Most computers come ready equipped with a grammar and/or spell check function in the word processor. This is a handy tool that can dramatically improve the readability of most documents. However, it is also a dangerous tool if used incorrectly.
The biggest problem with most grammar-spell checking systems in word processors is simple: the computer is not as smart as you think it is!
Granted, computers are very efficient and effective machines. But when processing human languages (as oppossed to computer languages), computers come up short.
Here’s a quick example from a document we edited recently:
“This is the most important thing too understand about the death penalty…”
For the most part, the sentence above is acceptable. But there’s one glaring problem, and I know you see it… That’s right! The word “too” should be spelled “to.”
The spell check function on your computer is just not going to catch this error, but a trained editor will.
Of course, grammar and spell check do have their bright sides. Most current systems are very good at spotting typical errors in spelling and grammar. Let’s face it: there are always going to be a handful of words you cannot spell.
The checker is also generally good at catching common stylistic errors, such as passive voice and subject-verb agreement.
If used properly, spell check and grammar check can help you take your document to the next level. But in the end, only effective proofreading and editing can really make a difference.
