Why Does Spelling Matter?

First of all, incorrect spelling makes you look bad. Whether you're applying for a job, writing a report or just sending a message, correct spelling is part of the way that you show you can communicate and you're in control of what you write.
Next, it can cause genuine confusion. It may be true that you can usually work out the meaning of a misspelt word from its context, but why expect your readers to do all the work? Imagine a United Nations document proposing to negotiate "a lasting piece." Are we talking about the end of war or a very large slice of cake?
Most importantly, it affects you. When you feel that there are lots of words you can't spell, you decide –almost unconsciously – to avoid them. You express yourself in a more basic way, and this can ultimately mean that you don't engage with more complex ideas, because you don't feel confident in using the tools for expression.
So don't delay – learn a new word today!

At an early age, the correct spelling of words is emphasised.  It is something that even highly educated adults can struggle with.  Correct spelling is supposed to be not only necessary for others to understand the words you write, but also for your brain to determine what word it is, how it sounds and what it means.  When children are taught to read, they are told to sound out each letter and pay careful attention to the order of the letters and what sound each letter makes.  The brain can then recognise each letter and the sound each letter makes to create a word.  Why is it tehn taht you are slitl albe to raed tihs snetenece , ditsepe the fcat taht the wrdos are not slepled correctly?

Ken Smith, of Bucks New University in the UK suggests that common spelling mistakes should be accepted into everyday use.  So does it really matter if we write argument instead of argument or truly instead of truly?  And does i really have to come after e, except after c?  Ken Smith suggests that it's still pretty clear what the writer means.  Most readers can understand a few spelling mistakes without much trouble.  In fact, meny reeders Will fnd there wey throo this sentence. But they will be likely to think badly of the author.  Most employers refuse to hire people who have spelling errors in their resumes, yet incorrect spelling is not penalised in high school examinations.