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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.

Misspellings and Typos.

Misspellings and typos are pretty unacceptable on college papers. With spell-check functions available on all the major word processing software, spelling errors should be a thing of the past. (Now, don't get us wrong, we DO think you should be working to improve both your vocabulary and spelling.) One of the main culprits, we think, with misspelling and typos is time; some college students write their papers in such a rush that they simply do not have the time to check their papers for errors. The solution? Develop a schedule for writing your paper that includes time to spell-check and proofread it.

What's the difference between a misspelling and a typo? A misspelling is a word you misspell because you simply do not know the correct spelling, while a typo is a word that you may know how to spell, but you either mistype it so that it appears as a misspelled word -- or the wrong word. With that in mind, it's important to remember that spell checkers will not catch a word that is spelled correctly but is not the correct word for the context. For example, we frequently mistype “from” as “form.” Both are spelled correctly, but mean quite different things.

What's the solution if a spell-checker will not catch all the errors? Careful proofreading -- and not just by you. While spell checking is key to catching most misspellings, thorough proofing of your paper is essential for catching the typos and other errors. Sadly, we typically are pretty bad proofreaders of our own writing, but if you can put some time between writing and proofing, the better your chances for catching your errors -- so schedule enough time to finish your paper a day or two ahead of time, leave it alone for a day, and then proof it. Better yet, ask your roommate or a friend to view it and make comments.

The worst spelling error we've seen in some time -- from a college senior no less: plat tow when what he meant was plateau. Note that spell-check would not catch the error, and yet it is one of the worst errors we've seen.

Go to the next common college student writing flaw: Inadequate Citation of Your Sources.

Back to the main page of The Top 15 Writing Flaws That Can Lead to Lower Grades

Looking for more writing assistance? Go to our sister site, EnhanceMyWriting.com: Indispensable Writing Resources.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key academic terms by going to our College Success Glossary.

Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his entire adult life -- to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional philosophy statement. He is also founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years.

Dr. Katharine Hansen, Creative Director of EmpoweringSites.com, is a former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for several of our sites, including Quintessential Careers, MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. She also edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for job-seekers, career counselors, and students. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published by Ten Speed Press. She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com.

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