Spelling misteaks (did you catch that?) are not only annoying, they can have a serious impact on your (not you’re) life.
Dictionary.com recently released its Grammar Gripes 2015 study, which identifies which commonly misspelled words — February, definitely and receive, to name a few — and terms that are commonly confused, including regardless vs irregardless, they’re vs. there, could care less vs. couldn’t care less. These are mistakes that really irk the spelling- and grammar-conscious.
Interestingly, the study found that 4 in 5 adults consider themselves to be good spellers, yet 71 percent said they frequently find spelling mistakes made by others.
“People might be better at finding mistakes in others’ writing than in their own,” a press release on the study explained.
Sure, spelling and grammar mistakes may leave you shaking your head. I know if I spend more than 60 seconds on social media, I’m convinced that the English language is dead. But spelling mistakes can cost you.
“Employers and customers are quick to jump on people who make bad spelling mistakes, even when they frequently use poor spelling and grammar themselves,” Steve Langerud, workplace consultant and principal of Steve Langerud & Associates in Iowa, told MarketWatch.
A 2011 study found that consumers are less likely to trust and spend money with retailers whose websites are riddled with spelling errors, MarketWatch said. In fact, the study found that just one spelling mistake can slash an online retailer’s sales in half.
Spelling mistakes could also cost you a potential job.
This reminds me of the Dilbert comic that reads: “Your resume is riddled with spelling errors. Why should we hire a moron?”
Up to half of all hiring managers will reject a job applicant who submits a cover letter or resume with misspellings, MarketWatch said.
“Sharing a resume with spelling errors would certainly prevent you from getting a first-round job interview in any of the companies where I’ve worked as a manager,” said Peter Hildick-Smith, president of market researcher Codex Group.
Check out “Job Application Rejected? It Might Be Your Spelling.”
Spelling mistakes could even cost you a date. MarketWatch said:
A line like “I’m very independant” (sic) could be a death knell for your dating prospects. Some 43% of online daters said bad spelling is a “major turnoff,” according to a 2013 survey of 1,700 adults by Kibin, a proofreading and editing service. In fact, one-third actually found good grammar sexy.
How’s your spelling? Are you a stickler for good spelling and grammar? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.
Add a Comment
Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.