Is it appropriate to point out mistakes?
@sprite1950 (30452)
Corsham, England
September 24, 2017 4:01pm CST
I don't mean the odd typo or grammatical error but if someone accidentally writes something rather inappropriate because perhaps English isn't their first language, should it be mentioned?
I ask because on another site I belong to a poster put something that was not only amusing but quite rude! They didn't mean it to be and I pondered on whether to say something but decided against it.
On another occasion someone was complaining that they had been rejected on a writing site although it was plain to see why as the post was littered with spelling mistakes. On this occasion I wouldn't say anything although someone else politely told them that their writing was not up to standard and I thought the way he phrased it was acceptable and not offensive.
I don't like to hurt a person's feelings but is it better to point out a mistake, perhaps by private message, so that they don't repeat it?
12 people like this
14 responses
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
24 Sep 17
Oh yes, I would only do it by private message and only if it was something really bad. I usually decide not to say anything but I suppose some people might appreciate it so they could edit the post.
1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69373)
• Germany
25 Sep 17
@sprite1950 Up to now the people I contacted about their mistakes were always grateful and thanked me.
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
24 Sep 17
Yes that's why I normally don't say anything. I would hate to make a person feel bad.
1 person likes this
@Lizirazo (2390)
• United States
24 Sep 17
@sprite1950 Exactly. You are absolutely right.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
24 Sep 17
I think it very much depends on how well you know the person. We really are not supposed to randomly correct people here. I have been known to say something like "I think you mean ____ or _____ is that correct?" Each circumstance is different.
3 people like this
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
24 Sep 17
Yes I think there are polite ways of correcting people but sometimes they can say rather embarrassing things but don't realise it. I never know whether to mention it .. in fact I normally don't.
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
24 Sep 17
I would never report a person for poor spelling or grammar. That really isn't my place and to be honest it doesn't bother me.
1 person likes this
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
25 Sep 17
As long as it was done in a friendly manner.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471355)
• Switzerland
25 Sep 17
I think that using the Private Message is much better, so the mistake is not made public and they (may be) understand that you only want to help. Some get offended even if you send them a private message, there is nothing we can do for this.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471355)
• Switzerland
26 Sep 17
@sprite1950 I immediately inform a user if I notice a typo like this one, it's embarrassing.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
25 Sep 17
I think it's good to point out to the writer any spotted mistakes (accidental typos or not) because he/she may not be aware they exist. Of course, it's better to not do that in the comments as the comment would look weird and out of place after those mistakes were fixed. Also, the writer may not want it publicly known that there are mistakes in his work; although that would be obvious even if it wasn't mentioned in the comments. The best option is to private message or email the writer, however, those options are not always available, so it's either leave a comment or do not reply at all.
Perhaps I am different, but I would love to be notified (regardless how) if there is something wrong or amiss in my writing...
1 person likes this
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
26 Sep 17
@lovebuglena I would too but then we are english speaking people and confident in our abilities so if we made a mistake it is more likely to be just a silly typo which no one would point out. However, I once wrote 'turd laying' when I meant 'turf laying' and that was a bit embarrassing as everyone on the forum homed in on it and thought it was funny! 
@lovebuglena (44504)
• Staten Island, New York
26 Sep 17
@sprite1950 That typo of yours brought on a whole different meaning...
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
23 Oct 17
I think if you do it in a way that is not rude and kind to the person then it is ok.
@rubyriaz007 (4188)
• India
25 Sep 17
yes you can pinpoint the mistakes through private message. It is more better as they don't feel bad.
1 person likes this
@sprite1950 (30452)
• Corsham, England
25 Sep 17
I wouldn't do it for minor mistakes like typos. We all make those.
1 person likes this
@ArtisticFlames (103)
• United States
20 Oct 17
If English is someone's 2nd language it could be just a mistake, maybe they typed it in wrong, or they don't care about correct spelling? It could be like my husband he just spells words how they sound to him. Some people are not great at spelling and spell check isn't always as helpful as it may seem at times. We had exhange students from Mexico and Japan when I was younger and at times it was difficult for them especially since here in the USA we do use a lot of slang and not 'proper' english so much anymore. I really don't think spelling errors are a huge deal to make of or to point out to someone unless you are THAT picky about spelling and grammar. If it is more of a professional 'writing/blogging' website then I would just politely ask if maybe they need some tutoring?
1 person likes this
