Google & English: Understanding Without Spelling Perfectly

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of whether spelling correctly is necessary as long as the message is understood. The use of Google's intuitive search, which suggests alternative spellings, brings up this question. It is also mentioned that our brains can only understand to a certain extent, and some standards are needed for effective communication. One person also points out the gradual changes in spelling, such as the contributor "wolram" and their use of "Shirley" instead of "surely". The conversation ends by mentioning a secret Google search that offers autocomplete suggestions.
  • #1
wolram
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It seems google has accepted that some people can not spell, with its
intuitive search it will suggest an alternative to an unknown term, this
made me wonder if we even need to spell correctly, as long as people
understand what one has written.
 
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  • #2
shur, yoo kan probublE mAk sens uv this bEkuz I am yoozing thu wurdz prOnunsEAshunz too gId yoo.
'Sure, you can probably make sense of this because I am using the words' pronunciations to guide you.'

hajdi;]ehnj seir54sbnes hveshg]2reihsgrroej34/iqworc erijsc.
'But apparently, our brains can only leap so far.'

We need to have some standards in order to communicate. I'm not sure that the current state of our writing system is the best option, but wuduyugunudoo? You're already making your own contribution to English spelling, wolram. Slowly but Shirley. :smile:
 
  • #3

1) How does Google understand my search query even if I don't spell the words perfectly?

Google uses a technology called "spell checker" to identify and correct misspelled words in a search query. This allows Google to understand what the user is looking for, even if the words are not spelled perfectly.

2) Can Google still understand my search query if I use slang or abbreviations?

Yes, Google has a feature called "synonyms" which allows it to recognize and understand popular slang terms and abbreviations. This helps to provide more accurate search results for the user.

3) How accurate is Google's understanding of a search query?

Google's understanding of a search query is constantly improving, but it is estimated that its spell checker has a 98% accuracy rate. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the search query and the availability of relevant information online.

4) Does using proper English grammar and punctuation affect how Google understands my search query?

No, Google's algorithm is designed to understand natural language, so the use of proper grammar and punctuation does not significantly impact its understanding of a search query.

5) Is there a way to improve Google's understanding of my search queries?

Yes, Google provides search operators and advanced search options that can help to refine and improve the accuracy of search results. Users can also provide feedback and suggestions to Google when they encounter incorrect or irrelevant search results.

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