Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi

Jun 24, 2025
Explore why we say "prob'ly" instead of "probably" as the podcast dives into sound omission in everyday speech. Discover a fascinating study about AI's influence on language, particularly how ChatGPT is reshaping communication. The conversation highlights various types of elision and their importance for language learners, while also discussing AI's impact on vocabulary among content creators. Plus, there's a fun take on enhancing breakfast nutrition amidst lighthearted promos!
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ADVICE

Elide Only Unstressed Sounds

  • Use elision carefully to keep communication clear when the meaning is obvious.
  • Avoid eliding stressed vowels as it causes confusion and sounds unnatural.
INSIGHT

Elision Makes Speech Flow

  • Elision is omitting sounds or syllables in casual speech to make language flow naturally and efficiently.
  • This includes dropping unstressed vowels and consonants, smoothing the rhythm for clearer, faster communication.
INSIGHT

Types of Elision Explained

  • Elision divides into apharisis (start), syncope (middle), and apocopy (end) based on where sounds drop.
  • These types shape common speech shortenings like "prob'ly" and "photo."
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