When learning English, you may notice that people speak differently than they write. The words used in daily conversations are often not the same as the words used in formal writing.
This is because English has two important types of vocabulary: spoken vocabulary and written vocabulary.
Understanding the difference between spoken and written vocabulary helps you communicate more effectively in both situations.
In this guide, you will learn spoken vs written vocabulary, their differences, examples, and how to use them correctly.
Spoken vocabulary refers to the words and phrases used in everyday conversations.
These words are usually:
- Simple
- Informal
- Easy to understand
Examples of Spoken Vocabulary
| Spoken Word/Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Wanna | I wanna go home. |
| Gonna | She is gonna call you. |
| Kids | The kids are playing outside. |
| Okay | Okay, I understand. |
👉 Spoken vocabulary is commonly used in:
- Daily conversations
- Friends and family talk
- Informal situations
What is Written Vocabulary?
Written vocabulary refers to the words used in formal writing.
These words are usually:
- More formal
- More structured
- Grammatically complete
Examples of Written Vocabulary
| Written Word/Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Want to | I want to go home. |
| Going to | She is going to call you. |
| Children | The children are playing outside. |
| Acceptable | This is acceptable. |
👉 Written vocabulary is used in:
- Essays
- Emails
- Reports
- Academic writing
Spoken vs Written (Key Differences)
Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Spoken Vocabulary | Written Vocabulary |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Informal | Formal |
| Structure | Short and simple | Complete and structured |
| Usage | Conversations | Writing |
| Examples | Wanna, gonna | Want to, going to |
👉 Both types are important for learning English.
Spoken vs Written Sentence Examples
Understanding through sentences makes it easier:
| Spoken Sentence | Written Sentence |
|---|---|
| I wanna learn English. | I want to learn English. |
| She’s gonna come soon. | She is going to come soon. |
| Kids are playing. | Children are playing. |
| It’s okay. | It is acceptable. |
👉 These examples show how spoken language becomes more formal in writing.
Formal vs Informal Vocabulary
Spoken vocabulary is usually informal, while written vocabulary is more formal.
Examples:
| Informal (Spoken) | Formal (Written) |
|---|---|
| Buy | Purchase |
| Help | Assist |
| Ask | Inquire |
| Get | Obtain |
👉 Knowing both helps you choose the right words in different situations.
Why is Spoken and Written Vocabulary Important?
Learning both types improves your English skills.
- Helps You Speak Naturally
You can communicate easily in daily life.
- Improves Writing Skills
You can write clearly and professionally.
- Avoids Mistakes
You will know when to use formal or informal language.
How to Use Spoken and Written Vocabulary Correctly
Here are simple tips:
- Know Your Situation
Use spoken vocabulary in conversations and written vocabulary in formal writing.
- Avoid Informal Words in Writing
Do not use words like wanna or gonna in formal writing.
- Practice Both Types
Practice speaking and writing regularly.
- Learn Formal Alternatives
Replace informal words with formal ones when needed.
Conclusion
Spoken and written vocabulary are two important parts of English. Spoken vocabulary is used in everyday conversations, while written vocabulary is used in formal writing.
By understanding their differences and practicing both, you can improve your communication skills and use English more effectively in any situation.
FAQs About Spoken vs Written Vocabulary
What is spoken vocabulary?
Spoken vocabulary includes words used in daily conversations and informal situations.
What is written vocabulary?
Written vocabulary includes formal words used in writing, such as essays and reports.
What is the difference between spoken and written vocabulary?
Spoken vocabulary is informal and simple, while written vocabulary is formal and structured.
Why is it important to learn both types?
Learning both helps you communicate effectively in speaking and writing.