Why is it that many native English speakers can't write properly?

Why is it that many native English speakers can't write properly?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Some of us skip school and only learn how to pass the test and not how to write. I depend on spell-check just to write this quip.
by

Related questions

Speakers of other languages: when someone asks a question about grammar in your language (please name it), does it incite as much controversy and produce as much heated disagreement as do English grammar questions here on Fluther?

Description : Speakers of other languages: when someone asks a question about grammar in your language (please name it), does it incite as much controversy and produce as much heated disagreement as do English grammar questions here on Fluther?

Last Answer : It can, as Finnish grammar is extremely complicated (14 different cases and 7 different verb endings)

Do you native English speakers use Future Perfect?

Description : Do you native English speakers use Future Perfect?

Last Answer : I would use it if it were appropriate. I can't say, Oh yes, I used it a week ago on Monday, but I have used that tense at times in the past. Of course, I know ... things in everyday conversation. I find that other native speakers understand me when I use formally, grammatically correct English.

Native English speakers, how do you feel about the use of "gonna", "gotcha", "gotta"...?

Description : Native English speakers, how do you feel about the use of "gonna", "gotcha", "gotta"...?

Last Answer : I’m cool if they are capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.

Native English Speakers: How do you feel about the American use of English?

Description : Native English Speakers: How do you feel about the American use of English?

Last Answer : answer:Listening to young Americans talk and using the word like' intermittently sounds very odd and confusing to me. She had this, like, red dress, and it was all, like, tight and stuff.' and then ... what proper English is these days, but I know poor English when I hear it, if that makes sense.

Native English speakers, why is such an "offensive" word used widely as a first name (details inside)?

Description : Native English speakers, why is such an "offensive" word used widely as a first name (details inside)?

Last Answer : answer:The name Richard is very old, although its origin is disputed. Richard and Ricard were equally popular in the Middle Ages, and the abbreviations led naturally to diminutives-such as Rich, Richie ... associated with penis is not known, although the riding whip may have pointed the way. Source

(Stupid question) Native English speakers, when do people use someone's first name, middle name and last name?

Description : (Stupid question) Native English speakers, when do people use someone's first name, middle name and last name?

Last Answer : I’m fairly casual. If you’re using my full name it should be for a formal occasion. But I can see in a school situation maybe Mr first name or Mr last name.

Native English speakers, when you speak casually do you use standard pronunciation?

Description : Native English speakers, when you speak casually do you use standard pronunciation?

Last Answer : I usually do, except that I tend to not pronounce the “k” in “asked”. When I pronounce it, it sounds like “ast”.

Non-native English speakers, what is your opinion on the difficulty of learning English?

Description : Non-native English speakers, what is your opinion on the difficulty of learning English?

Last Answer : answer:I am a Polish native and thanks to satellite tv I am partially bilingual (English, obviously), so all I had to do was to polish up my English (pun intended :D) - I never actually ... you mean. Another thing English is great for is creating new words. Just splice two nouns together and voila.

Speakers of other languages: do you notice as much incorrect and ignorant use of those languages (please name them) by native speakers as you hear and see among native speakers of English?

Description : Speakers of other languages: do you notice as much incorrect and ignorant use of those languages (please name them) by native speakers as you hear and see among native speakers of English?

Last Answer : answer:I have always said of myself in my feeble attempts at best at being multilingual… “I can screw up grammar, syntax, and punctuation in about 6 languages.” Especially english, which is my native language.

Why do non-native English speakers sometimes omit articles?

Description : Why do non-native English speakers sometimes omit articles?

Last Answer : I think your theory is correct one.

How many foreign native English speakers are there in China per year?

Description : How many foreign native English speakers are there in China per year?

Last Answer : I found this article from 2005 which says that there are over 110,000 English-speaking expats in China. You can assume that the number has grown since then. I can’t find any recent figures. link

A question for the native English speakers?

Description : A question for the native English speakers?

