Spoken english

Question

in 'spoken english' the adjective 'spoken' modifies noun 'english' but it seems to be meaning the english that has been spoken or used, while actually it means everyday english that is being used.we come across similar past participle adjectives e.g torn paper,washed clothes,sterilized water but here it is quite clear that paper has been torn,clothes has been washed,water has been sterilized.now how would we justify spoken english???if english has been spoken,why we use it today

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I think it means "spoken English" as opposed to "written English." Certain aspects might be different.

There's no way to justify it, other than common usage, and the [prior] context of the existing sentence.

In written English, "read" and "read" look the same, although one is present tense and one is past tense.

In spoken English, "read" and "read" sound differently.

If you're going to use the passive voice, there's as much justification for saying
"spoken English" is English which is spoken as there is for saying
"spoken English" is English which was/has been spoken.

The sentence "English is spoken here" can refer to "habitual behavior."

When we use a past participle as an adjective, it doesn't have to mean the noun it modifies has been acted upon.
(torn paper vs. spoken English)

Abdul quddus · Answer

AvangiI think it means "spoken English" as opposed to "written English." Certain aspects might be different.
There's no way to justify it, other than common usage, and the [prior] context of the existing sentence.
In written English, "read" and "read" look the same, although one is present tense and one is past tense.
In spoken English, "read" and "read" sound differently

in my view english must have logical explanation???

Avangi · Answer

abdul quddusin my view english must have logical explanation???

I wish you good hunting! - in your dreams.

If you insist on each word having only one meaning, you'll put the dictionaries out of business.

Likewise, if each part of speech can be used in only one way, you'll put the linguistics professors out of business.

Torn paper Excited people

Once the paper has been torn, it will always be "torn paper."

Once the people have been excited, they will always be "excited people." (??)

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Hi Abdul,
I believe your question about "Spoken" English actually is one of past participle nature. Please note, all proper names and tiltes require capitalization.

He is fluent in spoken and written English.
I am exhausted.
She was very embarrassed.

All the bold "past participles" are used as adjectives which do have a passive nature.

BillJ · Answer

abdul quddusin 'spoken english' the adjective 'spoken' modifies noun 'english' but it seems to be meaning the english that has been spoken or used, while actually it means everyday english that is being used.we come across similar past participle adjectives e.g torn paper,washed clothes,sterilized water but here it is quite clear that paper has been torn,clothes has been washed,water has been sterilized.now how would we justify spoken english???if english has been spoken,why we use it today

You're confusing the adjectival and verbal interpretations of past participles. When they are used as modifiers to nouns, they have an adjectival interpretation. For example, the 'torn' in 'torn paper' implies a 'state' - the paper was in a torn condition. By contrast, the verbal interpretation describes an event: "Someone or something tore the paper, where 'tore' must be a verb because it has 'paper' as its direct object; adjectives do not take objects. The same applies to the other participles you mentioned.

BillJ

Avangi · Answer

dimsumexpressAll the bold "past participles" are used as adjectives which do have a passive nature.

Hi, dimsum.

I'm not sure what you're saying here.

Past participles have a passive nature?
The bold past participles have a passive nature?
The adjectives "derived" from these particular past participles have a passive nature?
All past participles when used as adjectives have a passive nature?

I realize you're using the relative clause as "defining," but I don't know if that's intentional.
(I don't mean to debate the issue of whether or not something used as an adjective actually is an adjective.)

Best regards, - A.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Avangi,
I am mot going use my word to explain waht I had commented earlier.
Pay a visit to this link:
http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/passive3a.html

Receiver of the feeling or emotion – The past participle serves as an adjective formed from the passive form of the verb.
	an amused child The child receives the feeling of amusement.
	Interested people can sign up for the 2-day class. (The people feel interest in the subject.)
	Bored speakers should find something exciting to say. (The speaker feels boredom while speaking!)
	Amused viewers enjoy the short films. (The viewers feel the amusement.)
I hope you are satisfied with the answer.	Overwhelmed students end up dropping a course or two . (The students feel overwhelmed.)

Avangi · Answer

dimsumexpressI am mot going use my word to explain waht I had commented earlier.

dimsumexpressI hope you are satisfied with the answer.

Yes, let us not waste words. I'll just assume that you're right, although I don't understand any of it.

Spoken english

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions