Auto-correct 'turning Britain into a nation that can't spell'

Britons are overestimating their spelling abilities because they are relying too heavily on auto-correct, new research suggests.

In a short test carried out by the UK’s leading disability charity Mencap, 76% of 2,000 people surveyed rated their spelling ability as ‘very good’ or ‘fairly good’, even though 65% were unable to spell simple words like ‘necessary’.

In addition, nearly one third (33%) failed to spell common words like ‘definitely’ and ‘separate’.

Students fared worse, with only 13% getting all five questions correct. The results also revealed that women are better spellers than men, with females over the age of 65 top of the class.

Just over a fifth of respondents were able to answer all of the questions in the quiz commissioned to test the nation’s spelling ability.

Mark Goldring, Mencap’s chief executive said: “With over two thirds of Britons now having to rely on spell check, we are heading towards an auto-correct generation.
 
“This survey has highlighted that many Britons have a false impression about their spelling ability. Today’s tough economic climate means that poor spelling on a CV is fatal, as it says that an individual cannot produce work to a given standard, no matter how highly qualified they might be. Language used by a company or person is a reflection of their attitude, capabilities and skill.”

[Related Article: Can you do this Maths test?]

Mencap is aiming to help bolster the nation’s spelling skills with a new competition  – the first ever digital Spellathon Championships.

The winners of each age category will compete against British actor Stephen Fry in a reverse spelling challenge.

The Spellathon Championships will run until 27 May.

So just how good are you at spelling the most commonly misspelt words?  Test your skills by clicking into the Mencap quiz. The correct answers are at the bottom of the page. No peeking!