Last Answer : both seem technically true, but phrased in a way likely to get misunderstood. you might want to reconsider the usage of the word “certain” in those statements.

Glad to hear it / this / that - are all of these correct My question is addressed to native English speakers?

Description : Glad to hear it / this / that - are all of these correct My question is addressed to native English speakers?

Last Answer : In most cases, I have seen "Glad to hear it" or "Glad to hear that", which expresses your feelings about smth you have heard or read. Is it ok to write "Glad to hear THIS", responding to some ... the received letter? Or is there no difference at all? I am not a native speaker of English. Thank you.

What English words are most often mispronounced by non-native English speakers?

Description : What English words are most often mispronounced by non-native English speakers?

Last Answer : Many! I have found that it depends on the native language.

Future of Literacy Speakers?

Description : Future of Literacy Speakers?

Last Answer : LeVar Burton, David Baldacci, Curtis Aikens, Nelson Lauver (he learned to read at age 29) are literacy advocates who speak for the cause. There are lots of other literacy advocates too. Google literacy advocate ... . Look for people who live in your area. You did not say whether a fee was possible.

Europeans and Americans, do they teach you how to use the internet properly at school?

Description : Europeans and Americans, do they teach you how to use the internet properly at school?

Last Answer : answer:You are placing your own opinion of what is proper use of the internet into your question. My children have been taught how to conduct searches, and also how to stay safe on the net. ... still depends on involvement of the parents, making sure kids know what is appropriate and what is not.

Does it really take a village to raise a kid properly?

Description : Does it really take a village to raise a kid properly?

Last Answer : No, it takes good parents.

How far away can I set cordless speakers from my stereo and have them still work properly?

Description : How far away can I set cordless speakers from my stereo and have them still work properly?

Last Answer : Some cordless speakers transmitters are better than others, just bring them out far enough until you could hear hissing and then cut that back a bit.

Is this a common practice among native Italian speakers?

Description : Is this a common practice among native Italian speakers?

Last Answer : answer:My mother in law is a little old lady from Italy – and she does this also. counter = count potato = potat Even names. Frank becomes Fra – Marisa becomes Mari – Christopher becomes Christ which, frankly is a lot to live up to

How do native Spanish speakers sound to each other?

Description : How do native Spanish speakers sound to each other?

Last Answer : Each country, and certain regions within each country have a differen accent…

My hands sweat a lot when writing, so I can't write properly , how can I reduce hand sweating ?

Description : My hands sweat a lot when writing, so I can't write properly , how can I reduce hand sweating ?

Last Answer : Hand-foot sweat can be reduced in various ways. Applying a special lotion with aluminum chloride on hands and feet reduces hand and foot sweating. Baking hands and feet with a special type of electric ... , whatever is done to prevent sweating of hands and feet , expert advice must be taken first.

How many works of literature should an average high school English class be expected to cover in one semester and/or one school year?

Description : How many works of literature should an average high school English class be expected to cover in one semester and/or one school year?

Last Answer : answer:Well, hard to say since it would depend on the length and complexity of the novels but I would think about three short, fairly accessible ones a semester for a second tier class. I was always ... I would imagine we did about 8 novels or plays a year. The Shakespeare was usually the hardest.

Which is the more marketable major: English or Psychology?

Description : Which is the more marketable major: English or Psychology?

Last Answer : answer:in this economy neither. Especially at the Bachelors level. I'm not trying to be offensive. I have known 3 psych majors at the B.S. level and 2 English Majors at the B.A. level. The ... name and I think the other girl is considering her masters, she works part time at some clothing store.

How can I prepare for the grade 12 English diploma exam (details inside)?

Description : How can I prepare for the grade 12 English diploma exam (details inside)?

Last Answer : answer:No one can teach you how to do this. If it's a matter of sitting for the entire period and taking the test to completion (or completion of the time allotted, at least, whether or not ... judging you for your reasons - then perhaps college classes are not going to suit you in any case.

Do you think that classic literature still has a relevant place in high school English classes, or should the concentration be more on new literature?

