As an English lecturer, I am acutely aware of what I post on social media and strive to avoid errors in spelling and grammar, though I am not infallible. Proper usage is something I teach in the classroom, where I regularly correct mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. But as English is not my first language, occasional slip-ups can happen.

Typos occur for various reasons – whether it’s due to typing quickly or not having learned the difference between “your” and “you’re” in grade school. For some, these errors are minor and easily overlooked. However, for others, they can be a significant problem. These individuals, often referred to as “grammar Nazis,” are overly obsessed with spelling and grammatical rules and are quick to point out mistakes. They can be utterly annoying, not just because they highlight errors, but because they do so with the added conceit of believing they are doing you a favour by offering a free grammar lesson.

A seminal study conducted in 2016 found that people who are more sensitive to written typos and grammatical errors are indeed the kinds of individuals we might suspect them to be – judgemental and overly critical. Researchers from the University of Michigan invited 83 participants to read emails containing either typos, grammatical errors, or no mistakes at all. Participants were asked to provide information about themselves and score the writers on “perceived intelligence, friendliness, and other attributes.” The results revealed that extroverts were more likely to overlook spelling errors, while introverts were more likely to notice grammar mistakes. Less agreeable individuals were more sensitive to grammar errors, which the researchers suggest could be due to their lower tolerance for deviations from convention. People who were more conscientious and less open were also more likely to be sensitive to typos.

Robin Queen, one of the researchers, questioned why introverts would be more sensitive to these errors, speculating that it might be due to their heightened sensitivity to variability. Extroverts, on the other hand, might be less bothered by such mistakes because they enjoy variability and find engaging with people energising. This difference could be an indirect manifestation of that trait.

On a personal level, I believe that most grammar Nazis are foolish individuals desperately trying to appear more intelligent. While correct spelling is important, it is not the sole measure of intelligence. Being able to spell every word in the dictionary does not equate to understanding those words’ meanings. If spelling is your only strength, it could be a sign of a lack of deeper intellectual capacity.

If someone can use words correctly but struggles with spelling, that person may be intelligent, though they might need to improve their grammar and spelling skills. In many cases, they might possess more knowledge than someone who is merely a proficient speller.

Discrediting an entire argument or person based solely on spelling is incredibly shallow and reflects a lack of understanding of complex concepts. Often, the person being insulted may be more intelligent than the one casting the insult.

That said, we should not disregard language rules altogether. Pointing out typos in articles or presentations is a fair game, but doing so in Facebook posts or text messages is an entirely different matter.

Everyone makes mistakes, and when someone corrects you, it’s best to view it positively. Their corrections can help improve your writing skills.

Rona dela Rosa, PhD is an associate professor at the Polytechnic College of the City of Meycauyan.