New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What aspect of spoken language differentiates it from written language?

1. Word choice is more elaborate

2. It uses more complex vocabulary

3. There is more flexibility in word order

4. Spoken language is always more formal

The correct answer is: There is more flexibility in word order

Spoken language is characterized by a greater flexibility in word order compared to written language. This flexibility stems from the interactive and dynamic nature of spoken communication, where speakers can emphasize different parts of a phrase or adapt their phrasing based on situational context, audience feedback, or the flow of conversation. In contrast, written language tends to adhere to more structured grammatical rules and conventions, which often mandate a more rigid word order to ensure clarity and coherence for the reader. This flexible nature allows for variations that can convey tone, urgency, or emotion that may not be as easily captured in writing. Such adjustments contribute to the immediacy and informality found in spoken language, enabling speakers to express nuances and subtleties effectively. Hence, this aspect of spoken language distinguishes it from written language, where consistency and clarity are typically prioritized to accommodate a static audience.