Spell Check

Everyone has pet peeves, a habit, a sound, a thing that just annoys you to no end. I have many, all of which I have not yet pinpointed. Some of my annoyances have already been highlighted in previous posts, but this one- this peeve is the one that takes the cake. This peeve brings out the snob in me. This peeve makes my mother think I am being ridiculous and that she has a snobby monster on her hands, which is true but that is neither here nor there.

Here's why I'm mad:

TYPOS!!!!!!!!! ARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!! We have all committed this error, including myself, but it is one that we should try to avoid at all costs, especially for magazines, newspapers, blogs, mailings, letters, memos, etc. that are going to be widely circulated.

I once received a wedding invitation with an error. I was livid! That was when I realized how much I loathed typos. My mom thought I was being absurd and throwing around my snobby attitude and elite education. I, on the other hand, think my distaste is completely justified. Typing on the computer should be easy because of that wonderful F7 button. That is the spell check shortcut for those of you who do not know.

These errors stick out to me like sore thumbs and they should stick out to you too. When having casual conversation with friends over IM, there is no need for a panic attack over the occasional word mishap. However, when writing, I don't know, let us say a news article or blog perhaps, read, re-read, then spell check. After that, read again for extra measure.

Your, you're, there, their, they're, hear, hair, here, where, wear, we're, its, it's

Is vs. Are - Rule of thumb: He is, they are, I am.

Be careful with your tenses and know when to use singular vs. plural.

Taking these small steps will make you sound a lot more intelligent and make it easier for others, like me, to read your work.

If you need a refresher course, take an English class or go to someone who will edit your papers for you, but by all means, get help. Your writing deserves it. My brain and my eyes do too.