Do you know phrases that you picked up through your subconscious mind?

[Torsten]

I sometimes have English phrases in my head and can't remember where and when I learned them. Sometimes I'm not sure if that particular phrase is used very often or if it is considered "good English" but still the phrase is there. The only explanation I have is that I pick up phrases subconsciously. I often listen to audio recordings while doing something else. At the beginning of the recording I usually listen quite attentively and later on I concentrate on that other activity (in most cases it's reading something).

Also, when I read something at home I usually have CNN or something else in the background. My question is, has anyone of you ever experienced something similar? I mean do you sometimes have phrases or words in your head without knowing their meaning proper usage?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

I know exactly how I learned the German word Nebenwirkungen.

Zu Risiken und Nebenwirkungen lesen Sie die Packungsbeilage und fragen Sie Ihren Arzt oder Apotheker.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Torsten]

Aha Amy, TV commercials. So maybe listening to records in the target language has just this positive side effect: you learn the language without making too much of a conscious effort?
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TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

Yes, I understood the general sense of that sentence long before I understood the precise meanings of every single word. I knew some of the words, but understood the overall sense of the sentence from the broader context.

I remember that I basically ignored the word 'Nebenwirkungen' for quite a long time. One day, after I'd heard that sentence for the umpteenth time, it just popped into my head that 'Nebenwirkungen' must mean 'side effects'.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Ralf]

Before I started studying Spanish, I used to see a young lady from Spain. I found myself swearing like a Spanish tinker before I could even say "My name is.." in Spanish. And I wasn't aware that I was paying much attention to what she said in certain situations. What's said here probably speaks volumes for the relationship I had back then.
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TOEFL Preparation & TOEFL Vocabulary
Learn more about: Ralf Breheny

[Torsten]

Hi Ralf,

So are you saying that Spanish women have a tendency to use a lot of swear words or was it just that particular girl you used to see?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Ralf]

[princess]

I can't remember that when I learnt this phrase"check out", but I use it frequently now in several situations and I don't know either why I use it in those situations XP
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Life is milk and cookies.

[edison_chen_e_c]

Oh I wish I was you, Torsten, who has that kind of 'super power'. If had that ability, then I did not need to study so hard now.

OK, I admit sometimes it happens to me as well.

[Torsten]

Hi Edision,

This is not about having a super power -- it's more about applying common sense. You can only learn when you enjoy what you are doing so "studying hard" is not very effective when it comes to learning English. The trick is to use your subconscious mind rather than to force yourself to "study hard".
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[edison_chen_e_c]

Yes, sir.