all the time on the internet and not just on Facebook. What's really bad is when your reading a news article and see all types of mistakes. You wonder who is typing this stuff, at least go back an correct your mistakes before you post it.
Although I have never been corrected, I have seen many who have. I always use spell check or look it up if I'm still unsure. The only time that I see a person really has a right to get irritated when someone corrects them online, is when their attacking them just because a min spell word. Sometimes I think there are people that criticize others for grammar mistakes or spelling because they don't like what they had to say in a comment and can't think of anything else to say.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
19 Aug 18
I completely agree and I see it all of the time on memes that go viral and it makes me cringe. When something goes that public it should be double and triple checked for errors. We all make typos and grammar mistakes. I know I do even after I go through and check I find I'll have missed something it's easy to do but when you are printing a news article they should have multiple people checking it before it is printed. I use spell check too but even that doesn't catch everything. I use Grammarly to help correct simple mistakes I make but even it tries to tell me things are incorrect that I know are correct. I do agree about those that correct simply because they want to be mean and can't actually have an actual debate because they don't know enough on the subject. My grammar is far from perfect but it gets better the more I write. I've only been corrected by one or two people and they were close friends or family and I was grateful for it but most of my friends can spell or write properly to correct me. If I post on FB there are only a small handful of people that would notice if I made a typo because the others seem to have a third to fourth-grade education despite the fact that they graduated. It always baffles me when people who can barely read or write graduate high school or even in some cases go to college.
Before I got with my husband I was talking to some guy who informed me he went to "collage" and I was like I don't get how you are in college and can't even spell it properly. You do a lot of writing in college and English and comp classes are mandatory for pretty much every major and you have to pass them to graduate so I'm always baffled when these people get degrees. I have a cousin who has atrocious spelling and grammar but says she's getting straight As in college it makes me wonder about the college.
1 person likes this
@sweetashoney (3594)
• United States
19 Aug 18
@sissy15 You are right about those that have graduated from college, what gets me is some of them can't even write a complete paragraph, much less a whole report!. When I was going to college I had a lot of class mates that I could help them.
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
@sweetashoney It's crazy. My husband is taking classes to get his HS diploma and one of the requirements for the one class was to write on a discussion board of his peers and then comment on one of their posts. They had to use two complete sentences and that was impossible for a lot of them. They were throwing in letters and numbers for words and using abbreviations and it made me cringe my husband was like "how do I take these seriously to respond to them?" My husband didn't graduate high school but not because he wasn't smart enough to he just gave up because he had a lot of stuff going on at the time but he can actually spell and use grammar.
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
19 Aug 18
Yes and no. It's not our responsibility to correct every single person that makes a spelling or grammar mistake but it is our responsibility to correct our children. We are responsible for our children but not other people but that being said I feel people should be more accepting of being corrected as long as it's done as a way to improve a person and not to be mean or nasty and belittle them because some people are like that when correcting someone. I feel like it's not worth it to say anything to people only to have them attack you for it. If they don't want to be corrected they aren't going to listen to you anyway. I only correct the people that I personally know well.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (9886)
• United States
19 Aug 18
In times technology that change words or grammar, it's not always the person's fault. I have a sever disability where I use my microphone if using my phone rather than one finger slow typing. I check what it says but constantly have to stop and correct since the phone changes words and grammar. Sometimes when I send, the phone changes as I hit the button even after originally typing correctly. It gets very annoying constantly correcting that I finally just send as it is. My friends understand and never try to correct me. I will never correct anyone for their misspelling or grammar. I'm more interested in what they are saying. I'm listening. There’s evidence that if someone has to correct others and just can't stop, it's Grammatical Pedantry Syndrome, or GPS which is a type of OCD.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
20 Aug 18
I am not talking about those with disabilities. I have a dyslexic friend who has bad grammar and I understand. I sometimes make mistakes with autocorrect for me it's the idea that you should want to do better if you can. I don't understand being content with a third grade education which is what a lot of my friends seem to have. I get there are factors for why some people are the way they are and I won't correct someone unless I know them really well because I don't know why they are the way they are. I think if you can do better you should. I get everyone's circumstances are different which is why I wouldn't go all out correcting everyone because I do find that rude. I think for me it's the idea that there are so many people who can't do certain things and would love to be able to and then there are those who can do those things and take them for granted. My father can't read or write very well at all and part of it I think is due to a learning disability and part of it is he has no self-confidence to want to be able to but I look at those who can read and write and take it for granted and they really don't care. I think as humans we should want to do better if we can. We should use what we have and continue to improve ourselves because we can.
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
21 Aug 18
I'm okay with corrections regarding my grammar and my spelling.
But if in case you want to correct someone at least be nice and you can send a private message about it.
In that way, people will not laugh about the mistakes the person have because of their grammar issues.
And besides, we don't know how other people will react to it.
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
22 Aug 18
Some people are grateful but a lot of people aren't. I don't correct anyone unless I know them really well and I'm not mean about it albeit I'm sure it's come off as mean a time or two despite my intentions otherwise. I corrected my husband the other day and he was super grateful and I'm grateful when he corrects me.
1 person likes this
