The spell-check feature in any word processing software is a wonderful and accurate thing. In fact, it is 100% accurate when it comes to finding a misspelled word. It cannot, however, ensure that you have used the correct word.
The Carroll County Public Schools of Maryland once produced a brochure on employee benefits with "Carroll County Pubic Schools" emblazoned across the front. Pubic was spelled correctly, demonstrating that spell-check did its job even if the proofreader did not. But for one letter a hole world--I'm sorry, I mean a whole word can radically change in meaning.
In the case of homophones (words that sound the same, but are spelled differently) we may intend to write one word, only to have our fingertips type its homophonic match. After all, a prophet knows no honor in his own country, but a profit is welcome everywhere.
Once in a while, the very space or lack thereof between words may radically alter the meaning of our thought. There is certainly a difference between "Look up in the road ahead," and "Look, up in the road, a head!" The former suggests that we gaze forward, however nonchalantly to chart our progress on a journey, while the latter indicates with some urgency, that we might be in for a big surprise.
Yes, indeed, spell-check is a handy tool. It will read every word you write, but it can't read your mind.
Spell check is amazing though especially since my parents failed in teaching me how to spell...haha :) In fact, another reason why my Macbook is so amazing is that it has spell check when you type anywhere not just in word processors, a function I desperately need.
Posted by: Becky | March 20, 2009 at 02:36 PM
YEAH! Who kneads it???
Posted by: Melissa Dodge | March 24, 2009 at 07:27 PM