Varying diction and dialects

Which of the following sentences uses Standard English?

• She ain't going to the party.

• They was happy to see us.

• He doesn't have any homework.

• We seen that movie already.

Answer explanation

This sentence follows standard grammar rules for subject-verb agreement and negation. The other options use non-standard forms like 'ain't,' 'was' with a plural subject, and 'seen' instead of 'saw'.

Sort these words based on their typical use: Everyday Language or Academic Language.

Groups:

(a) Everyday Language

,

(b) Academic Language

• look at

• examine

• use

• so

• consequently

• utilize

Answer explanation

Words like 'utilize,' 'consequently,' and 'examine' are more formal and typically used in academic writing, while 'use,' 'so,' and 'look at' are common in everyday conversation.

A character in a story says, 'I reckon we should head home before dark.' The word 'reckon' is most characteristic of which regional dialect?

• Northeastern American

• Southern American

• West Coast American

• British English

Answer explanation

The word 'reckon,' meaning 'to think' or 'to suppose,' is a well-known feature of Southern American English. The other dialects do not commonly use this term.

Match each non-standard phrase to its Standard English equivalent.

• I am getting ready to go.

• Y'all need to chill.

• You all need to relax.

• I'm fixin' to go.

• Where are you?

• Where you at?

• She doesn't know anything.

• She don't know nothin'.

Answer explanation

This exercise matches common non-standard or dialectal phrases with their grammatically correct Standard English translations, demonstrating the application of standard grammar rules.

If your friend says, 'That new video game is fire,' what type of diction are they using?

• Academic language

• Formal English

• Teen slang

• A regional dialect

Answer explanation

'Fire' is a colloquial term, or slang, used by younger people to mean something is excellent or amazing. It is not formal, academic, or specific to a geographical region.

Which sentence correctly avoids the double negative found in 'I can't find my keys nowhere'?

• I can't find my keys anywhere.

• I can find my keys nowhere.

• I can't find my keys nowhere at all.

• I ain't found my keys nowhere.

Answer explanation

Standard English avoids double negatives. The negative 'can't' should be paired with 'anywhere.' Using 'nowhere' with 'can't' creates a double negative, which is non-standard.

Sort the following requests into two categories: Formal Diction or Informal Diction.

Groups:

(a) Formal Diction

,

(b) Informal Diction

• Help me out, will ya?

• Could you please pass the pen?

• Would you be so kind as to assist me?

• Gimme that pen.

Answer explanation

Formal diction uses polite, complete sentences ('Could you please...'), while informal diction uses colloquialisms and contractions ('Gimme,' 'will ya?') and is more direct.

The phrase 'He be working late on Fridays' is an example of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). What does the use of 'be' imply?

• He worked late one time in the past.

• He is working late right now.

• He habitually or regularly works late.

• He will work late in the future.

Answer explanation

In AAVE, the use of 'be' (known as the habitual be) indicates an action that is done repeatedly or is a regular habit, not a one-time or current event.

Match each academic phrase to its simpler, everyday meaning.

• To make it easier to understand...

• Subsequent to the event...

• Look at the information...

• To facilitate understanding...

• After the event...

• The predominant factor...

• The main reason...

• Analyze the data...

Answer explanation

This matches formal, academic phrases with their more common, everyday equivalents, showing how diction changes based on the context and audience.

Which sentence correctly uses pronouns according to Standard English rules?

• Me and my friend are going to the movies.

• Her and I studied for the test.

• The teacher gave the awards to Sam and I.

• He and I are on the same team.

Answer explanation

In Standard English, 'He' and 'I' are subject pronouns used when they are performing the action. The other options incorrectly use object pronouns ('Me,' 'Her') in the subject position or as the object of a preposition ('I').