New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How does the syntax of spoken language compare to that of written language?

1. It is more complex in spoken language

2. It is more relaxed and flexible in word order

3. It is identical to written language

4. It follows stricter grammar rules

The correct answer is: It is more relaxed and flexible in word order

The syntax of spoken language is typically more relaxed and flexible in word order compared to written language. This flexibility allows for more spontaneous and informal communication. In oral interactions, speakers can often rearrange their sentences without losing meaning, accommodating the dynamic nature of conversations. This can include the use of interjections, pauses, and interruptions that do not conform to traditional grammatical structures. In written language, however, the syntax tends to follow stricter grammatical conventions and established rules. Writers often need to ensure clarity and coherence for their readers, leading to a more structured approach to sentence formation. The differences in delivery, context, and audience expectations between spoken and written forms of language account for this variance in syntax. Overall, the ability to adapt word order more freely in spoken language reflects the immediacy and interaction inherent in verbal communication, distinguishing it from the more deliberate and structured nature of writing.