Correct me in public

Hi Everyone,

Just as you can see, I'll try to make some corrections for anyone who really wants to be corrected, or whenever I see the "correction tag", which means you don't mind others correcting you in public/openly.

English is such a tricky language, so it's inevitable for you (a learner of English) to make some mistakes in your writing. In fact, we all make mistakes - even a native English teacher. But we learn from our mistakes.

The problem is that we may have failed to spot the mistakes in our writing, or we may have been totally unaware of them. If someone else can help point out or correct our mistakes, then we will learn from the mistakes we made. I'd appreciate it if someone helps me to correct the mistakes in my blogs - I don't need to pretend I'm so good at English. I know I'll make mistakes whenever I write since I'm just a learner of English. We're here to learn English, anyway - it's not a matter of saving face.  I don't mind you correcting me in public whenever you find mistakes in my writing. So, don't try to save my face - just correct me in public!

I do mind, however, if you're trying to humiliate me instead of helping correct me!

Do you think it's a good idea to turn a blind eye to the mistakes in someone's blogs, especially when you see the "correction tag"?  It takes a lot of time and effort to make corrections, but it's worth it - to teach is the best way to learn. 

English tip: you can say "someone helps someone else (to) do something" or "someone helps (to) do something" -- the "to" is optional. 

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Comments

  • @Kimberly

    Thank you for the comment. Yes, we should correct them with respect or politely since no one will be glad to know they've made mistakes. 

    @Komala

    Yes, you should be able to spot the mistakes if you're trying to correct them. If you are not so sure if they are mistakes or not, you don't need to try to correct them. 

    It's also true that we are here to help each other learn English. 

  • It isn't wrong to be corrected when ever you made mistakes in writing. I always appreciate those who help me correct my mistakes when ever i post a blog. it tells me that, we all are here to help each other improved.

    My question is, How do are correct my friends when I don't even know whether they make mistakes in their writing or not??

    Because, I sometime wish to help. but i find it difficult, because i can't recognized those mistakes.

    Nice blog, thanks for sharing!!!

  • We speak English on a variety of levels on this site.  However, in my classroom, I had a student that wanted to be corrected every time he used the wrong word for a situation.  I think correcting English Language Learners and even correcting the teachers is a great exercise for everyone.  I do think that correcting others should be done with respect and sensitivity.

  • @Dana

    Thank you for commenting on this blog. You really have a point there. Yes, it's true some of the corrections may not be correct. On the other hand, the members who were corrected might think the right corrections are incorrect. That can be a problem. If you're not sure whether the corrections are correct or not, you should ask whoever you think may give you a right answer to help you.

    Thanks again.  

  • I absolutely agree with you. It's great to correct and help anyone. But firstly we should be really sure that our correction is right and we truly know what we are talking about. Because, in fact, we can get a lesson from our mistakes but it´s very difficult to change bad habits (in general). In my case, I try to keep a reading the english books. That´s also good way how to get more information from the others. Good luck and keep it up!!

  • @Madusha

    Thanks for your comment. I can understand you very well even though there are a few mistakes in your comment. With more practice, your English will improve. Try to write a blog and have others to help point out or correct the mistakes you made. Good luck!

  • I like your article.I also want to correct my mistake in using English.I am so bad for English that effect to do not go ahead.I am learning English by using various method.Actually I want to be a fluent in English.please help me.Thank you.

  • @Robbie

    Thanks for the comment. Yes, it can be so frustrating if you helped correct them but they failed to respond. These things happen, though. I agree that sometimes it is the sense of fulfillment that makes us feel it's worth it. Keep up your great work here.

    @english

    Yes, you can say that again - making mistakes is part of the learning. I assume you mean the expression of "good at". If you're good at something, you're skilful at doing it. So, you can say "I'm good at speaking English." or "I'm good at English." 

    @kamelia

    Thank you for the comment. Yes, I agree with you that we should correct them nicely or gently - don't make them feel embarrassed. It may be more preferable to correct them in private, but if we correct them in public, other members who read the corrections will benefit, too. 

  • Hi. A very nice topic indeed. Thank you for bringing that up. In my opinion, it is best to consider the situation the person is in. If they are talking and there are people around them who they don't want to be embarrassed before, then it is not ok to correct them. In these times, it is better to correct them in a situation when they are alone. On the other hand, knowing that the public they are writing or speaking before is a a friendly one who wouldn't pick at them for making mistakes, then I think it is ok to correct them. All in all I think it depends on the situation.

  • Hi! I have the same thought as yours. We are here to learn English. The more we practice it, the more we make mistakes. The more we make mistakes, the more we learn.Only the person who doesn't anything will never get mistakes. Thus, here is the place for saving face. I see your English is well. I'm afraid I can't find your mistake. But there is a sentence which seems to be strange:" I'm so good at English. I know... of English....". Is it likely that there is something incorect? I don't know . Can you explain me? thanks a lot!

    '

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