Spoken Grammar vs.

Written Grammar

What is Written Grammar?

• We see it in books, essays, newspapers, reports, emails.

• It is complete: sentences usually have subject + verb + object.
• It is longer: no missing words, no shortcuts.
• It is formal: uses polite and careful words.

Examples of Written Grammar:

• I do not know the answer. COMPLETE

• She is not at school today. LONGER
• Would you like to go to the cinema? FORMAL

What is Spoken Grammar?

• We hear it in conversations, chats, phone calls, videos.

• It is short and simple: people want to speak fast.
• It is informal: uses everyday words.
• It often uses short forms (she’s, can’t, don’t, gonna, wanna).
• It sometimes leaves words out because meaning is clear.

Examples of Spoken Grammar:

• I don’t know. SHORT & SIMPLE

• What’s up? INFORMAL
• She’s not at school today. SHORT FORM
• Wanna go to the cinema? SHORT FORM & LEFT-OUT WORDS
Practice Test 1

Instruction: Read each sentence. Write “Spoken” or “Written” on the line after each
statement.

1. I don’t know. __________

2. Would you like to go with me? __________

3. Wanna grab lunch? __________

4. She isn’t at home today. __________

5. I cannot come to the party. __________

6. He’s gonna call you later. __________

7. I am writing to apply for the job. __________

8. Do you wanna play a game? __________

9. The research shows an increase in sales. __________

10. I’m not ready yet. __________

11. It is important to exercise every day. __________

12. Gotta go now, bye! __________

13. The results of the experiment were surprising. __________

14. She’s not feeling well. __________

15. I do not agree with your opinion. __________

 Spoken Grammar – Homework #1

Name: ___________________ Date: ____________

Mini Dialogue

Instruction: Write a short dialogue (4–6 lines). Use spoken grammar like:

• short forms (I’m, don’t, can’t, she’s)

• gonna (going to)
• wanna (want to)

Example:

A: Hey, wanna eat lunch?

B: Sorry, I can’t. I’m gonna meet my mom.
A: Okay, no problem.

Now you try! Write your own dialogue here:

A: ________________________________________
B: ________________________________________
A: ________________________________________
B: ________________________________________
A: ________________________________________
B: ________________________________________

Tip for students: Keep it simple. Imagine you are texting or talking to a friend.
Features of Natural Speech

When people talk in real life, their speech has special features that make it sound natural.
These do not always follow the “school grammar” rules.

Here are the main features of natural speech:

1. Fillers → words we use when thinking: uh, um, well, you know.

▪ Example: Well, I’m not sure about that.

2. Repetition → repeating words when nervous or thinking.

▪ Example: I, I don’t know.

3. Short forms / contractions → gonna (going to), wanna (want to), gotta (got to).

▪ Example: I’m gonna eat lunch.

4. Question tags → small questions at the end, to check.

▪ Example: It’s hot today, isn’t it?

We use these because:

• They make us sound natural.

• They give us time to think.
• They make conversation more friendly.
Practice Test 2

Instruction: Read the sentences. Circle the correct answer (with or without a filler).

1. (a) I don’t know. 9. (a) That’s my teacher.

(b) Uh, I don’t know. (b) You know, that’s my teacher.

2. (a) I’m tired. 10. (a) I can’t do it.

(b) Well, I’m tired. (b) Uh, I can’t do it.

3. (a) He’s my brother. 11. (a) I’m busy.

(b) You know, he’s my brother. (b) Like, I’m busy.

4. (a) I like pizza. 12. (a) It’s too late.

(b) Like, I like pizza. (b) Hmm, it’s too late.

5. (a) I think it’s good. 13. (a) But I don’t understand.

(b) Hmm, I think it’s good. (b) I don’t understand.

6. (a) So, are you ready? 14. (a) I’m hungry.

(b) Are you ready? (b) Well, I’m hungry.

7. (a) She’s not here. 15. (a) Uh, can you help me?

(b) Um, she’s not here. (b) Can you help me?

8. (a) Let’s go now.

(b) Well, let’s go now.

 Spoken Grammar – Homework #2

Name: ___________________ Date: ____________

Instruction: Each sentence below is written in a formal way.

