Understand Differences Between Spoken and Written Language

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)

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)

There is nothing wrong with non-standard English, but there are occasions when standard English should be used. This is more likely to be when you write. 

Written English is much more formal and needs to communicate things that in speech, we would use the tone of our voice, volume or gestures to show. 

In this activity, we will look at the difference between spoken and written English and how we can spot the difference. If you're ready, let's have a go at some questions!