Fail Abysmally, not Woefully
“MEND in a statement signed by its spokesman… said it will (would) begin….” “The targets are non-Muslims groups.” Existential humanism: non-Muslim groups. THE GUARDIAN On Sunday of July 2 contributed four inaccuracies to this week’s pool of blunders: “Then between 2007 and 2015, Ikot Ekpene senatorial district is on (in) the saddle.”
“…disclaimed insinuation (an insinuation or insinuations) in some quarters that….”
“Today, he does not only represent the rare specie (species) of lawyers….”
THISDAY of July 3 goofed on the late Chinua Achebe two times: “Achebe was accused of being privy to the coup on the ground (grounds) that….”
“Achebe’s no hold barred (sic) reprimand on the Nigerian nation….” The Achebe story: no-holds-barred reprimand.
“The sad story of some communities in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State that are literarily (literally) trapped….”
“I noticed that I stir up this awe whenever I speak in the company of my guys and others.” People: in company with (not of) my guys and others.
“Be your brother’s keepers….” Fixed expression irrespective of number of people involved: brother’s keeper.
“Yes, a lot of people like these kind of prophetic books.” This way: this kind/these kinds of people
“…God was merciful to have kept him for 23 years after the motor accident that confided (confined) him to the wheelchair.”
“Let your wrist watch speak volume (vol- umes)”
“To build capacity through trainings” ‘Training’ is non-count.
“This should have been our interactive platform and an income generating (incomegenerating) website.”
Please note this: ‘under the circumstance’ is American English while ‘in the circumstance’ is British English. This particular intervention is critical because in their book entitled Correct English, J. E. Metcalfe and C. Astle declared that ‘under the circumstance’ is wrong. But, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) published in 2012 confirms the two expressions as correct entries. We should exercise circumspection in our use of the English language and its registers. I prefer ‘in the circumstance’, however.
“…has been as selfish, self serving (self-serving) and attempt (an attempt) by the House to place its members above the electorates they should be accountable to.” The making of invincible legislators: electorates/electors or the electorate (not the electorates). More on this next week….
“…and absorbs (absolves) them from civil or criminal proceedings….”
“The same house has (had) attempted in the past to compromise the….” Existential humanism: ‘in the past’ is redundant here.
“But what is really important is the number of people who turns (turn) new leaves….” Fixed/ stock expression: turn a new leaf (irrespective of the number of people).
“Osinbajo, who summoned the service chiefs to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, was said to have intimated them of (to) the Presidency’s plan….”
“If traditional media is (are) not able to deliver quality journalism, then who will?”
“Egypt (Egyptian) court revokes Morsi’s firing of prosecutor”
“The President then presents the recommendation to the National Council of States (State) for deliberation.”
“…it might afford the country the opportunity to a round table (sic) to regurgitate what grouse each bears against (about) the other (one another).”
“It was their battle (Niger Delta militants) that awaken (awoke) the consciousness….”
“I believe in total and comprehensive assessment of a person to determine his/her (their) suitability and overall credibility.”
“UI students’ union leaders sworn-in (sworn in), seek cooperation”
“The minister goes on to paint a very laudable picture of the purpose of the First Ladies Peace Mission, rounding up (rounding off) with the battle-cry….”
THISDAY of July 22 disappointed its numerous readers: “He said the village have (had) never been attacked in the past….”
“…majority (again, a majority) of them failed woefully (abysmally).”
“…who briefed journalists on the company’s field development programme yesterday, in company of (in company with) the vice-chairman….”
“The victims comprised of four….” Delete ‘of’ in pursuit of reason and truth.
Still on the editorial: “…stakeholders to put heads together in order to help find lasting solution (a lasting solution) to the security challenges presently facing the nation.” Why not ‘the insecurity facing the nation’?
“Shareholders of GSK Plc (PLC) has (have) enjoyed a huge….”
“But GSK need (needs) a more robust fourth quarter to sustain the record-setting bullish run.”
“…where majority (a majority) of the population live (lives)….”
“Eight Egba chiefs arrested over (for) murder of prince in Ondo”
“Survivors of suicide bomb attacks recount tales of woes” Kano blasts: tale of woe (fixed/ stock expression—plurality notwithstanding)