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Is it really important to spell correctly?
There has been a lot of discussion here on the FFN about spelling and grammar usage. Having been off from work for the past four months, I came across this memo from one of our investigators and thought I'd ask you if your department has the same level of awareness to be grammatically vigilant.
The investigator offers one suggestion for spell checking while writing reports, this could also affect your pc's ability to underline misspelled words when posting on FFN. I wanted to note that if you are using MacBook Pro, place your cursor over the red-underlined (actually red dots) and press ctrl, a window pops up and offers suggestions for correct spelling.
I hope this is one of those "helpful posts". TCSS, Mike from Santa Barbara
"I have recently assumed responsibility for providing reports to Insurance Companies, Law Firms, and other subjects requesting your reports. Many reports, primarily in the "narrative" section, contain significant spelling and/or grammar errors. One method to improve the reports is to use lower case text, which will enable the spell checker resource. When you enter all "CAPS" spell checker ignores the errors. I plan to provide further information regarding reports and other investigation issues in the near future, but did not want to delay notification to those who may benefit from this simple resource.
I certainly hope this message is written correctly; if not, please disregard the information above."
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jenny Holderby on
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Only if you can't tell the difference between an antidote and an ancedote. Actually it has been proven that the human brain will recognize misspelled words as long as the first and last letters are in place. I myself get in a hurry and my fingers go faster than my brain. I end up with a few type-Os. When I edit, sometimes I end up reading an entire paragraph to figure out what 1 word is supposed to be. Spell check programs often do not pick up incorrect spelling because they don't find actual words. As in my explanation above.
Our guys are still writing reports, sometimes in the dark, on paper. I'm glad that others are responsible for entering them into NIFRS not me. I have a hard enough time reading my own handwriting if it gets cold. Meaning I don't remember what I wrote. I usually transcribe the meeting minutes as soon as I get home because I will forget what all those little marks mean if I don't. With age comes wisdom? But also comes forgetfulness.
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Permalink Reply by DVPcapt on
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Bottom line, your spelling and grammar reflects how others think about you. For better or worse.
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Permalink Reply by turk182 on
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I have been trying to improve my spelling but some times I get stuck and still murder the word so I have put a dictionary next to my computer and if the word does not look right I look it up.
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Permalink Reply by Beverly on
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Correct spelling and grammar are important for many reasons.
1. When people read what you write it is the same as when someone listens to you speak. If what you say or write sounds illiterate than people will believe (correctly or not) that you are illiterate.
2. If you write or sound illiterate you certainly do not inspire confidence in the people you are there to help.
3. Words, written and spoken, have meaning and those meanings can change with inflection and punctuation, i.e. "I can roll that hose." vs. " I can roll that hose?"
4. Changing the spelling of a word can change its meaning, i.e. "We raised (put up) a barn yesterday" vs. "We razed (tore down) a barn yesterday."
5. Changing the spelling of a medication can result in serious harm or death. There are many medications whose spelling or pronunciation are similar but have very different purposes and effects on the human body. Also dropping a letter can change the dose amounts and underdosing can be just as dangerous as overdosing.
6. It seems that the lack of proper punctuation and grammar has become all the more common with the advent of texting and that the younger you are the more "shortcuts" you use. I would love to be proven wrong on that but I see it in the sentences children write in school.
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Devone-Pacheco, FireRescue on
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Great question, I think, since I'm an editor for a fire service magazine. I think it all depends on your audience. In a casual environment, like this discussion, for example, it doesn't matter as much if your grammar and spelling isn't flawless. However, you wouldn't want to make mistakes on something like your resume, or another formal type of document that has the ability to directly affect your well-being.
Cindy Devone-Pacheco, senior editor, FireRescue magazine
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Permalink Reply by Chad Furr on
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I am the worlds best speller it is my damn keyboard who screws it up .
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Permalink Reply by Kevin Benton on
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i think its a good idea to use proper spelling, but as long as everyone understands what you are saying you are ok.
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Thanks for the clarification, WestPhilly. I suppose flawless is a strong word, but as someone who gets paid to be a "defender of the English language," flawless is what I shoot for! Of course, no one is perfect, and it's all too easy to make mistakes when typing or writing, especially if you're pressed for time, but the written word is powerful when spelled both correctly or incorrectly. Correct spelling and grammar says a lot about a person in certain circumstances, as does incorrect spelling and grammar. So to put it simply, YES, it's important to spell correctly.
And you're right, some of the content on these pages can be a bit "colorful," and while I might disagree with what's said at times or how it's said, I defend anyone's right to say it. Know what I mean?
Cindy Devone-Pacheco
Senior editor, FireRescue magazine
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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you know D, I have never seen a word that is mispelled on my computer screen end up with underlined words to identify the problem, or at least not on my PC. however, on my Mac, the red line appears so my guess here is that it all depends upon your operating system... bz
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Permalink Reply by Steve on
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I have firefox and it has built in spell check, i don't think internet explorer does.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Sterling on
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I know it's very important to spell correctly, and punctuate properly, in the event that your writing a grant request. If every I isn't dotted, and T crossed, the grant readers will toss all of your hard work right out the window.
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