A 3-minute read
Anyone who has studied English has likely had this frustrating experience: You learn a grammar rule, practice it, and feel confident using it. Then, you hear a native speaker say something completely different. What’s going on? Are they just ignoring the rules?
Native speakers often use informal or non-standard English in everyday conversation. This doesn’t mean they don’t know the rules. Language is flexible, and people naturally adapt it to different situations.
Why Do Native Speakers Speak Differently?
Native speakers learn English in a social and cultural environment. Unlike English learners, who study structured grammar in classrooms, native speakers acquire language naturally by hearing and using it in daily life. They pick up common expressions, slang, and even grammatical shortcuts based on what they hear around them.
For example, an English learner is taught to say:
“There are fewer people here today.”
“You did really well.”
“Will you call me later?”
But a native speaker might say:
“There’s less people here today.”
“You did real good.”
“Call me later.”
These variations sound natural in conversation even though they don’t follow strict grammar rules.
Social Context Shapes Language
People adjust their speech depending on the situation. In a professional setting, someone might say, “You did really well.” But in a casual setting, they may say, “You did real good.” This flexibility helps people fit in with their social groups and communicate more naturally and expressively.
What Should English Learners Do?
As an English learner, you’re taught standard grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and so on. That’s the foundation of the standardized English language. However, real-world English often includes regional accents, informal expressions, and grammatical shortcuts. The best way to get used to these variations is through practice (listening to native speakers, watching movies, and engaging in conversations).
Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming. The key is to be aware that there is a difference between standard English and everyday spoken English. Over time, you’ll develop an ear for both and learn when to use each one.
Keep practicing, keep listening and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning English.