Very imortant to my carear

[tinkerbellandeyor]

I can't spell and my grammar is out of whack how do I fix it so i can do my best on the job

 

[SandrA9810]

spell check and a dictionary. Using punctuations can help greatly too.

If this is a joke... it went right over my head.

 

[meliss8599]

Can you afford a tutor? Maybe an after-school teacher? Sometimes local libraries offer free tutoring services. Also, local libraries have current school textbooks. Could you use an English/Grammar one and do the activities in it? Check out your local bookstores for workbooks geared toward school age children. They will have practice pages with answer keys in the back so you can check your work. Community colleges will often offer free classes that you could look into.

Good for you for wanting to better yourself and best of luck!

 

[wdwiala]

School House Rock? Also, practice, practice practice. Maybe try a class (online if necessary) through a community college to brush up your skills.

Good for you for wanting to get better at it! I could use a brush up myself!

 

[metalis4ever]

I had/have that same problem....I am studying for the GMAT and one of my old Professors suggested that I stop using Spell Check and force myself to relearn how to spell, she also told me to increase my reading mixing in fiction, nonfiction, newspapers etc and to write short essays/responses about what I had just read. I have been out of College for 5 years so I haven't done much writing outside of work and of course I am constantly using spell check at the office, so like many of us I am completely crippled by it.

Good Luck

 

[tinkerbellandeyor]

spell check and a dictionary. Using punctuations can help greatly too.

If this is a joke... it went right over my head.

I promise it is not a joke

Can you afford a tutor? Maybe an after-school teacher? Sometimes local libraries offer free tutoring services. Also, local libraries have current school textbooks. Could you use an English/Grammar one and do the activities in it? Check out your local bookstores for workbooks geared toward school age children. They will have practice pages with answer keys in the back so you can check your work. Community colleges will often offer free classes that you could look into.

Good for you for wanting to better yourself and best of luck!

That is a great tip looking to see if my library has text books

 

[bluesaturn]

Well number one, you should spell check everything. Use a browser with a built in spell check (I think both firefox and google chrome has spell check). If you can't do that, you can write everything in microsoft word first, then paste it into the browser. There's really no excuse to not use spell check, it's so easy. It won't catch everything but it's a start.

Also, remember to proofread everything. Nothing should be sent out until you've read it over carefully twice. Read it aloud to yourself as well. This won't necessarily help with spelling but may help with grammar.

Use punctuation and capitalize. Even if your grammar is not correct, this can make your writing easier to read.

Like a previous poster said, you also need to get a tutor, take some classes, or get some workbooks.

 

[SandrA9810]

I promise it is not a joke

Just asking, people have a tendency to do that sort of thing. Create a joke like that to see if some one else notices a mistake in it.

Spell check usually doesn't hinder my learning how to spell a word, because when I see the red line, I try to correct the word myself, rather than right clicking and selecting. Spell check just bothers me as a whole going through a proper document because there's going to be a lot of "incorrect grammar errors" and what the computer believes is wrong, but right. Like names of people and things.

I'd go back as far as a 5/6th grade grammar book, to the basics of writing a sentence. Too many technicalities and exception to the rule in higher levels.

 

[crazelion]

I can't spell and my grammar is out of whack how do I fix it so i can do my best on the job

Don't feel bad. I am is in the same boat as you are. My thing was I was not taught English and school and has mad it hard. I am talking about spelling and grammar.

My suggest is find something that like write about. Mine happen to be voltron fanfics . I start writing and printing off my work. I am able to find some errors myself. That is huge step for me. I am not best writer in the world. Okay stink at. But I am slowing working on it. It has improve a lot .

This coming from a person that fail remidal English and comp I ten times. There is help out there is willing to work at it.

Remember all jobs require don't require write. So will find employment. I am cook and concession stand manager.

Also I am dslexia and LD that two strikes against me.

From the post should tell how may spell and grammar is. LOL

 

[NotUrsula]

Read every bit of nonfiction you can get your hands on. Fiction isn't usually the best for this, because authors are prone to using somewhat creative grammar when writing fiction dialogue. Also, you might try listening to books on CD. These can help you to develop an ear for how a grammatical sentence sounds; you will want to get to the point where you can tell that a sentence that is incorrect sounds "off".

Go to your library and get grammar books that are specifically geared to business writing, and if at all possible, for writing in your field. Two basics that I like for this are Grammar for Grownups, and Booher's Rules of Business Grammar. If you find them helpful you may wish to buy your own copies.

The reading should help with the spelling, but you also might try games. There are several available as apps for iPod and iPhone, and also for Android devices. There are also some out there for the various Nintendo DS platforms, if you have access to one of them.

Depending upon spell-check for documents is not the best choice, but it isn't usually disastrous if you follow two important rules: 1) Know your homonyms. Spell-check will not help you if you write their when you mean there. 2) Don't ever use the auto version of spell-check; set it to correct only one word at a time, and to ask you to verify each change.

 

[goofyernmost]

Call me cynical, but, a typo and a spelling error in a five word heading...seems suspect to me. Butt wat do I no?

 

[RitaE]

Well, I'll take a stab at it.

Since you have stated a couple of times that you have a Learning Disability, I personally think you need to work with some experts on developing tools and methods of coping. For instance, just here on the DIS if you would use a browser such as Firefox that has an integrated Spell Checker - you'd be able to catch at least many of your spelling mistakes. Your posts would probably still have mistakes, but it would improve your writing considerably. If you don't know how to do this, I think you need to find a local agency or support group that can get you training.

