One essential aspect of good writing is accurate spelling. With computer spell checkers, spelling may seem simple, but these programs fail to catch every error. Spell checkers identify some errors, but writers still have to consider the flagged words and suggested replacements. Writers are still responsible for the errors that remain.<\/p>\r\n
For example, if the spell checker highlights a word that is misspelled and gives you a list of alternative words, you may choose a word that you never intended even though it is spelled correctly. This can change the meaning of your sentence. It can also confuse readers, making them lose interest. Computer spell checkers are useful editing tools, but they can never replace human knowledge of spelling rules, homonyms, and commonly misspelled words.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The best way to master new words is to understand the key spelling rules. Keep in mind, however, that some spelling rules carry exceptions. A spell checker may catch these exceptions, but knowing them yourself will prepare you to spell accurately on the first try. You may want to try memorizing each rule and its exception like you would memorize a rhyme or lyrics to a song.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Write i<\/em> before e<\/em> except after c<\/em>, or when pronounced ay<\/em> like \u201cneighbor\u201d or \u201cweigh.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n When words end in a consonant plus y<\/em>, drop the y<\/em> and add an i<\/em> before adding another ending.<\/p>\r\n\r\n When words end in a vowel plus y<\/em>, keep the y<\/em> and add the ending.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Memorize the following exceptions to this rule: day<\/em>, lay<\/em>, say<\/em>, pay<\/em> = daily<\/em>, laid<\/em>, said<\/em>, paid<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n When adding an ending that begins with a vowel, such as -able<\/em>, -ence<\/em>, -ing<\/em>, or -ity<\/em>, drop the last e<\/em> in a word.<\/p>\r\n\r\n When adding an ending that begins with a consonant, such as -less<\/em>, -ment<\/em>, or -ly<\/em>, keep the last e<\/em> in a word.<\/p>\r\n\r\n For many words ending in a consonant and an o<\/em>, add -s<\/em> when using the plural form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Add -es<\/em> to words that end in s<\/em>, ch<\/em>, sh<\/em>, and x<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Exercise<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n Identify and correct the nine misspelled words in the following paragraph. Once done, please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Eight Tips to Improve Spelling Skills<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n\r\n \t
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