[6 Common Grammar Mistakes Made by Native English Speakers]-[AEE 180: Native Speaker Expressions that are Not in Your English Textbook]

All Ears English Podcast · B1 · 2014-09-08

📋 Summary

Mastering English: Understanding When Native Speakers Break the Rules

In the latest episode of the All Ears English podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into a fascinating aspect of language learning: the reality that native English speakers frequently break grammatical rules. The hosts emphasize that while learners should strive for fluency, understanding these common "mistakes" is essential for cultural connection and sounding natural. They argue that one must "learn the rules to break them," noting that native speakers often deviate from standard grammar for reasons of rhythm, convenience, cultural fitting-in, or simple laziness.

1. The Double Negative

Using double negatives, such as in the classic Rolling Stones song "I can't get no satisfaction," is a prime example of rule-breaking. While standard English would require "I can't get any satisfaction," the double negative is often used in music to maintain the beat or create a specific, "cooler" stylistic effect. The hosts suggest that learners should listen for these in music and everyday speech to recognize them, even if they choose not to use them personally.

2. Using 'Got' Instead of 'Have'

Native speakers often use "got" in the present tense, saying things like, "I got a car" instead of "I have a car." Lindsay and Michelle clarify that this is not the past tense of "get," but rather a very casual, conversational shortcut. This usage is highly nuanced; therefore, the hosts advise learners to listen carefully and ensure they are comfortable with the context before attempting to use it themselves.

3. The Use of 'Ain't'

Perhaps the most controversial point discussed, "ain't" is widely recognized as incorrect. Lindsay initially expresses a strong preference against using it, especially in professional settings. However, Michelle notes that it can be a stylistic choice, often used for emphasis, humor, or to mimic a specific cultural identity. The consensus is that while it is "totally wrong," speakers might choose to use it to make a joke or match a specific social environment.

4. The Subjunctive Mood: 'If I Was' vs. 'If I Were'

Grammatically, "if I were" is the correct form for hypothetical situations. However, many native speakers habitually use "if I was" simply because they have heard it repeated throughout their lives. Lindsay and Michelle recommend that learners continue to use the correct form, "if I were," even if they frequently hear native speakers using the incorrect version.

5. Avoiding Past Participles

Sometimes, speakers avoid complex past participles, leading to errors like "I have went" instead of "I have been." The hosts acknowledge that some past participles can be confusing (e.g., swim, swam, swum). They advise listeners to focus on using the correct forms, such as "I have been to all those countries," rather than mimicking the common errors made by native speakers who may not be familiar with the correct verb conjugations.

6. Misusing the Third Conditional

Finally, the hosts address the common error in past conditional sentences, such as saying, "If I would have had more money, I would have gone." The correct structure requires the past perfect in the "if" clause: "If I had had more money, I would have gone." Even articulate native speakers often make this mistake, adding "would have" where it does not belong. The hosts urge learners to keep this structure straight to maintain high-level accuracy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the podcast episode highlights that language is about "connection, not perfection." While it is helpful to know these rules are being broken, learners should be selective about when they choose to adopt these habits. By focusing on natural, native-level content, students can better understand the balance between academic accuracy and the relaxed, idiomatic way native speakers communicate in real life.

🎯Key Sentences

I'm good.

we all have different perspectives on life.

We would like to mix it up.

It's anyone's guess.

I'm a rule follower for sure.

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📝Key Phrases

mix it up

it's anyone's guess

to some extent

berate myself

take note of

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📖 Transcript

This is an All Ears English podcast, episode 180 native speaker expressions that are not in your English textbook.

Welcome to the All Ears English podcast where you'll finally get real native English conversation and fluency for business and life.

We believe in connection, not perfection, when it comes to learning English.

Now here are your hosts Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz, coming to you from Arizona and Boston, USA.

USA.

Native English speakers make mistakes all of the time, but there are six big ones that you'll hear most often.

Michelle, what is this next mistake that native speakers make on purpose? yes so this is well and I don't know if they always realize it's on purpose actually that's the thing I agree so it's I if I was right instead of if I were so what's which one is right Lindsay if I was or if I were Yeah, if I were is actually the correct way to say that, guys.

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