All Ears English Podcast AEE 2414: Why Do Native English Speakers Make This Mistake?
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May 26, 2025 The hosts discuss the confusing term 're-thunk' and how common pronunciation challenges can trip up even native speakers. They explore casual language and regional slang like 'oops' and 'my bad' while highlighting frequent grammatical errors in past tenses. The episode adds a dash of humor by showcasing playful expressions used when acknowledging mistakes, such as 'derp' and 'doi'. Listeners also enjoy a funny vacation story that illustrates using bad grammar for laughs, teasing out the nuances of language in different contexts.
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Why "Rethunk" Happens
- Some native English speakers say "rethunk" as a past tense of "rethink," which is grammatically incorrect but common in certain regions.
- Irregular verb patterns confuse speakers, leading to such grammar errors based on what sounds right to them.
Role of Region and Context
- Grammar errors with past participles often correlate with regional dialects and social context.
- People may avoid such mistakes in formal settings but use them casually among familiar groups.
Avoid Saying "Rethunk"
- Avoid saying "rethunk" because it is a recognized grammar mistake and can confuse listeners.
- Use the correct past tense "rethought" or the past continuous "was rethinking" instead for clarity.