How to Correctly Spell Proper Names

Correctly Spell Proper Names

Whether you were the spelling bee champion or spelling was your worst subject in school, it's often a level playing field when it comes to how to correctly spell proper names, especially of people and places that have spelling variations.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Make sure you know how to correctly pronounce the proper name in question. If you are not certain, ask two or three people what they think. Chances are the majority will agree.
- 2
  
  Once you know how to pronounce the proper name, say it aloud. As you do so, break it up into syllables. Write down the letters as you hear them in each syllable.
- 3
  
  To correctly spell proper names, try doing an online search of the proper name, spelling it to the best of your knowledge. Even if you misspell the proper name, most search engines will be able to recognize what you meant. For instance, if you spell Mount Rushmore as Mount Rushmoore, or Abraham Lincoln as Abraham Linkin, the search engine should bring up links to websites that reflect the correct spelling.
- 4
  
  If you are trying to correctly spell proper names for those people who are not likely to come up in an online search, go to the websites linked to at the bottom of this page. One provides a comprehensive list of first names, the other a comprehensive list of last names.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be too hard on yourself if you misspell someone's name. Those who have uncommon first or last names have had them misspelled all their lives. They understand and, unless it's for purposes of publication, it's really no big deal.
• If you do need to spell someone's name for publication and you're not certain of it, do not hesitate to call them or someone they know to ask for verification.
• To improve your spelling of proper names, read the daily news. Over time, you'll automatically pick up on how to correctly spell proper names of people, places and things most commonly discussed. Plus, learning how to spell one set of proper names will give you clues as to how best to spell others.

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Photo Credit Photo courtesy of Expert Village

Comments

100002210904861 Feb 13, 2012
good advise
Marty Dec 06, 2011
North ATL! Second.
Rose Aug 25, 2011
well are you telling as how to spell the word.

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How to Correctly Spell Proper Names

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