Yes it takes time and effort and this is just the internet. But it is time and effort that frankly, you need to practice making so that it becomes an ingrained habit. I know it is harsh but your spelling and grammar are extremely poor and it reflects poorly on how people perceive you.

I'm also wondering what type of career you are interested in pursuing? Nearly any professional career is going to require a minimum level of communication skills, but you can certainly make your life much happier if you work toward your strengths - and with a learning disability such as yours written communication is not a strength.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Agree with PP. You need to work with someone who understands your learning disability so you can learn how to write, spell, use grammar, etc.

Reading classic novels is something that will improve your vocabulary. OP, are you able to read books and understand them? If not, read with a dictionary.

You need a way to "measure" your learning. The ACT test is something that is fairly straightforward. Perhaps you can get a book and take practice tests?

 

[Jennasis]

READ.

Read everything you can get your hands on.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm an English teacher and have two kids with learning disabilities in written expression and/or reading, so I have some experience with it. For grammar, I'd recommend a book called Painless Grammar. Another decent book is Grammar Girl's Tips.

As far as spelling, there are some rules that you could learn that would help you there. I think the same people who wrote Painless Grammar has a Painless Spelling book too. I disagree with the use of spell check while you're trying to relearn the spelling rules. You want to try to focus and be more conscious of how you're spelling the words as you go along. Google a list of "most commonly misspelled words" and start there. It takes practice and repetition to learn proper spelling.

What kind of career are you looking for?

 

[mjkacmom]

I had/have that same problem....I am studying for the GMAT and one of my old Professors suggested that I stop using Spell Check and force myself to relearn how to spell, she also told me to increase my reading mixing in fiction, nonfiction, newspapers etc and to write short essays/responses about what I had just read. I have been out of College for 5 years so I haven't done much writing outside of work and of course I am constantly using spell check at the office, so like many of us I am completely crippled by it.

Good Luck

Read, read, read. My oldest has a 4.3 GPA in high school, takes honors classes, and I get frustrated editing her papers, because she doesn't read recreationally, and her writing (IMHO) is not very good. I have a BA in English - I LOVE to read! I did have a hard time with a college course dealing with grammar, because I don't actually know the rules - writing just comes naturally.

 

[lovetoscrap]

You can get tons of lessons and worksheets and probably even find games on the internet. Just type in things like "grammar lessons", "grammar worksheets", "grammar games" and then again with the word "spelling". There is so much on the internet that is free and easy to find and use.

Using a browser with spell check or getting the Google Toolbar which I think has a spell check option can help you by showing you what is spelled incorrectly and then instead of letting the computer check it, take the time to try to do it yourself. So if the red line shows up under the word "carear" then think about how it might be spelled correctly and try it. I may take you a few tries--curear (nope), carer (nope), career (yep), and that gives you instant feedback to see what is correct. But don't get frustrated, after a few tries let the computer do it so you can see how that word is supposed to be spelled.

Keep a spiral notebook by the computer and write down words you have problems with and use that to practice and give yourself spelling tests. Type up some sample sentences with a capital letter and punctuation at the end and keep that by your computer so you can look at it to help you when you are writing. Read what you are writing OUT LOUD, not just in your head or in a whisper. Say it like you are talking to someone right there. That will help you to see where the natural breaks are that mean you need punctuation and to start a new sentence.

Have you ever been tested for learning disabilities like dyslexia? Something like that could be making a big impact on your ability to process information correctly and some specialized lessons might really help. I would hate for you to be working hard to learn something only to find out that your brain needs information presented and/or processed differently and that would make it much easier for you. Your doctor can help you find someone to do this kind of testing.

Check your local school district and see if they offer Adult Education Classes, and your community college or hire a tutor. You might be able to get a high school student to tutor you for much cheaper than a professional tutor.

The more that you read and write the better you will get. Practice, practice, practice!

Good luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I never use spell check. I know if a word is "off" and I look it up by googling it.

Now I always got A's in spelling so it was never a problem with me, but I also never got "rusty" by using spell check either. I wonder if that makes a difference? Someone should post a poll, I think.

I just think it is interesting to read that people use spell check all the time.

I wonder how many people spell check their DISposts?

 

[MushyMushy]

I never use spell check. I know if a word is "off" and I look it up by googling it.

Now I always got A's in spelling so it was never a problem with me, but I also never got "rusty" by using spell check either. I wonder if that makes a difference? Someone should post a poll, I think.

I just think it is interesting to read that people use spell check all the time.

I wonder how many people spell check their DISposts?

I never use spell check. My husband thinks I'm a freak because I can spell any word that's thrown at me.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

The biggest thing is practice, practice, practice.

When you write something, be it on a discussion board, text message, email or just a personal note pretend you are writing a professional document. Try not to use short hand or slang and spell check everything with a spell check program or a dictionary. Also, re-read everything and if you have someone who doesn't mind, have them edit anything that is not confidential.

Another thing you need to do is read...a lot. The suggestion to read non-fiction is a good one...just be careful with primary documents; some of the grammar and spelling from centuries past can be atrocious (reading some stuff that George Washington wrote made my eyes cross).

A book on how to write would be a good thing as well. I have a copy of Keys to Great Writing by Stephen Wilbers and it has helped me a lot.

If you're going to be doing any research papers (which I suspect you will), figure out what documenting format your school uses (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc) and buy the guide book. They tend to be a bit expensive but if you're doing more than one paper they are worth ever penny.