Not even the media get it right all the time!

We all make typographical mistakes, maybe when we’re in a hurry or haven’t used our spell checkers. I know I do. But it irks me when I see typos in newspapers, magazines and on TV (sorry, Argus, I’m not picking you out specifically!).

I expect the mighty BBC to get things right but I often see appalling spelling errors in on-screen text which make me despair.

Sub-editors, usually in-house on newspapers, magazines or websites, are often outsourced these days. Arguably their main role is to check written text before it is published and they’re responsible for ensuring correct grammar, spelling, house style and tone.

I see more and more typos in newspapers and magazines, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s through lack of education or lack of care. After all, it doesn’t take long to use a spell checker. Are editors actually reading their publications and accepting the errors; are they equally slapdash or don’t they know correct spelling and grammar either?

It isn’t just local newspapers which are falling foul of correct spelling and grammar. I’ve seen it in the nationals and high class magazines too. One small apostrophe missing here, a split infinitive there – it’s a slippery slurp. Oops, sorry, slope!

There was much debate when one local authority proposed taking out an apostrophe in a street name; something reasonably irrelevant unless you happen to live in the street. But it just doesn’t look right. Small mistakes can, however, have more impact and change the whole meaning of a sentence, notice or warning.

I’ve found several blogs and a lovely Pinterest page devoted to spelling errors in the media. Some make me howl with laughter but others are simply very sad, especially when it emanates from educational establishments, for example the American high school which greeted students with “Welcome back hope you had a good brake”.

As for social media, I have no problem with short forms of words now used in the vernacular because space is at a premium but there is still no excuse for lazy, bad spelling. This brings me back to lack of education and care for the English language.

Some may say there are more important things to worry about and maybe that’s true. I still try to stand by the theory that if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it to the best of your ability.

I think I’ve now earned my place as a Grumpy Old Woman!

Originally published in The Argus on 26.11.13