The ability of ELs to express themselves in ways that are appropriate to the situations in which they are speaking is most commonly referred to as

Strategic competence refers to the ability to use communication strategies to overcome language barriers and enhance understanding. While this skill is important for effective communication, it does not specifically address the appropriateness of language use in various social situations. Instead, it focuses on compensatory strategies rather than contextual language adaptation.

Grammatical competence is the knowledge of syntax, morphology, and phonology that allows a speaker to produce grammatically correct sentences. While essential for constructing sentences, it does not encompass the ability to adjust language based on social contexts, which is the core aspect of sociolinguistic competence.

Structural competence pertains to understanding the underlying structures and rules of a language. This includes knowledge of sentence formation and language mechanics. However, like grammatical competence, it does not address the nuances of appropriate language use in varying social situations, making it less relevant in this context.