One of the basic rules about professional writing is to avoid spelling errors. Misspelled words or typographical errors can instantly send negative impression to a reader. Wouldn’t you be turned off if an interesting article that you’re reading contains not only one but several misspelled words?
True, not everyone is as strict when it comes to pointing out wrong spelling. But then again, not everyone would be as forgiving. It would be a shame to lose readers just because you didn’t pay attention to the correct spelling of words. If you have an online business, it would be a shame to drive away potential customers because poorly presented web content.
Another reason why you should watch out your spelling: Search Engines check them too! Yes, even search engines prefer websites that are free from typos! Just read this article by Matt Cutts: SEO ADVICE: Spell Check Your Website. If you want to rank higher and increase your traffic, all the more you should pay attention to your spelling.
Microsoft Word has its own spell-checking tool that you can use to spot errors as you type. Here are free online spell checkers that you can use to double-check your work:
Check Your Spelling: Proofread Your Work
Aside from using automatic spell checkers, don’t forget to proofread your work. Spell checkers can only detect incorrect spelling, but not incorrect grammar. Some words may be correctly spelled but are used in the wrong context.
Homonyms or homophones (words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings) are usually misspelled or misused in texts.
Here are two examples:
It’s easy to miss these spelling errors if you won’t proofread your work. If you don’t have time, have someone else to do the editing for you.
Improve Your Spelling Skills:
Finally, you can do a lot to improve your spelling skills. If you’re not sure of how to spell a word, look it up in the dictionary. Spellcheckers are great for quick editing but using a dictionary helps you learn more about a word.
A dictionary gives more information such as the pronunciation, etymology, the part of speech the term belongs, the meaning, and sample sentences. Some dictionaries even include synonyms and antonyms.
A deeper understanding about a word would help you remember the correct spelling more easily. Here are links to online dictionaries for your research:
Another reason why you should watch out your spelling: Search Engines check them too! Yes, even search engines prefer websites that are free from typos! Just read this article by Matt Cutts: SEO ADVICE: Spell Check Your Website. If you want to rank higher and increase your traffic, all the more you should pay attention to your spelling.
Microsoft Word has its own spell-checking tool that you can use to spot errors as you type. Here are free online spell checkers that you can use to double-check your work:
- Orangoo You can either enter the URL of your webpage or paste the text or the entire article that you want to check. Aside from English, you can also spell check in other languages (French, Spanish, Italian, etc.)
- SpellChecker.net
- Jacuba
Check Your Spelling: Proofread Your Work
Aside from using automatic spell checkers, don’t forget to proofread your work. Spell checkers can only detect incorrect spelling, but not incorrect grammar. Some words may be correctly spelled but are used in the wrong context.
Homonyms or homophones (words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings) are usually misspelled or misused in texts.
Here are two examples:
Its (possessive form of IT) and It’s (it is)
Your (possessive pronominal adjective) You’re (you are)
It’s easy to miss these spelling errors if you won’t proofread your work. If you don’t have time, have someone else to do the editing for you.
Improve Your Spelling Skills:
Finally, you can do a lot to improve your spelling skills. If you’re not sure of how to spell a word, look it up in the dictionary. Spellcheckers are great for quick editing but using a dictionary helps you learn more about a word.
A dictionary gives more information such as the pronunciation, etymology, the part of speech the term belongs, the meaning, and sample sentences. Some dictionaries even include synonyms and antonyms.
A deeper understanding about a word would help you remember the correct spelling more easily. Here are links to online dictionaries for your research:
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