Starter grammar guide
Scots forms are patterns, not broken English
This page introduces a few common forms while keeping regional variation and the difference between Scots and Scottish English visible.
Negation
Dinnae means do not, while cannae means cannot. Exact forms and pronunciations vary across dialects.
Knowledge
Ken means know or understand and appears in patterns such as “dinnae ken” and “ye ken.”
Agreement
Aye and naw answer questions, but intonation can add skepticism, warmth, reluctance, or emphasis.
Size and softening
Wee may describe literal size or soften a request, quantity, or description.
Regional questions
Fit like? is a north-east greeting, while “where do you bide?” asks where someone lives.
Writing choices
Scots spelling can represent shared forms, local pronunciation, and literary convention. Check regional labels instead of treating every form as universal.