Spelling: English or American spelling of English words. Which is best?

1. 61

   peterxdunnposted 12 years ago

   Spelling: English or American spelling of English words. Which is best?
   
   I am English and I generally use English spelling when writing. However, I have fallen into the habit of letting my WP software's spell checker change some of my English spellings into their American equivalent. This is largely because the spell checker is better at spotting my spelling mistakes and typos than I am. There are exceptions though. I cannot - for instance - quite bring myself to accept 'thru' as a replacement for 'through'. Has anyone any views or advice on this issue. All comments welcome.

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2. 41

   legitimoposted 12 years ago

   AMERICAN SPELLING OF ENGLISH,But use what you think is best for your hub,to me thru is just a short version but,I wouldn't use it.

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3. 78

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   I doesn't matter as long as you are consistent and don't mix the two in one hub. I tend to ignore most spell checkers

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4. 64

   leroy64posted 12 years ago

   MS Word spellcheck allows you to set the program for english as written in different countries.  Is there a setting on WP to to do that?  i am assuming you are using Word Perfect.  I am from the US and  agree with you about the spelling of the word through.

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5. 78

   nikki_mposted 12 years ago

   I would think that whatever is most comfortable for you is best. I live in US and I never have issues reading English spelling. However, if you are writing an article with one or the other as the intended audience (For example, a Hub specifically about English politics or history) I would use the spelling that is best suited for that in order to keep your readers from getting caught up on spelling. Sometimes seeing an extra letter in a word can snag readers and distract them from the point momentarily.

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6. 68

   camsoliviaposted 12 years ago

   Seems to me that you would be best to honor YOUR language. There is little difference in the two; besides, in my not-so-humble opinion (grin) it is also a way to identify where a writer is (from). I enjoy reading pieces from 'round the world...and can usually tell by the (different) spellings that a person might be "across the pond". I say...write as YOU.

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7. 0

   Binaya.Ghimireposted 12 years ago

   I think British spellings and American spellings are best in their own ways. I use American in hubpages while write British spellings for the papers in Nepal. When I submit stories for American media, I use American spellings, and British spellings for British media.

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8. 67

   davenmidtownposted 12 years ago

   I would use the UK version of English if I were you.  I say this because when I read articles that are from UK writers I feel the sense of England in what they are writing.  I think you can set your spell checker to choose the UK English language too.   That is just my opinion.

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9. 0

   SJmorningsun25posted 12 years ago

   If a spell checker actually replaces "through" with "thru," that spell checker needs to be tossed. Seriously. That's not correct formal spelling in either strain of English.
   
   Go with what you know and like best. As an American who loves England, I enjoy reading a British-spelled article.

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10. 76

    daskittlez69posted 12 years ago

    It doesn't matter really.  Us "yanks" can understand you.  I was thinking about what you said of using the word "thru" though.  I believe the only time I ever used that spelling is for a drive-thru.

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11. 80

    lydociaposted 12 years ago

    English originated in England, the form of English they speak in America is American English.
    
    It depends on in which country you are/live. I can imagine it would be weird for an American to suddenly start using British spelling, but it is also generally frowned upon for someone in Britain or Europe in general to use American English. (Most European countries teach British English in school).

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12. 61

    Dardiaposted 12 years ago

    Is "thru" actually an accepted spelling or is it just slang? I don't know but I think it is used more in poetry. I do not use it myself. I still spell it, "through," and I am an American.

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