Description : Do you think that classic literature still has a relevant place in high school English classes, or should the concentration be more on new literature?

Last Answer : answer:I'm making my academic career out of pre-Renaissance and Renaissance literature, so I'm a little biased, I suppose. I think that much of Renaissance literature still speaks to us today, ... 19th-century literature? The great writers will always be relevant, and that's what makes them great.

Do teachers teach proper English or just teach common language skills to conform to modern standards?

Description : Do teachers teach proper English or just teach common language skills to conform to modern standards?

Last Answer : answer:It depends on what you consider proper English. I think they are teaching proper English.

Can someone help me with my Monologue assignment for English?

Description : Can someone help me with my Monologue assignment for English?

Last Answer : Removed by self

Can you recommend me any academic literature related to English literature or linguistics?

Description : Can you recommend me any academic literature related to English literature or linguistics?

Last Answer : This is a book that changed my life (it doesn't contain serious amounts of maths or physics either). I'd guess it's about second-year level. Direct Use of the Suns Energy by Farrington Daniels ... book turned me into a confirmed solar energy nut, sufficiently so that I got a Masters in the field.

How do I go about being able to teach English in another country?

Description : How do I go about being able to teach English in another country?

Last Answer : There are a lot of organisations that can help you get a job teaching English in other countries, but they will usually be developing countries as the first world countries need certain certificates. Look in ... successfully and had a blast - no age limit, either. Good luck and have a great time!

Can you make up a good non-gender-specific pronoun in English?

Description : Can you make up a good non-gender-specific pronoun in English?

Last Answer : @daloon Aha, you are here now.

Name for English as a Second Language Teaching Institute?

Description : Name for English as a Second Language Teaching Institute?

Last Answer : English Class – easy to remember, straight to the point

Do you think it would be good to Major in English and Double Minor in Communications and Marketing?

Description : Do you think it would be good to Major in English and Double Minor in Communications and Marketing?

Last Answer : If you’re planning on working for an employer that expects you to work 160 hours/week, then triple effort in school is one way to tell them that you are willing. When I look for an employee, one thing I look for is whether they balance their work and non-work lives. So I would pass you by.

What do you think an English Language Teacher does? Who is he?

Description : What do you think an English Language Teacher does? Who is he?

Last Answer : It could be almost anyone. A friend’s daughter is going from her stint in the Peace Corps to being an ELT overseas.

I am looking to go to Japan to teach English for two years. Have you done this, and what was it like?

Description : I am looking to go to Japan to teach English for two years. Have you done this, and what was it like?

Last Answer : It's the chance of a lifetime! I took an assignment there and really enjoyed it. I was not teaching English however. (I'm an Engineer.) On the negative side: you will be poor, won't understand what is ... will make new friends. I'd do it in a heartbeat! If you do it, you'll learn about Lupin.

What are the most interesting jobs you've seen for English majors?

Description : What are the most interesting jobs you've seen for English majors?

Last Answer : English is useful for most jobs, but a degree in it is required for few. You can combine an interest with the degree to get a job writing or editing in another field, and so get experience ... . It could be useful for a consistency person for drama/film productions (or other positions in dramatics).

English speakers of Reddit, how do you pronounce the word “route“? Do you say it like “root”or “shout“?

Description : English speakers of Reddit, how do you pronounce the word “route“? Do you say it like “root”or “shout“?

Last Answer : Depends on context. Typically I rhyme it with "Shout". Though I tend to rhyme with "root" when talking about specific road names. i.e: "GPS says that I-80 is the best route" = shout "Take a left on route 44" = root

Do speakers of other languages play with their words the way English speakers do?

Description : Do speakers of other languages play with their words the way English speakers do?

Last Answer : I know the Japanese enjoy puns and double-entendre jokes in their own language as much as we do in ours. Does that count?

English and French speakers, what does the English word "ti" mean?

Description : English and French speakers, what does the English word "ti" mean?

Last Answer : Do ray mi fa so la ti do. Ti is a music term.

