What do you call this problem?

[OctMtnWoods]

I know how to spell. I know how to type. However, often when I post, my fingers type entirely different words than what my brain is thinking. And because they are real words, spell check doesn't find the error.

When I proofread it, my brain doesn't see the error either until much later.

Is my brain just working ahead of my fingers? If I really slow down and concentrate, I can avoid the mistakes.

Ex: probably for problem
about for amount

Not common errors like their/there/they're, although I do those once in a while too late at night when tired. That happens more because I see too many people doing it. My brain is relearning the wrong word.

 

[mum4jenn]

This started happening to me once I had symptoms of premenopause.

 

[Binnie]

I think it's just top-down processing. You're thinking something specific, but your fingers spell words almost reflexively, and you don't notice it, because you expect to see what you think you wrote. To me, it's an example of a mind that's working on too many things to focus fully on one.

 

[izzy]

I've been having the exact same thing happen to me for the past year or so. It's so annoying because I've always prided myself on my spelling. I said something about it to my boss one day, and she said the same thing is happening to her. I'm 45 and she's 48. We swear that it has something to do with being premenopausal. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[disneyjunkie]

I know how to spell. I know how to type. However, often when I post, my fingers type entirely different words than what my brain is thinking. And because they are real words, spell check doesn't find the error.

When I proofread it, my brain doesn't see the error either until much later.

Is my brain just working ahead of my fingers? If I really slow down and concentrate, I can avoid the mistakes.

Ex: probably for problem
about for amount

Not common errors like their/there/they're, although I do those once in a while too late at night when tired. That happens more because I see too many people doing it. My brain is relearning the wrong word.

I call it old age.

I noticed this happening last year right after I turned 40.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I've done it once or twice when I'm thinking too far ahead into what I"m writing...

So either you're premenopausal... or pregnant

 

[Imzadi]

Schizophrenia? Multiple personalities leaking through. g

This started happening to me once I had symptoms of premenopause.

I've been having the exact same thing happen to me for the past year or so. It's so annoying because I've always prided myself on my spelling. I said something about it to my boss one day, and she said the same thing is happening to her. I'm 45 and she's 48. We swear that it has something to do with being premenopausal. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

<sigh!> For me, it's the proper use of commas. I'm putting them in all the wrong places, I can't remember to put them where they should be, sometimes it even looks wrong now to put one where I know one should be.

 

[browneyes106]

I do a lot of that stuff sometimes. The other day instead of typing bitter I typed better.

 

[JessR]

 

[Nancy]

I think it's called the Nancy syndrome


Seriously, I started to notice that about 5 years ago, right around age 45. I blame on hormones.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

For me, it's the proper use of commas. I'm putting them in all the wrong places, I can't remember to put them where they should be, sometimes it even looks wrong now to put one where I know one should be.

Technically, you've misused the comma again and created an improper comma splice.

I think the problem that the OP is describing is the product of a busy, brilliant mind.

 

[Carly_Roach]

I'll agree with the pre-menopause theory and throw in a dash of dyslexia for myself. I used to change letters around but now I'll sometimes find myself changing around words (or changing words around) without even realizing I've done it.

It's definitely gotten a little worse after I turned 40. Now, at 44, I have to take time and concentrate (proof-read) what I've written to be sure I haven't misorganized any words in my paragraphs.

Hey! Look at that! I made up a new word! Misorganized.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

I'm not alone? OMG! Thank you! And I buy all of your reasons. Premenopause, busy mind, and especially the brilliant mind reason.

Glad I'm not alone and hopefully you can all figure out what I'm meaning when I type the wrong word.

 

[chager]

OK, I just turned 40 and I noticed over the last few months I not only type wrong words, I SAY them also!!
I now know there is no hope for me.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

Schizophrenia? Multiple personalities leaking through. g

That's really scary. I sure hope not.