MICHIGAN - The Great Lakes State, is known for its auto history, stunning peninsulas, and fierce sports rivalries. However, when residents turn to Google for spelling help, their searches often reveal a struggle with words tied to current events and tricky letter combinations.
According to various analyses of Google Trends data for phrases beginning with "how to spell," Michigan's most-searched spelling query has varied over the years, though one word related to recent history stood out as a major struggle for residents.
The Pandemic Spelling Challenge
In a widely analyzed period of Google data, the most common spelling query originating from Michigan residents, alongside several other states including Pennsylvania, was the term: "Coronavirus."
The reason for this intense search volume is clear: the word entered the daily lexicon rapidly and does not follow intuitive phonetic spelling rules. Michiganders frequently sought clarity on the correct spelling, trying to confirm the "o-n-a" structure versus common misspellings like 'caronavirus'. This search volume made it the top spelling frustration in the state during the period of analysis.
Other Tricky Words in the Wolverine State
While "Coronavirus" dominated during a specific historical moment, other unique words highlight Michigan's ongoing spelling struggles:
-
Scratch: In a separate analysis charting each state’s most distinct spelling hurdle, the most common difficulty for Michigan residents was spelling the verb "Scratch." This simple-sounding word often confuses spellers due to the tricky three-letter consonant blend "scr-" and the less common ending "tch."
-
Acquaintance: Another complicated word that causes confusion in Michigan is "acquaintance." Like "Receipt" in Florida, this word is notorious for its silent letters and complex sequencing of vowels, making it a difficult spelling challenge that requires constant confirmation.
Michigan in the National Context
Michigan’s spelling patterns often reflect national struggles with long, complicated terms or words with irregular letter arrangements. However, the intensity of searches for terms like "Coronavirus" and the unique focus on a word like "Scratch" demonstrate that even common words can trip up sophisticated spellers when the letters defy simple phonetic rules.
Like most states, Michiganders rely on search engines to ensure accuracy, proving that even in the age of autocorrect, a little doubt often sends us running to Google.