What are examples of language sounds that English speakers do not routinely, if ever, make? What are they called?

Description : What are examples of language sounds that English speakers do not routinely, if ever, make? What are they called?

Last Answer : answer:The French “r” and the Italian and Spanish “r.” The Spanish “v” and “b.” The French “u” as in “sur.” Most of the Hebrew consonants (lots of throat clearing there). The African click languages. The tonality and pitch sounds in some of the languages of the far east.

For English speakers...Did they change the pronunciation of the name of the planet Uranus? Did they do it to avoid awkwardness during astronomy lectures?

Description : For English speakers...Did they change the pronunciation of the name of the planet Uranus? Did they do it to avoid awkwardness during astronomy lectures?

Last Answer : As I am German, I never had that problem.

What does English sound like to non-English speakers?

Description : What does English sound like to non-English speakers?

Last Answer : There is always this

When did English speakers start using "baby" as a form of endearment?

Description : When did English speakers start using "baby" as a form of endearment?

Last Answer : answer:“Chou” means “cabbage.” Affectionate diminutives can be almost anything. My first husband called me “petunia pea pod.” We split after 9 years. Here’s the Wikipedia article on the history of english Terms of Endearment.

What is the most difficult language for English speakers to learn?

Description : What is the most difficult language for English speakers to learn?

Last Answer : Inflectional languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, are often very difficult for English-speaking people to learn. Perhaps that is because English is not inflectional, but I’m not really sure.

English speakers: How do you pronounce a schwa (ə) sound?

Description : English speakers: How do you pronounce a schwa (ə) sound?

Last Answer : Schwa…Ahhhh Martyr = marter Minded = ehhhhd Motion = moshen or moshin

What is the origin of the accents in American English speakers?

Description : What is the origin of the accents in American English speakers?

Last Answer : answer:A manner of speaking for a specific country is called an ACCENT, such as a British Accent, or a an Italian Accent. Within a specific country, there are regional DIALECTS, such as the Southern ... , but I'm quoting him from his own writings. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Welk

Why don't English speakers refer to a foreign nation, with the same name as their citizens do?

Description : Why don't English speakers refer to a foreign nation, with the same name as their citizens do?

Last Answer : It’s not just English speakers. Depending on who I’m talking to, I might refer to Germany as Týskland, Tyskland or Germany…..if I’m talking about Greece, it’d be Grikkaland or Grækenland…..and so on…UK in French is Royaume-Uni….

What are the highest skill level jobs that can't be outsourced?

Description : What are the highest skill level jobs that can't be outsourced?

Last Answer : I am going to proceed from the assumption, that by outsourcing' you mean offshoring' Right now, Research and Development. That is where the West still has the edge. But if ... construction (buildings), retail, goods transport, public transport, medical services, police, and government services.

Why can't some people learn the language of their residence no matter how much they try?

Description : Why can't some people learn the language of their residence no matter how much they try?

Last Answer : I read an article some time ago that said that children pick up languages easily and naturally (almost by osmosis, as it were) up until age 12-14 or so. Then, somehow, a switch goes off ... probably Google it. Maybe something like that has happened to that individual, only to a much greater degree.

How to really break-out from the "don't have related Degree, can't have job" trapping dilemma?

Description : How to really break-out from the "don't have related Degree, can't have job" trapping dilemma?

Last Answer : answer:I would try to get a low-level job or even internship (apprenticeship) in the field you are trying to break into and possibly if you show your worth, the employer would, at some point, pay ... is hard to be more specific without knowing what field you are coming from or trying to get into.

How to tackle the "can’t get experience without a job; can’t get a job without experience" problem?

Description : How to tackle the "can’t get experience without a job; can’t get a job without experience" problem?

Last Answer : answer:You really do have to go back to school. To teach at a university - which is what I'm assuming you're talking about - you have to have a graduate degree, though I'm unsure of exactly which ... as it was populist enough, but even still, it'd be an uphill battle to get publishers to publish it.