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Know the Difference Between Standard and Non-Standard English

In this worksheet, students will consider how non-standard English varies from standard English and think about situations where standard English should be used.

'Know the Difference Between Standard and Non-Standard English' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 3

Year:  Year 7 English worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Grammar and Vocabulary

Curriculum subtopic:   Use Standard English with Confidence

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

People across the United Kingdom speak English in different ways. They have different accents and sometimes form sentences in ways that are not the same as standard English.

 

Sometimes the verb forms are different from standard English.

"We were thinking of buying a new car." (standard English)

"We was thinking of buying a new car." (non-standard English)

 

a red car

 

Using the 'double negative' is another form of non-standard English.

"I didn't do anything." (standard English)

"I didn't do nothing." (non-standard English)

 

very cross boy

 

"He didn't go anywhere." (standard English)

"He didn't go nowhere." (non-standard English)

 

Some forms of non-standard English use adjectives in place of adverbs.

"Peter played well today." (standard English)

"Peter played good today." (non-standard English)

 

"Jake ran quickly." (standard English)

"Jake ran quick." (non-standard English)

 

boy running

 

There is nothing wrong with non-standard English, but there are occasions when standard English should be used.

 

If you apply for a job, you will be expected to be able to write in standard English, and there are many situations in school where you need to use standard English.

 

Let's have a go at practising this in these questions.

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