Leeds Metro Forum Bash 2006

[LeedsLad]

Meow!!! Bit harsh Fred!

[Fred2]

Originally Posted by LeedsLad

Meow!!! Bit harsh Fred!

Yes that was a bit cattish, and I apologise if Rhinomatt has dyslexia or some such affliction. He does not seem to lack intelligence. What I criticise, however, are not mere typos (which we all make - I know I do as I am a poor typist)), and at age 16 I was able not to make the sort of spelling mistakes he makes consistently - though admittedly I got a distinction in English at that age in 1944 in my School Certificate (that will get you all looking at the history books!). Nevertheless, there are dictionaries - even those that can be consulted on-line if he doesn't have one in old fashioned book form ! Recent examples from him are 'grater' (for greater) twice in one posting, and 'course' (for cause).

I am at least relieved to note that the lad acknowledges, on another thread, that he does have a problem with spelling, and I sincerely hope it does not affect him adversely when he comes to look for a job. I know some people think that spelling is not important (especially with all the abbreviated words used in mobile phone text messages nowadays), but it is a part of the communication of ideas. In the very competitive employment world that is the sort of thing that employers use to weed out applicants. They are constantly complaining about spelling and the inability to string a few sentences together in intelligible English - even with graduates!

[rhinomatt]

Originally Posted by Fred2

Yes that was a bit cattish, and I apologise if Rhinomatt has dyslexia or some such affliction. He does not seem to lack intelligence. What I criticise, however, are not mere typos (which we all make - I know I do as I am a poor typist)), and at age 16 I was able not to make the sort of spelling mistakes he makes consistently - though admittedly I got a distinction in English at that age in 1944 in my School Certificate (that will get you all looking at the history books!). Nevertheless, there are dictionaries - even those that can be consulted on-line if he doesn't have one in old fashioned book form ! Recent examples from him are 'grater' (for greater) twice in one posting, and 'course' (for cause).

I am at least relieved to note that the lad acknowledges, on another thread, that he does have a problem with spelling, and I sincerely hope it does not affect him adversely when he comes to look for a job. I know some people think that spelling is not important (especially with all the abbreviated words used in mobile phone text messages nowadays), but it is a part of the communication of ideas. In the very competitive employment world that is the sort of thing that employers use to weed out applicants. They are constantly complaining about spelling and the inability to string a few sentences together in intelligible English - even with graduates!

I agree with you.
I try to run all my posts though spell check on Microsoft word before posting them, however sometimes the spell check and grammar check does not pick up anything.
This post for example has been processed though Word and will probably still have some major grammar and spelling errors.

[Fred2]

Originally Posted by rhinomatt

I agree with you.
I try to run all my posts though spell check on Microsoft word before posting them, however sometimes the spell check and grammar check does not pick up anything.
This post for example has been processed though Word and will probably still have some major grammar and spelling errors.

Just a word of advice which I hope you will not take unkindly.
In the examples of what you wrote that I gave, 'grater' is spelt correctly but is the wrong word. Similarly, 'course' is also spelt correctly but is the wrong word. Spellchecks are not of much help in this situation. It's like 'there' and 'their' - both spelt correctly (and sound alike) but very different words with different uses. When you make consistent mistakes like these it might demonstrate to a potential employer that you don't read very much.

[leeds the best]

Another" talk about fred "page their must be one on every thread now.

[CharlieP]

Originally Posted by rhinomatt

I agree with you.
I try to run all my posts though spell check on Microsoft word before posting them, however sometimes the spell check and grammar check does not pick up anything.
This post for example has been processed though Word and will probably still have some major grammar and spelling errors.

I hate spellcheckers with a passion - first of all they only highlight unrecognised words, which doesn't help much with the number of homophones in the English language (there/their/they're, your/you're, grate/great, cheap/cheep etc.), and secondly, people seem to think they absolve them of personal responsibility, crying "but I ran it through a spellchecker!" as though the fault is not their own.

The only real way to improve your spelling is through research and repetition - if you don't know how to spell a word, use a dictionary to check (there are plenty available online), and if people pick you up on a particular example, take the time to work out where you've gone wrong, what the correct word should have been, and make a mental note to get it right the next time. If appropriate, try and work it into your next posts to reinforce it in your brain.

[Subliving]

Originally Posted by CharlieP

The only real way to improve your spelling is through research and repetition - if you don't know how to spell a word, use a dictionary to check (there are plenty available online), and if people pick you up on a particular example, take the time to work out where you've gone wrong, what the correct word should have been, and make a mental note to get it right the next time. If appropriate, try and work it into your next posts to reinforce it in your brain.

If ever I'm unsure of a spelling, I just google the word. It's the quickest, easiest way to find out if you're right or 'rong'.

Subliving.

[Fred2]

Rhinomatt, you are getting good advice from others apart from me. They also feel strongly about the correct use of English. Take heed.

[rhinomatt]

I am deeply sorry and wish to inform you that I will make extra effort in the future to ensure that my spelling and grammar correctness improves. I thank you for all your tips and appreciate them all.
In my own defence, I must say that at least I make some sort of effort. For example if you enter a lot of online forums you will see posts saying:
"I C dat it is tru wat ya sayin an wil do mor l8r lol lmao".
I do understand that one should not compare oneself to the likes of them and that this in no excuse for my appalling spelling and grammar skills.




PS. Any better?

[CharlieP]

Inshore - the part of the sea closest to land (shore)

Ensure - to make certain (sure)

[mark*ie]

Originally Posted by leeds the best

Another" talk about fred "page their must be one on every thread now.

Sorry, but could not resist... It's there not here, but there

[Leeds No.1]

Maybe the Leeds forumers should start up and English Classes Thread, open to all forumers.

[mark*ie]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

Maybe the Leeds forumers should start up and English Classes Thread, open to all forumers.

[Subliving]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

Maybe the Leeds forumers should start up and English Classes Thread, open to all forumers.

Subliving.

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by leeds the best

Another" talk about fred "page their must be one on every thread now.

hehe I'm not the world's greatest speller and i'm not the greatest person to explain grammar but here are one or two rules...

They - "they are" or "they're" -" ( a person (s)

They said that it would be fine

Their - "Their belongings" or "their beliefs" etc

Their coat is hung up

There - "Over there" or "there is" ( a place )

Their coat is hung up over there but they're not bothered where their coat is!

[Subliving]

Originally Posted by leeds the best

Another" talk about fred "page their must be one on every thread now.

While we're on the subject... (And the Grammar Nazis move in...)

The quotation marks would be used thus:

Another, "Talk about Fred," page. There must be one on every thread now.



Subliving.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by SMARTCITY

Their coat is hung up over there but they're not bothered where their coat is!

Good example.

[CharlieP]

Originally Posted by Subliving

While we're on the subject... (And the Grammar Nazis move in...)

The quotation marks would be used thus:

Another, "Talk about Fred," page. There must be one on every thread now.

The commas, however, shouldn't.

[Fred2]

Originally Posted by Subliving

Another, "Talk about Fred," page. There must be one on every thread now.



Subliving.

Oh dear, I seem to have achieved some sort of notoriety !
Shame about the redundant commas.

[Subliving]

Originally Posted by Fred2

Oh dear, I seem to have achieved some sort of notoriety !
Shame about the redundant commas.

Bit like the space after the last word?

Subliving.