Ewe butter be careful
I’m here today to warn you of the dangers of your computer’s spell checker. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good tool when used to complement (not compliment – I’ll get to that in a minute) a thorough proofreading. It becomes dangerous, however, when people rely on it solely to check the accuracy of a document as evidenced by this poem by an anonymous author:
Human Brain Not Yet Obsolete
I have a spelling checker.
It came with my PC.
It plainly marks for my revue
Mistakes I cannot sea.
I’ve run this poem threw it,
I’m sure you’re pleased too no.
Its letter perfect in its weigh,
My checker tolled me sew.
Now, about complement and compliment, easily two of the most confused words in the English language. Complement means “something that completes or brings to perfection” (”That tie really complements your outfit.”). Compliment means “an expression of courtesy or praise” (”That’s a really nice tie.”).
One way to help you remember: when using complement with an “e”, make sure that it is describing something that is enhancing something else. And then people will compliment you on your writing skill.
Have a grate day!
