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Standard English and register
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We all change how we speak depending on who we are talking to. Knowing when and how to use Standard English helps you sound confident in class, in presentations and in your writing.
What is Standard English?
Standard English is the form of English used in most writing, news, school and work. It follows agreed rules of grammar.
It is about grammar and vocabulary, not accent. You can speak Standard English in any accent.
A dialect is a variety of English with its own words and grammar, often linked to a region.
It is about grammar and vocabulary, not accent. You can speak Standard English in any accent.
A dialect is a variety of English with its own words and grammar, often linked to a region.
Common non-standard forms
Register
Register is the level of formality you choose.
Informal: chatting with friends, texting: 'Hey, you coming?'
Formal: a speech, an interview, a letter to the head teacher: 'Would you be able to attend?'
Spoken language is often less planned than writing: we pause, repeat ourselves and use fillers like 'um'.
Informal: chatting with friends, texting: 'Hey, you coming?'
Formal: a speech, an interview, a letter to the head teacher: 'Would you be able to attend?'
Spoken language is often less planned than writing: we pause, repeat ourselves and use fillers like 'um'.
Rewrite in Standard English: 'Me and him was going to the shop.'
- 'was' should agree with a plural subject: 'were'.
- As the subject, use 'he and I'.
- Put yourself second for politeness.
Answer: He and I were going to the shop.
Standard English is about grammar and vocabulary, not accent. Use it in formal speech and writing. Register means choosing the right level of formality for your audience and purpose.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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