'Loose' and 'Lose'.

shysal, sorry to hear a child's enjoyment of writing was spolied by worry, but I do wonder if she might have worried anyway, regardless of the teacher. The difference between the children's approach could just as easily be attributed to differing personalities as to different teaching methods (or teacher personalities, come to that).

gollybob (whoops! gillybob! ), I like that way of remembering 'because'

Oooops posted too soon. Meant to add, a spelling mistake or lack of punctuation hardly offends anyones eyes does it?

I like the name gollybob. Permission to carry on using it, gillybob?

I tend to let the errors (both mine and those of others) drift by. The jist of the message is what matters.

I am sure greatnan was not criticizing individuals.

The graduallyy changing useage of some words is what happens as language develops - I am very interested that some things that I was taught to regard as "mistakes" have become part of normal parlance/spelling now.

I'm sure she wasn't too.

Yes - apparently 'wracked with guilt' is considered as correct as 'racked with guilt', whereas it was drummed into us at school that this was not the case!

The thing is not to be guilt-ridden, and then it doesn,t matter.

Yes, Mishap I too try to let them drift by. But after 30 years of teaching English, I sometimes have a metaphorical pencil in my hand, ready to correct! But I don't use it. As you say, it is what is in the message here that counts. Pedants' corner is sometimes a useful place, though.

Etymology and language development in general is one of my abiding passions too.

It could be a typos. I get quite and quiet mistyped as, well as there and their. I know the difference I don't always notice which I have typed.I have had trouble with loose and lose.

I think from the point of view of the readabilty of posts leaving spaces between paragraphs is very important in a long post. See some above.

It probably my dyslexic leanings but spaced lines really helps me to follow a post. I cannot be the only one who finds long unseparated paragraphs hard to read. Please!

Good point, nelliem. Thanks for highlighting that problem. Better spacing could help quite a few people.

Yes - I do the spacing too - mainly becaise I am so short-sighted and I find that it helps me to check back over my pearls of wisdom!

I frequently mis type "form" instead of "from" and for some reason often type "aslo". And commnet and compnay.

It's a bit like Eric Morecambe playing the piano.

And I always have to correct "the" which for some reason comes out as teh!

I put that down to fingers faster than brain. I also find typing on an android phone makes checking more difficult - well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

I agree with all those who are concerned that posters may be put off if they think they are being watched and found wanting.

it is a shaim if thuse whoo had a por educasion or show our riting in a horry fell put of by somwon wotching them und critisizing.

Big Movealot

I was not criticising. I was giving a way to remember the difference between two words which are confused by many people. I hope that all gransnetters are mature and sensible people who do not take offence when quite clearly none was intended.

I'm struggling to see why you felt the need to do so greatnan. On a forum such as this does it REALLY matter?

Don't struggle, Ceesnan - I thought some people would like to know how to use the correct word.

nonu you've been looking again! I will diet honestly!

You are fine as you are Movedalot .

Stay as sparky as you are !

I expect greatnan "felt the need" because it's something that matters to her. Simple. If her OP is read from that viewpoint and not from one of "ready to be offended", there isn't a problem.

bags greatnan prefers it when people speak for themselves!

I hardly thin Greatnan needs anyone to defend her!!!!