1. First, change it to spoken English using a contraction (I’m, don’t, can’t, he’s, etc.).
2. Then, add a question tag (isn’t it? aren’t you? doesn’t he? etc.).
Example: Sentence: She is happy. Answer: She’s happy, isn’t she?
8. She does not like coffee.

1. She is very nice. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 9. I am right.

2. You are tired. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 10. He is your teacher.

3. He is not here. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 11. We can do it.

4. They are late. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 12. They cannot swim.

5. We are friends. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 13. She is from Japan.

6. It is a beautiful day. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 14. You should study more.

7. You will help me. → ___________________

→ ___________________ 15. It will rain later.

→ ___________________
Formal vs. Informal Grammar

We don’t always talk in the same way. The words we use depend on who we talk to.

Formal Grammar

• Polite, careful, complete sentences.

• Used in school, work, or with strangers.
• Example: Could you help me, please?

Informal Grammar

• Relaxed, casual, everyday speech.

• Used with friends and family.
• Example: Can you help me?

Examples:

• Formal: I would like some water.

Informal: I want some water.
• Formal: Could you please wait a moment?
Informal: Wait a sec.
• Formal: Good evening. How are you?
Informal: Hey! What’s up?

Main idea:

• Use formal grammar when you need to be polite or serious.

• Use informal grammar when relaxed with friends.
Practice Test 3

Instruction: Read each situation. Then choose the better sentence: A (formal) or B
(informal). Encircle the correct answer.

Questions:

1. Situation: You are sending a text B. I’m really into this job.
message to your best friend.
A. I cannot go to the party 7. Situation: You are writing an email
tonight. to your professor.
B. Can’t go to the party tonight. A. I apologize for the late reply.
B. Sorry for the late reply.
2. Situation: You are giving a
presentation at school. 8. Situation: You are talking to a close
A. The problem is getting worse friend.
each year. A. I do not know what you
B. The problem’s getting worse mean.
every year. B. Don’t know what you mean.

3. Situation: You are talking to your 9. Situation: You are speaking at a

younger brother. school debate.
A. Please wait for me at the bus A. This issue affects many young
stop. people.
B. Wait for me at the bus stop, B. This problem hits a lot of
ok? young people.

4. Situation: You are writing a report 10. Situation: You are texting your
for school. friend quickly.
A. Many people do not agree
with this idea. A. I am going to the mall now.
B. Lots of people don’t agree B. Gonna go to the mall now.
with this idea.
11. Situation: You are talking politely to
5. Situation: You are chatting with a your teacher.
classmate during lunch. A. Could you please explain it
again?
A. I would like to have some B. Can you say it again?
water.
B. I’d like some water. 12. Situation: You are writing a formal
letter.
6. Situation: You are speaking in a job A. I am writing to ask about the
interview. course.
B. Just wanna ask about the
A. I am very interested in this course.
position.
 Spoken Grammar – Homework #3

Name: ___________________ Date: ____________

Instruction:

Match the informal sentence (Column A) with its formal version (Column B). Write the letter
of the correct answer on the line next to each number.

Column A – Informal Sentences Column B – Formal Sentences

1. Can’t go to class tomorrow. a. Good morning. How are you?
___ b. I apologize for being late.
2. Wanna grab lunch later? ___ c. I would like to ask about the
3. Thanks a lot for your help. ___ homework.
4. Sorry I’m late. ___ d. Many people do not like it.
5. Gonna see a movie tonight. ___ e. I would like some water, please.
6. Hope to see you soon. ___ f. Please do not forget your
7. Lots of people don’t like it. ___ homework.
8. Hey! How are you? ___ g. I cannot attend class tomorrow.
9. I’m mad about this. ___ h. I am writing to say that I will see a
10. The kids are playing outside. movie tonight.
___ i. The children are playing outside.
11. Don’t forget your homework. j. I hope to see you soon.
___ k. Thank you very much for your
12. I’d like some water, please. ___ assistance.
13. I’m really tired today. ___ l. What are you doing today?
14. What’s up? ___ m. I am very tired today.
15. Just wanna ask about the n. Would you like to have lunch later?
homework. ___ o. I am very angry about this.