Several frequently used oral language constructions are discussed in order to discover how frequently native speakers use these constructions, to observe which form of a disputed construction native speakers choose, and to review several widely used English as a Second Language (ESL) textbooks to determine whether or not they address these choices. Six language items were selected for study in spontaneous conversational exchanges between native speakers of current American English. Three talk shows on radio and television were analyzed and data are provided from 57 hours of television and radio conversation. In the analysis, level of discourse and language background of the speakers were considered. A textbook analysis revealed that usage appearing frequently in competent speech is not taught, nor is there attention to the informal spoken language register. It is suggested that teachers must recognize that a construction is neglected in the textbook, and then decide how to teach it, including an indication to the students regarding the variation between the textbook construction and the one used often in informal speech. (AMH)