After reviewing the correct spelling of certain words found on page 64 of our Creative Editing textbook, I realized that I had been spelling several words wrong for as long as I can remember.I also came to realize that I frequently would spell some words the American way rather than the Canadian way. As I was growing up I read books published in both Canada and the United States. This allowed for my vocabulary to grow with words spelt both the American way and the Canadian way. I never became confused between the two different ways certain words could be spelt, but would find myself confused when writing the words myself. I would be unsure as to whether or not I should use the word 'humor' or 'humour', for example. Many websites, such as Tysto, can provide assistance on the Canadian spelling of words, the American spelling of words, and the British spelling of words. Susan Eder's blog post on spelling supplies some good tips and points on Canadian and American spelling differences as well.
Learning the correct spelling of words is a long process that involves a lot of practise. Paying attention to words when reading, as well as editing your work and others, is a beneficial way of noticing what is correct and incorrect. The learning process does involve putting quite a bit of thought into words. Focussing on the rules of spelling is an important part of becoming good at spelling. Always remember, 'I' before 'E' except after 'C'!
The text book, Creative Editing for Canadian Journalists, provides some useful tips on spelling and when the spelling differs in certain words. For example, it's spelt 'licence' when it's a noun, and 'license' when it's a verb, and 'practice' when it's a noun, and 'practise' when it's a verb. I have gone my whole life not knowing this rule and I believe that many other people have probably done the same.
Once a person is able to master correct spelling, it will improve their writing quality greatly.
Note: Image from minxlj on flickr.
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ReplyDeleteWho is Susan Edgar?
ReplyDeleteI seen that this blog post had two comments so I thought I'd better check it out. While I'm here, I better put my editing skills to the test. The first thing I noticed is you have a lower case "i" in your first sentence, two in the third, and one in the sixth sentence.
ReplyDeleteIn the last sentence of your second paragraph you do not capitalize "canadian" and "american."
In your third paragraph, you refer to the text book as "Canadian Editing for Canadian Journalists" when I believe it is "Creative Editing for Canadian Journalists," but correct me if I'm wrong.
On the plus side, I found your blog to be a fun read and I love the “I before E rule.” I also rather enjoyed the picture.
Thanks Matt!
ReplyDeleteMy grammar sleuthing has brought me here. Alas, it's not for Nancy's writing, because the mistakes have been made clear. My linguistic endeavours here focus on Matt.
ReplyDeleteThe fist thing I noticed in Matt's post was "I seen." The usage of the present perfect in place of the past simple is an oft spoken mistake. I'm not going to delve in the rules of this, but the sentence should read "I saw."