Grammarly and English
I noticed a tweet today on twitter about Grammarly and how it does not like Canadian spelling.
This was the comment: “Question... As a Canadian, I spell a lot of words with a 'u' (Like colour, flavour, etc). Apparently, Grammarly doesn't like this and now I'm wondering if I should go without the 'u'."
My response was: As a fellow Canadian, I see the same. After many, many years, I still continue with the 'u' in my spelling and most likely am not going to change.
This got me to thinking though. Should we have to compromise? This is how we spell, “get over it.” Then I decided to do a little research on grammarly and I found this website.
So, do what feels comfortable for you – Grammarly will select between British English, American English, Canadian English, and Australian English. My favourite way of spelling is with the ‘u’.
Hope this is helpful for those of you who struggle with the English language and proper spelling when you are doing your blogs.
Do you struggle with this?
Mary Ann
Recent Comments
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Yes, I notice some words are spelled differently and I am wondering whose version is it. I don't know what Grammarly uses.
Apparently you can set Grammarly to use different languages. Here's a link:
https://support.grammarly.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000089992-Select-between-British-English-American-English-Canadian-English-and-Australian-English
Is this what you mean?
Mary Ann
Yes, thank you. Maybe this is for the preference of anybody but for me, any English can be. I will use what I know and let Grammarly solve its own problem.
For example:
Saviour-savior
Z versus S
and others.
Maybe whatever is used we all understand.
I think it also matters who your target audience is. If it's Canadians, keep the "u". If it's the US, lose the "u" - it screams non-US and people will click away.
Bottom line: know your target audience.
I had to settle for American English too. I guess it is because most of the people online are from the USA
Hi Nadia,
I know there are a lot from the U.S. but.....just saying...I think you have to do what is comfortable for you. Maybe I will do more research on this at another time. Thanks for weighing in.
Mary Ann
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I think most people understand, or should understand, that there are cultural differences in communication even when we think we are speaking about the same thing. For example, to "table" something in Australia means to bring it forward for discussion. This is the opposite of what Americans usually mean. The English that is spoken in Australia is closer to British than to American English. Thus, there may be some differences in spelling even when talking about the same thing. I think the important thing is just to establish a consistent rule to your audience as to how you are going to express yourself.
I agree :).
Mary Ann