Why learn to spell? We've got spell-checkers now!

Do we really need to bother with correct spelling when there are computer spell-checkers?
Sure, they will help, but what about all those times when you have to write by hand?

In schools, colleges and in work-place training many tests and exams still have to be written by hand. Good spelling will help you get good marks.

So is it only when handwriting that we need to take care with spelling?
When we are using a keyboard will the spell-checker do all the work?
Don't you believe it!

There are thousands of words which will fool a computer spell-check.
In English there are many words which sound exactly the same but have different spellings for different meanings.

For example:

I don't eat meat Pleased to meet you.

These words are called homophones from the Greek words;
homo: the same and phonos: sound.

Some more examples:

site/sight
deer/dear
new/knew
peace/piece
principal/principle

Most Spellzone units end with some work on words the computer spell-checker would not spot:

  • You will see the meaning of each word, with an example of its use.
  • There are 'Learning Tips' to help you remember which spelling
    to use.
  • The teaching pages are followed by extra practice tests, so you
    can check your memory.

A last word on spell checkers:

The computer would not spot any of the mistakes in this poem. How many can you spot?

word lists   word lists
 

An owed to the spell chequer

(CANDIDATE FOR A PULLET SURPRISE)
by Dr Jerrold H. Zar of Northern Illinois University

Reproduced by kind permission of The Journal of Irreproducible Results

I have a spelling checker,
It came with my PC.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.

Eye ran this poem threw it,
Your shore reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in it's weigh.
My checker tolled me sew.

... and there are 7 more verses like this.

To read the rest of the poem, click here

  
word lists   word lists

There are 25 mistakes in the title and the first two verses of this poem - but as they are all real words, the computer spell-checker would not spot them. The author says his complete poem has 225 words, 127 of which are wrong but would not be picked out by a spell checker.

For more information please see:
Information for teachers and tutors
Information for administrators, e.g. how to set up students accounts
Spelling and Dyslexia
Spelling as part of an English language course
Adult training

Enjoy using Spellzone!

Spellzone Guide Home Page




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