Angie Zelenak wrote:

I am relatively new to this forum. I find it very helpful to a layperson, so I am compelled to present a monumental question about grammar usage.

When did the verb "to go" become a speaking verb in conversation? For example, "I go, 'I'm not going to do that'"; "He goes, 'Oh yes you are"; "She goes, 'Please forgive me for my rudeness'" -- you get the idea?

I have noticed this usage more substantially in the past ten months, and it is not just by the grammatically impaired. I hear lawyers, school teachers, and even an N.P.R. interviewer last week, all in a fast-talking need to employ "go" instead of "said, commented, reiterated," or any other verb of speaking.

I go, "what gives?" And should I discourage my young children from saying this?

Angie Zelenak
Freelance Writer and Media Advisor
1.888.481.2415

2933 Fort Street
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
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Angie,

"Go" and "like" are what linguists call quotatives, words that mark the beginning of a direct quotation.

Not quotatives, but also interesting are words like "why," "well," and "you know" that seem to have few purposes in an utterance.

           "Why, how long have you lived here?"
           "Well, I guess I should be going."
           " I'm trying, you know, to figure out this problem."

I've even read George Will pieces in which he used "well."

Marshall
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