Tag Archives: spelling

Introvert pedants?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Carmen Ebner

Robin Queen and Julie Boland, both from the University of Michigan, recently conducted a study on attitudes towards spelling variation, which has now been picked up by The Guardian. What they call “typos” and “grammos” are errors everyone has come across when using the internet … Continue reading →

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What’s the fuss about the controversial SPaG test?

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Carmen Ebner

The 2016 version of the Key Stage 2 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test, also known as SPaG test, has made the headlines in the UK again. Michael Rosen has often voiced his concerns about the test publically and did so again … Continue reading →

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Fix Your Grammar

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Carmen Ebner

If you are in a grammar or usage dilemma and looking for a clarification, you can find a huge number of useful and informative websites on grammar and usage advice online. Sometimes you come across advice presented in a somewhat … Continue reading →

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The Guardian on language

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Ingrid Tieken

It makes you wonder if they know the difference between grammar and spelling, but the pictures are still great for a good laugh! And there is more where this one came from.   Thanks for the link, Alison!

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A Word on Asphalt

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Inge Otto

Did you ever see the word “ashfault” in a newspaper, book, article ­– or anywhere else at all? Well, until recently I was unaware of this word’s existence (too). It was only when I read Paul Brian’s usage guide Common … Continue reading →

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Grumbling about grammar over coffee

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Ingrid Tieken

The Literary Gift Company What a wonderful gift this would be, this lovely set of Grammar Grumble Mugs! Except that most of them are about spelling, not grammar of course (I’m a pedant after all!). Thanks for the link, Ana! 

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Does Only spelling Matter? A Word from the Creator of the Text of the Dutch Spelling Contest

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Inge Otto

Yesterday the Volkskrant introduced the composer of the text of the 24th edition of the Grand Dictation of the Dutch Language (het Groot Dictee der Nederlandse Taal), a Dutch spelling contest that is scheduled to be broadcast on 18 December … Continue reading →

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David Crystal and the history of English spelling, or how the Internet is killing off silent letters

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Morana Lukač

The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, which is held annually in Wales, was a prolific place this year for discussions about language use. Professor David Crystal gave a wonderfully engaging talk at the event, presenting his latest book Spell … Continue reading →

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Why learn to spell correctly? I have a spelling checker

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Anoeska Bronswijk

Many people find spelling unimportant. And if they do find it important, they sometimes still believe there is no need to learn to spell correctly since we have a spelling checker. Therefore, let me illustrate the flaws of this useful … Continue reading →

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It is not you, it is your grammar.

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Carmen Ebner

This is crucial information which can save and change your life and the lives of others. You may be not aware of the impact your use of grammar, spelling and punctuation can have on your future. Texting ur beautiful to … Continue reading →

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