English Language: Spoken vs Written English

Study Notes

Native speakers use different English from what is taught in schools, it's more casual and everyday conversation-like
Native speakers may not speak at a slower pace or adjust their register for English learners
The English used in everyday conversations is different from written English, especially in terms of grammar and vocabulary

Certain grammar structures, like the passive voice, are more commonly used in written English
Native speakers often end sentences with prepositions, unlike what is taught in schools
Native speakers may use phrases like "who are you going with?" instead of "with whom are you going?"
Native speakers may use phrases like "she didn't know who to give the gift to" instead of "she didn't know to whom to give the gift"

One-on-one sessions with a qualified professional can help improve English skills
LanguaTalk is an online language tutor platform with high-quality teachers, offering a $10 discount for new users

Native speakers often use connected speech, which is the way words are linked together in natural fluent speech
Connected speech includes features like elision, assimilation, and the intrusive r
Elision is the omission of certain sounds, like dropping the final t sound in words like "not" and "but"
Assimilation is when a sound changes to become more like a neighbouring sound, like "t" and "y" sounds becoming "ch" and "j" sounds
The intrusive r is when an "r" sound is inserted between two vowel sounds, making the transition smoother

Native speakers often use contractions, which are shortened forms of words
Contractions are used in spoken English, and can be informal, like "hafta" instead of "have to"
Informal contractions are popular in casual conversations, but can be confusing for English learners
Common contractions include "I'm", "you're", "we're", "they're", "he's", "she's", and "it's"

Native speakers use idioms and slang to add colour and character to their language
Idioms and slang are often used to express ideas or emotions in a more creative and nuanced way
Common slang terms include "grub" for food, "lurgy" for an unspecified mild illness, "dab hand" for skilled or proficient, and "fit" for attractive
Other slang terms include "merry" or "tipsy" for slightly drunk, "wasted" or "pissed" for heavily intoxicated, and "knackered" for extremely tired
Idioms and slang can be challenging for English learners to understand, but are important for improving listening skills

Native speakers use a more casual and everyday conversation-like English, differing from what's taught in schools.
They may not adjust their pace or register for English learners, employing a more natural tone.

Certain grammar structures, like the passive voice, are more commonly used in written English.
Native speakers often end sentences with prepositions, unlike the traditional teaching.
Phrases like "who are you going with?" and "she didn't know who to give the gift to" are used instead of "with whom are you going?" and "to whom to give the gift".

One-on-one sessions with a qualified professional can improve English skills.
LanguaTalk, an online language tutor platform, offers high-quality teachers and a $10 discount for new users.

Native speakers employ connected speech, naturally linking words in fluent speech.
Features of connected speech include elision, assimilation, and the intrusive r.
Elision involves omitting certain sounds, like the final t sound in "not" and "but".
Assimilation changes sounds to become more like neighboring sounds, like "t" and "y" becoming "ch" and "j".
The intrusive r inserts an "r" sound between two vowel sounds, making transitions smoother.

Native speakers often use contractions, shortened forms of words, in spoken English.
Contractions can be informal, like "hafta" instead of "have to", and are popular in casual conversations.
Common contractions include "I'm", "you're", "we're", "they're", "he's", "she's", and "it's".

Native speakers use idioms and slang to add color and character to their language.
Idioms and slang express ideas or emotions in a more creative and nuanced way.
Common slang terms include "grub" for food, "lurgy" for an unspecified mild illness, and "dab hand" for skilled or proficient.
Other slang terms include "merry" or "tipsy" for slightly drunk, "wasted" or "pissed" for heavily intoxicated, and "knackered" for extremely tired.
Idioms and slang can be challenging for English learners, but are crucial for improving listening skills.