Accents over letters when writing by hand or type on a computer

[Nonverbis]

crèche noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of crèche noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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The word is "crèche".

Could you tell me whether in this or similar cases we should mark this stroke over "e" when writing by hand? What about typing on a computer? Theoretically it is possible, but in practice it is hardly manageable. Especially when you are pressed for time (writing IELTS essay or something).

 

[emsr2d2]

I would use the accents in both typing and handwritten work. I consider it important to write all foreign-origin words as they are written in their original language. It drives me mad when people refer to their CV as "my resume", not "my résumé". "Resume" is a verb, not a noun.

 

[SoothingDave]

I am exactly the opposite of emsr2d2. If there is no chance of ambiguity, stick with the regular 26 English letters. Especially when typing, to go looking for special symbols is an activity that doesn't add any value to the communication.

I can't say what is wanted on an IELTS test.

 

[5jj]

I'm with emsr2d2. If English dictionaries give a foreign word that is used in English with some form of accent, then that is how it should be written. If you can't find it on your computer, copy and paste from the dictionary.

 

[Nonverbis]

I'm with emsr2d2. If English dictionaries give a foreign word that is used in English with some form of accent, then that is how it should be written. If you can't find it on your computer, copy and paste from the dictionary.

But what about examinations? You will have neither the time to find a special symbol nor access to a dictionary.

 

[emsr2d2]

The most common accent used on some words is very easy to use on a keyboard (although how you do it differs depending on your operating system). On a Mac, for example, to put an accent over an "e", you simply hold down the "ALT" key and hit "e", then let go and hit "e" again. What you'll get is "é". The same goes for other letters. For example, if I hold down "ALT" and hit "o", I get "ø". Take some time to become familiar with the shortcuts to accents on whatever keyboard you'll be taking an exam on.

Failing that, just try not to use any words that require special characters.

 

[Nonverbis]

Failing that, just try not to use any words that require special characters.

But textbooks on preparation for IELTS contain such words. This means that they recommend using them.

 

[5jj]

The only commonly used accents in words in English are the grave and acute accents you see in, for example, déjà vu, If you have encountered such words before an examination, you should be able to write them accurately. If you haven't met them, you won't want to use them.

 

[emsr2d2]

You might find this interesting.

 

[jutfrank]

As far as IELTS goes, the chances of an unaccented word affecting your band score are negligible.

 

[Rover_KE]

Nonverbis, I’ve changed your thread title. They’re accents, not strokes.