What's the best way to check English spelling using the internet?

Question

I've always been really poor at spelling & so usually just typed the word I wanted to spell followed by "definition" into google to get the correct spelling but lately a friend of mine on Facebook started teasing me for using "American English" this wasn't really a problem for me but as I'm starting higher education I need to find another way & the dictionary I've been told to buy is way to pricey for me at the moment after paying my entry fees.

Answer 1

Do not use google chrome.



It uses American spelling.



The Oxford English Dictionary is the one for definitive spelling as it gives both English and American spellings, plus it tries (not easy in the modern world) to also give alternative meanings and spellings of other less well used variations. Let's face it you don't get a prize (spelt wrong according to crappy google chrome) for not being able to find the meaning of that paronomasia (not listed in crappy google chrome, most will take you to my or a friends entry on YA)



http://www.oed.com/public/freeoed/free-oed



When at home I have a couple of copies of the Shorter Oxford (SOED) in the two volume edition, and find it quicker for meanings and they also give historical origins, like the word News, plural of new and first used in the meaning of latest gossip 1565, if you like words look a copy out when you have some money together meanwhile the above link should suffice.



Most of the Internet, gives American spelling and meanings, which is poor, the Oxford goes out of its way to give ALL origins, meanings and spellings, including Pidgin English used in (I believe) Samoa LOL.















To get the most out of it you might have to join a library ? however if you are going to College or Uni their Library may well subscribe

Answer 2

Since I write for publication in both the US and UK I keep on the shelf next to my computer, copies of The Oxford American Dictionary and the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. For matters of style and punctuation I have equally at hand the Chicago Manual of Style and Fowler's Modern English Usage. Pulling out one of those is so much much quicker than bringing up some internet site and I can still keep my screen dedicated to the task I am actually working on. Try it!

Answer 3

A spell checker is useless for words like...



there and their

your and you're

dose and dose

than and then

no and know

whether and weather

lose and loose

defiantly and definitely...



All these words are spelt correctly but they're wrong when used in the incorrect context but a spell checker can't pick them out... For example, ALL the following sentences are incorrect...



Dose anyone no how to loose weight?

I'm going to there house for lunch.

She's much taller then me.

I don't know weather to laugh or cry.

This is defiantly the best meal I've had this year.



But the spell checker says they're correct.

Answer 4

Google

Answer 5

You can do what others have suggested if not Install spell check for free.



Free Spell Checker - Correct English Spelling errors.



www.sweetim.com/Free-Spell-Checker

Full version. Download Now!

Answer 6

If English is your first language, I suggest you switch your internet browser to Google Chrome. It is by far the best internet browser and It includes a spell checker

Answer 7

Google Chrome has a spell check, without it I wouldn't be able to spell anything when I've had a few beers.

Answer 8

I mean i use google chrome. or you can just use microsoft spellcheck.