Why does nearly everyone spell the word spellcheck incorrectly?

I just wrote this comment on another group I participate in and thought I'd also share it here.

I thought I'd share this little known flaw about Microsoft's spellchecker and nearly every spellchecker you're probably using.

 The spelling in Australia is spellcheck and in America it is spell-check.

 Why then do so many people end up writing spellcheck using two words?

The answer is really simple. The dictionary you're using with your spellchecker doesn't include the word spellcheck and it attempts to give you the best suggestion by substituting characters. The space is one such character. Since your spellchecker does not know the word spellcheck, it ends up inserting the space between the two valid words, spell and check, and then offers 'spell check' as a suggestion. Since people don't know better they end up using the two words 'spell check', and because no error appears, they think they've used the correct spelling.

The simple and free way to fix this issue is to add the word spellcheck and variations to your custom dictionary. Alternately, you can get the best spelling for Australians at www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au to fix this and a over two thousand other issues your spellchecker could handle better.

Now you know you have now reason to write 'spell check' as two words. I'll be watching. LOL

At least now you know it isn't your fault, so if someone picks you up on your spelling, you have someone else to blame;-)

I should also say, the people probably using 'spell check' correctly as two words will be witches and warlocks. May all your spells be good spells.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au
The only preferred Australian English spelling dictionary. 

Dictionary meaning - How to use Word Check to check the meaning of a word and to see examples.

Word Check which is available at www.australian-dictionary.com.au/wordcheck/ enables you to check if you are using the preferred Australian English spelling for a word, but it also enables you to check the meaning of a word and often see examples of usage of the word. This is done by providing links which takes you to an external reference.

If the word you've entered is a correct spelling you'll see the Meaning section displays an O and a W which are links. Clicking on the O will take you to the Oxford online dictionary, which is a UK based resource. If you click on W you'll go to Wiktionary. There is currently no online Australian references that can be used to check the meaning of words so using the Oxford and Wiktionary is a compromise, but will often return useful information. By using Word Check first you'll first know whether or not you're using a valid and preferred spelling for a word, and then using the overseas based resources you can check for further information.

Sometimes when you click on the O link you'll find you aren't presented with the word entry in the Oxford. You may need to re-enter the word when you reach the Oxford site. This is often because you've entered a capitalised word or a plural which can't be linked to directly. With Wikpedia keep in mind it is useful, but I don't consider isn't considered authoritative. I've found errors in Wikpedia in the past which is a concern. Also keep in mind when using Wikipedia you'll often find suggestions that may be correct for overseas countries but are not necessarily correct for Australia.

The password is available for Word Check for all purchasers of the Australian dictionary products I provide.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.Australian-Dictionary.com.au