Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

In what way is grammar in spoken English different from written English?

1. Grammar in spoken English is more strict.

2. Grammar in spoken English is less strict.

3. Grammar in spoken English has a more rigid word order.

4. Grammar in written English is less organized.

The correct answer is: Grammar in spoken English is less strict.

Grammar in spoken English is generally considered less strict than in written English due to the informal and often spontaneous nature of conversation. In everyday speech, individuals frequently use colloquialisms, contractions, and incomplete sentences, which can lead to variations in grammatical structure that would typically be deemed unacceptable in formal writing. This flexibility allows speakers to convey meaning effectively while prioritizing ease of communication over adherence to strict grammatical rules. Moreover, spoken language often relies on context, tone, and body language, which can provide clarity that written text does not possess. As a result, speakers may omit certain grammatical elements without losing the overall meaning of their message, a practice that is far less common in written English where clarity and formality are more rigorously maintained.