How to Signify Spelling Corrections With Asterisks

Fix texting or IM errors with an asterisk.

When you key quickly on the small buttons on a cell phone keypad when texting or instant messaging, it's common to make typographical and spelling errors. Signify a spelling correction an asterisk; people familiar with Internet and texting slang will understand that an asterisk denotes your correction.

Instructions

1. Read over your text after you hit "enter" to make sure you typed what you meant to type. Correct any errors you see right away to avoid miscommunication or misunderstandings.

2. Enter an asterisk when you need to correct an error.

3. Type the correct spelling of the word immediately after the asterisk. For example, if you entered "I cleaned the besement," you would notice that you misspelled "basement." On the next line, enter an asterisk and correct the spelling by entering "*basement."

Tips & Warnings

• Another option is to correct the spelling with an asterisk after the correction ("basement*").

References

• "IRC Hacks"; Paul Mutton; 2004
• ALS Independence: Internet Slang