話し言葉と書き言葉はどう違う？英語のスピーキングが自然になる「話し言葉文法」の基本
Many learners study English through textbooks, tests, and formal writing.
Because of this, they often learn complete, careful sentence grammar.
But real-life spoken English works differently.
In conversation, native speakers:
shorten sentences
remove subjects
drop auxiliary verbs
use fragments
This is not incorrect English.
It is natural spoken grammar.
Let’s look at how spoken English is different from written English, and why both are important.
1. Spoken English Uses Fragments
A fragment = an incomplete sentence.
In writing, fragments are usually incorrect.
But in speech, they are very common.
Examples:
Sounds good.
No problem.
Probably not.
Maybe later.
Full written forms might be:
That sounds good.
There is no problem.
It is probably not true.
Maybe I will do it later.
Why fragments happen:
Conversation is fast
Context is shared - the speakers understand the topic already
Efficiency is preferred - they don’t want to waste time
We remove what is already understood.
2. Subjects Are Often Dropped
Written English requires clear subjects.
Spoken English often removes them.
Examples:
Written: I think it’s a good idea.
Spoken: Good idea.
Written: Are you coming?
Spoken: Coming?
Written: Do you want coffee?
Spoken: Want coffee?
The listener understands the subject from context.
3. Auxiliary Verbs Are Reduced or Removed
Reminder: Auxiliary verbs = do / be / have - not the main verb
These are often softened or dropped in speech.
Examples:
Written: Do you know him?
Spoken: Know him?
Written: Have you finished?
Spoken: Finished?
Written: Are you ready?
Spoken: Ready?
Meaning stays clear because tone and situation carry the grammar.
4. Contractions Dominate Spoken English
Spoken English strongly prefers contractions.
Written (formal):
I am not sure.
They are coming.
He will not join us.
Spoken:
I’m not sure.
They’re coming.
He won’t join us.
Without contractions, speech sounds robotic.
5. Spoken English Uses Response Phrases
Conversation often relies on short reaction phrases.
Examples:
Got it.
Makes sense.
Fair enough.
That works.
Good point.
Full written forms would sound unnatural in speech:
I understand your point.
That is logically reasonable.
Spoken English values speed and emotional tone over completeness.
6. Repetition and Fillers Are Normal
Spoken English includes fillers and repetition.
Examples:
So... yeah... I think we should go.
It was, like... really difficult.
I mean, I didn’t expect that.
These help speakers:
think in real time
soften statements
manage conversation flow
In writing, fillers are usually removed.
7. Why This Difference Matters
Learners often:
Speak too formally
Use textbook grammar in casual settings
Avoid fragments
This can make speech sound:
stiff (robotic)
distant (not friendly)
unnatural (like a textbook)
Compare:
Formal: I am unable to assist you at this moment.
Spoken: Sorry, I can’t help right now.
Both are correct.
But only one sounds natural in conversation.
8. When to Use Each Style
Use spoken grammar:
Conversations
Social settings
Casual workplace talk
Messaging/SNS
Use written grammar:
Emails (professional)
Reports
Academic writing
Applying for work or requesting business things
Understanding both allows flexible communication.
Practice
Which sounds more natural in conversation?
1.
A. I am not sure.
B. Not sure.
2.
A. Do you want to join us?
B. Want to join us?
3.
A. I understand.
B. Got it.
Conclusion
Spoken English is not broken English.
It follows its own natural grammar patterns.
Key features include:
Fragments
Subject dropping
Auxiliary reduction
Contractions
Reaction phrases
Learning spoken grammar helps you:
Sound more natural
Understand real conversations
Communicate more comfortably
Written English teaches correctness.
Spoken English teaches connection.
Answers:
B
B
B