Do you find it hard to spell words correctly?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In an era of auto-correct and spell check, many of us have grown complacent about spelling. However, some experts believe that technology is not the main culprit for the decline of spelling skills. Some say that the skill has been declining even before the 70s (based on tests). We are just more aware of instances of bad spelling today because of social media. More definitive research needs to be done, but what is certain is that our writing skills are changing.

But why is being able to spell important? It’s crucial because spelling is a fundamental skill. It is the foundation of literacy, and the backbone of a successfully written communication. Proper spelling makes your message precise and easy to understand.

Do you want to improve your spelling skills? Here are a few tips to become a better speller:

1. Read regularly

   Make reading a habit. Also, make it a point to use diverse materials. Reading well-written content in books, articles, and others will expose you to a wide range of words and their correct spellings. Reading regularly helps your brain remember correct spelling patterns which makes it easier to recall words and recognize quickly when a word looks off.

2. Don’t rely entirely on technology

   Spellcheck isn’t foolproof. Make it a point to proofread your written work before sending them out into the world. Pay attention to commonly misspelled words (for example, ‘it’s’ and ‘its,’ and ‘your’ and ‘you’re’). Reading what you wrote aloud will help you double check homophones and notice mistakes. Use a dictionary to review words you’re not sure about.

3. Practice writing

   Write in print or cursive using a pen and paper. Manual writing engages your brain differently than typing. The tactile experience can help you remember words better.

   Keep practicing. Set aside some time each day to write. Jot down your thoughts in a journal, compose emails, or craft short stories. Consistent writing helps reinforce correct spelling patterns.

4. Quiz yourself and play games

   Introduce an element of fun into learning. Create a list of challenging words and quiz yourself regularly. The Language Portal of Canada has a variety of quizzes that will not only improve your spelling skills, but also help you develop your writing skills.

   Also try word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles. These are fun activities to do with a group of friends. If you want to play alone, try Wordle. It’s a fantastic game that challenges you to think about common letter combinations and spelling strategies.

5. Go back to basics

   Understanding word roots, prefixes, and suffixes can provide clues to the correct spelling of words. Knowing the building blocks of words helps you understand unfamiliar terms, and reduces the likelihood of misspelling. Also, for longer, more complex words, try breaking them into syllables. This will help you simplify the spelling process, allowing you to focus on smaller parts.

   Another tool you can use are mnemonics. These are memory aids that help us remember tricky spellings. An example is “i before e but not after c” (however, there are exceptions to the rule). Another mnemonic is for remembering the spelling of “n-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-y”: It has “has one collar and two sleeves” (one “c” and two “s’s”). For other useful mnemonics, go to: What are spelling mnemonics? 48 examples, from Edublox.

Becoming a good speller is an achievable goal that can enhance your communication skills and boost your confidence when writing. To improve your skills, it’s best to keep in mind that technology is a tool to help us spell and write, not decide what to write for us.

 
Sources: 9 ways to become a better speller, according to an expert, Lindsay DeMunno, Business Insider; Some tools to improve your spelling, Heather Fitzgerald, University of Toronto; and Has technology made us all bad spellers? Sarah Sloat, Inverse. Accessed January 16, 2024.