Two Types of Grammar: Spoken vs. Written English
Grammar provides the structural rules that govern how a language works. However, these rules differ between spoken and written English because speaking and writing serve different purposes, involve different levels of formality, and follow different conventions.
1. Written English Grammar
Characteristics:
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Strict rules (formal, standardized, follows textbooks).
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Complete sentences (subject + verb + object).
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Punctuation matters (commas, periods, semicolons).
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No fillers or repetitions (avoid “um,” “like,” “you know”).
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More complex structures (longer sentences, passive voice, advanced vocabulary).
Examples:
✅ Correct Written Grammar:
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“The report must be submitted by Friday.” (Formal, complete sentence)
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“Although it was raining, we decided to go out.” (Complex sentence structure)
❌ Incorrect in Writing (but okay in speech):
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“Gonna finish the project soon.” (Should be “going to”)
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“She don’t like it.” (Should be “She doesn’t like it.”)
Used in: Essays, reports, emails, books, official documents.
2. Spoken English Grammar
Characteristics:
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Flexible rules (more natural, adaptive to context).
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Incomplete sentences (fragments, pauses, interruptions).
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Fillers & contractions (“um,” “like,” “wanna,” “gonna”).
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Simpler structures (short phrases, active voice).
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Nonverbal cues (tone, gestures, facial expressions help meaning).
Examples:
✅ Natural Spoken Grammar:
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“You coming?” (Instead of “Are you coming?”)
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“She’s like, ‘No way!’” (Informal storytelling)
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“Gotta go now!” (Instead of “I have to go now.”)
❌ Too formal for speech:
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“One must endeavor to complete the task.” (Sounds robotic; spoken: “You gotta finish this.”)
Used in: Conversations, interviews (casual), speeches (if interactive).
Key Differences Between Spoken & Written Grammar
| Feature | Written Grammar | Spoken Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Complete sentences | Fragments, pauses |
| Formality | Strict, formal | Flexible, casual |
| Contractions | Avoided (mostly) | Common (can’t, won’t) |
| Fillers | None (um, uh) | Frequent (like, you know) |
| Punctuation | Required | Replaced by tone/pauses |
| Complexity | Longer sentences | Short, direct phrases |
Why Can’t We Speak Without Grammar Rules?
Even in informal speech, some grammar rules must be followed, or communication breaks down. For example:
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Word Order: “Dog bites man” vs. “Man bites dog” (changes meaning).
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Verb Agreement: “She go” (incorrect) vs. “She goes” (correct).
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Pronouns: “Me and him went” (informal but understandable) vs. “Him went” (wrong).
Spoken grammar is looser but still structured—otherwise, people wouldn’t understand each other!