Examples of non-standard usage

If language is used in an unconventional way it may stand out and be worthy of analysis. The following examples have all been used in spontaneous speech and may be by non-native speakers, dialect speakers or young children.

Comment, in any appropriate way, on the examples.

1. I can do that quicklier than you

2. Then he jumped off of the wall

3. If he hadn't've gone to the match he wouldn't of been late

4. I ain't never done nothin' like that

5. How much Easter eggs do you have?

6. That's the swing we swinged on

7. We're waitin' of it comin' in, pet

8. You'ze lot 've got a lot to learn

9. [James aged 3 after poking his ear]
Look mummy. My itch is gone and I got a wak out of it

10. [Mother] Don't argue

[Hugh aged 3] I don't argme!

When you have identified what you believe are the key linguistic points about each extract click here to read the commentary.

In future listen carefully and collect your own examples of non-standard usage.