Headword	Scottish standard English
Level	SG/HS
Language	English
Topic	Sociolinguistics
Definition	Scottish standard English is the variety of language normally used in formal, non-fictional written texts in Scotland. It is very close to standard Englishes elsewhere in the UK, North America and Australasia, but has some distinctive features. The speech of the middle classes in Scotland often conforms to the grammatical norms of the written standard, particularly in situations that are regarded as formal.
Notes	The grammar of Scottish Standard English differs from its southern cousin in certain grammatical features and idioms. These should be regarded as preferences and tendencies, rather than absolute rules. Examples include the following: Scottish Standard English English Standard English Can I come too? May I come too? I would, if I was you. I should, if I were you. My hair needs washed. My hair needs/wants washing. He’ll not do that. He won’t do that. I have one of those already. I’ve got one of those already. Do you have any? Have you got any? Does anybody know? Does anyone know? She’s a braw lass. She’s a pretty girl. He’s hurt his pinkie. He’s hurt his little finger. Where do you stay? Where do you live?
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Concept	Variation
See also	Non-standard language, Standard English