logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2022
16m 58s

The Subconscious Rules of Conversation. ...

Quickanddirtytips.com
About this episode

897. Have you ever written yourself into a "that that" or a "had had" situation and wondered how you got there? It doesn't mean you're a bad writer! I explain why this happens sometimes and how to best fix it. Also, we talk about the fascinating subconscious rules that guide conversations.

| Transcript:  https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/the-subconscious-rules-of-conversation

| Segment 2 is by Valerie Fridland: Website. Twitter.

Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates.

Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.

Peeve Wars card game

Grammar Girl books

| HOST: Mignon Fogarty

| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) or https://sayhi.chat/grammargirl

| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.

  • Audio engineer: Nathan Semes
  • Editor: Adam Cecil
  • Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson
  • Marketing and Publicity Assistant: Davina Tomlin
  • Digital Operations Specialist: Holly Hutchings
  • Intern: Kamryn Lacy

| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.

| Grammar Girl Social Media Links: YouTube. TikTok. Twitter. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn.

Up next
Aug 21
How to build a successful writers’ newsletter, with Jane Friedman
1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, an ... Show More
18m 29s
Aug 19
What is 'versing'? ‘Whatchamacallit' and other placeholder words. Chicken.
1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun international examples and the now-obsolete word "whiblin."The "thingamajig" segm ... Show More
13m 14s
Aug 14
AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton
1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit hard by AI and the kind of work that is likely to be lost. We also hear her book ... Show More
19m 38s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
How to Talk to People: How to Make Small Talk
Making small talk can be hard—especially when you’re not sure whether you’re doing it well. But conversations are a central part of relationship-building. In this first episode of How to Talk to People, we explore the psychological barriers to making good small talk and unravel t ... Show More
37m 56s
May 2021
114: September Smith | Finding Your Story
How to be natural and be more compelling in telling your story is the speciality in the house for September Smith. Today, she will drop by to tell us how to find our own story and craft it in an engaging and memorable way to our audience. She will then talk about the value of pod ... Show More
34m 58s
May 2024
963: How “Bad” English can Enhance Communication and Relationships with Dr. Valerie Fridland
Dr. Valerie Fridland shares surprising insight into why filler words and other vilified elements of speaking aren’t all that bad in the workplace.  — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The surprising value of saying “Uh” and “Um” 2) How to switch up your language to build better relationships 3) ... Show More
41m 18s
Feb 2019
Writing + Silence | 183
Even if you’re not a writer — or even in a sort of work where you create — you’ll find wisdom and inspiration in Andrea's life lessons she's learned from writing. And because I wrote about podcasts I’m currently into, in this chat I’m talking about the beauty and necessity of sil ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 2022
Episode 248: Mapping Conversations with Rebecca Evanhoe
These days, you can talk with the digital things around you, like voice assistants and chatbots. How are these experiences designed? Our guest today is Rebecca Evanhoe, co-author of Conversations with Things. You’ll learn about the four pillars of conversational design, what prot ... Show More
41m 10s
Feb 2024
🔒 Exploring English Vocabulary: Remote Working with Lindsay
Subscriber-only episodeE186: 🎙️  Welcome to another Bonus Episode, Plus Members! Thank you for tuning in once again. Today, we're delving into the nitty-gritty of some vocabulary discussed in my recent chat with Lindsay in Episode 185: Native English Conversation: Remote Working ... Show More
10 m
Feb 2025
Encore: Having Hard Conversations: How to Avoid Being Avoidant
Hey, Fellow Travelers. This week, we’re checking in with Savannah, Ryan and Beth, Danica, and Amy to hear how our sessions have impacted their lives since we last spoke. All of them had trouble communicating with someone--a spouse, sibling, boyfriend--about an important issue in ... Show More
41m 21s
May 2024
How Can We Be More Effective With Language?
Have you ever wondered what’s up with double negation, the history of gender neutral pronouns, or why swearing is taboo? Then get ready for this week’s guest, linguist Anne Curzan! Anne and Jonathan talk about how the English language has evolved since the 1300s and how our words ... Show More
55m 20s
Jul 2022
#109 Ellen Jovin on “The Grammar Table”
Creator and proprietor of The Grammar Table, Ellen Jovin, joins Benny Lewis and Shannon Kennedy to talk about traveling the country to discuss grammar, learning the languages of New York, and finding joy in learning grammar.Featured Resources Rebel with a ClausePatreon Extended E ... Show More
47m 53s
Jun 2024
Redefining Your Path & Finding True Success with Jaz Turner
Ashley sits down with social media superstar Jaz Turner, known for her inspiring content on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Jaz delves into her journey from quitting law school to creating content full time, sharing valuable insights on maintaining authenticity, preventing burnou ... Show More
1h 15m