PROOFREADING

Spelling errors, grammar mistakes, punctuation misuse, and an overreliance on technology have all resulted in some pretty serious proofreading disasters. Clever Clogs like us see these ‘fails’ and shake our heads, wondering, “How did no one notice that?”

Whenever I see grammar mistakes, misplaced punctuation, and spelling slip-ups online or in my nearby convenience shop, I cringe. But then I remember that’s we need proofreaders. The world needs proofreaders to save them from these eyesores. Or maybe not. Folk love to see someone else’s error. Haha.

I do enjoy a good laugh. Here are some of the most hilarious grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes I’ve ever seen. Sit back, relax, and get ready to wobble your belly.

There are words that trip us all up. So watch it someone will have a giggle.

Quotation Marks Gone Wrong

These are classic examples of quotation mark slip-ups. The unnecessary quotation marks on the sign, I expect. Your guess is as good as mine why this punctuation issue almost always happens on signs.

But the unnecessary quotation marks on the magazine cover? Shame on them. They felt they needed quotation marks, but they probably should have given it a bit more thought.

Forget the Apostrophes

I hope this isn’t from the English teacher!

I don’t want to bash teachers here because they work very hard. But somebody, whether it’s their parents or their teachers, needs to show students the right ways to use an apostrophe.

This type of apostrophe misuse annoys readers.

They’re, Their, and There

Homophones can be tricky. They are pronounced alike but have different meanings and spelling.

Mixing up they’re, their, and there is one of the most common homophone mistakes. If you need to explain it to someone, here’s the difference:

• There = that place
• Their = belongs to them
• They’re = contraction of ‘they are’Do you have children? Check Google. Or email write.right.okay@gmail.com You’re guaranteed to learn something you didn’t already know about soundalike words!

There Are No Spelling Bee Winners Here

What meanie told this person not to have a great day? Ignore the hater and have an great day!

I have to admit “definitely” is a tricky word to spell. It’s one of those words you just have to sound out in your head as you spell it.

Ummm… You may want to rethink that, Mr Chicken.

I think he would have had second thoughts if he’d known what was coming next!

There’s a threat to Christmas spirit! And it’s not cheap!

Sense Check

I get where they’re coming from with this statement, but they may want to reword it. Though it is a proof that two things are inevitable: death and taxes.

This one cracks me up. I can forgive the typo in the word ‘birthday,’ but what were they thinking when they iced the words ‘Mark with The Sea’.

Our Take

Word nerds unite. People out there get as hot and bothered as we do about grammar, so it’s fun to have a safe place to share our grammar woes. We could use a few more of us in the world, right.

Your Turn

Do you have a grammar or punctuation pet peeve? Share it with me in the comments.

If you want to learn even more about apostrophes, quotation marks, and other grammar-related fun, be sure to mail me, write.right.okay@gmail.com You can use those grammar skills to write, right.