Bachiesichang Dictionary of English Errors

By King Sulleyman D. Bachiesichang

English like any other language is replete with problems not only for foreign learners, but also for native speakers. As a living language that is changing continuously, certain words and phrases are commonly misused even in the hands of experienced users. Consider this deviant expression I will do my possible best to pass the test. It is rather right to say I will do all that I can to pass the test. In Standard English we do not use possible to qualify best. This dictionary sows a seed in your mind an engaging experience of Standard English proficiency as a deposit of gold worth poor mans money. If you've ever struggled with a word on the tip of your tongue, searched for a witty comeback, or lacking the ability to express yourself and consult a good sentence, then you understand just how useful this dictionary can be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Jul 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483618845

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 by King Sulleyman D. Bachiesichang.

Bachiesichang Dictionaries are assembled and Published under the license agreement of the International Corpus of English (ICE) and:

Bachiesichang Citation Database (BCD)

Bachiesichang International Corpus (BIC)

Bachiesichang African Language Project (BALP)

Bachiesichang Language Policy Research & Development Division (BLPRDD)

Crown University Press & COQEE Education System

Art work, typing and illustrations by: Victoria Lartey

This is a decade work written in piecemeal, in order to meet today’s technological driven perfection. I have benefited immensely from suggestions offered, and from constructive advice given by: Mohammed AbdulSalam Daaru, James Arthur, Emmanuel E. Williams, Bachiesichang Kuri-Dimah Sakina, Bombie Taufic, Charity Bukari, Dr. Hellen Yitah, Bachiesichang D. Zuliahah, Abdul-karim Yakubu Damba and Yana Yahaya. In particular, I have benefited inestimably from the painstaking suggestions of Mohammed AbdulSalam Daaru, Senator Davis Boateng and Victoria Lartey which led to countless additions and improvements. Without their effort this finished piece would have far more arduous and far less rewarding than it has been.

All rights reserved. Unless under legal contract, no part of this publication may be reproduced; stored in a retrieval system; or transmitted in any form or by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise-without prior permission of the publishers. Breach of this notice is liable for legal sword of justice.

Rev. date: 07/12/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

0-800-644-6988

www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk

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Contents

Acknowledgement

Preface

How To Use This Dictionary

Introduction

The Dictionary

Summary of Grammar

Glossary of Punctuation

Summary of Oral English

Glossary of Collocations

Dictionary of Literature

Glossary of Confused Spellings

Special Appreciations

Alhaji Amadu Abdul-Razak

Issah Yahaya (African University College of Communications)

Charity Bukari (Crown University College)

Ziblim Abdul-Razak & Musah Abdul-Malik

Victoria Lartey

Prabhu Eka-Sranga Das (ISKCON)

Abubakri D. Nyinatuo

Issifu Fuowie Abu

Fusheini Hamidu

Suara Musah Eliasu Bakuri (Tumu District Assembly)

Suleimani Benin (University of Cape Coast)

Bismarck O. Nuttey (Ghana Telecom)

Harrison Ford (Police CID)

Lt. Ofori Isaac (Sunyani Liberation Barracks)

Karim Bayugo Shaibu (University of Cape Coast)

Mohammed Shaibu (Sunyani)

Oeudraogo -R-Landry

Abdul-Razak Sakinah & Hawawu (Sunyani-Penkwase)

Iddrisu Salam (Sunyani-Kotokrome)

Issaka Salifu (Sakai)

Abubakari Yakubu Burukum (Olu-Wulensi)

Abdul-karim Yakubu Damba

(Director, Kusawgu Campus of Crown University College)

Prince Mahama Habib (Islamic University)

Selina Akua Frimpong Manuh(East Legon)

The Bachiesichangs’ Makeza, Zuliahah, Sakina, Rahinatu, Jaliah, Hafisatu, Nafisah, Ibrahim, Wahab)

DIRECTOR OF DICTIONARIES & LEXICOGRAPHER

King Sulleyman D. Bachiesichang

DEPUTY DIRECTORS

*Abubakar D. Nyinatuo

Senator Davis Boateng

Abdul-karim Yakubu Damba

*Mohammed Abdulsalam Daaru

*Bachiesichang D. Zuliahah

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Hellen Yitah

Hellen Yitah, Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana,

BA, (Ghana), MPhil (Trondheim), PhD (South Carolina)

ART & DATABASE DIRECTOR

Victoria Lartey

EDITORIAL SPECIALISTS

Audrey Sitsofe Gadzekpo, Associate Professor, University of Ghana,

BA (Ghana), MA (Brigham Young), PhD (Birmingham)

Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana

BA, MPhil (Ghana), PhD (Leceister) (Ag. Director)

Sarah Akrofi-Quarcoo, Lecturer, University of Ghana,

Dip. (Inst. Of Journalism), Grad. Dip., BA (Ghana), MPhil (Ghana)

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Gifty Oppong Boakye, Senior Assistant Librarian, University of Ghana,

BA (Hons), Grad. Dip. (Lib.Stud), MPA, MA (Lib. Stud) (Ghana)

Angelina Lily Armah, Assistant Librarian,

BA (Hons), Grad. Dip. (Lib. Stud.), MPhil (Info. Stud.), (Ghana)

Felicia Owusu-Ansah, Assistant Lecturer, University of Ghana,

Dip. Theatre Arts, MFA (Ghana)

ADVISORY PANEL

CONSULTANTS

Crown Consulting Group

PROOFREADERS

Nana Ama Agyeman, Tutor, University of Ghana,

BA (Ghana), MPhil (Trondheim)

Stella Afua Boateng Norgbe, Tutor, University of Ghana,

BA (Ghana), MPhil (Trondheim)

Seth Nii Moi Allotey, Tutor, University of Ghana,

BA (Hons) (Ghana), PGDE (Cape Coast) MA (Ghana)

Anaba Anankyela Alemna, Professor,

B.Ed (Cape Coast), Dip. (Lib. Stud.) (Ghana) MALS (Mich), PhD (Ghana)

Mawuli Kofi Dodzi Amenuveve Achoribo, Systems Administrator

BSc, EMBA (Information Technology)(Ghana)

Patience A. Mensah, Lecturer, University of Ghana,

BA, MPhil (Trondheim)

Gladys Nyarko Ansah, Lecturer, University of Ghana,

BA, MPhil (Ghana), PhD

Prince Kwame Adika, Lecturer

BA (Ghana), MA, PhD (Illinois)

George Kodie Frimpong, Assistant Lecturer, University of Ghana,

BA, MPhil (Ghana)

Victoria Amma Agyeiwaah Osei-Bonsu, Assistant Lecturer,

University of Ghana

RESEARCH & MARKETING CORDINATOR

Davis Boateng

Communications & Media Consultant, Vice-President & Board Member of Ghana Association of Certified Consultants-GACC

SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Abdul-Karim Yakubu Damba

Director of Kusawgu Campus, Crown University College & Chair of Kusawguwura Education Trust Fund

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To my father (Bachiesichang Kuri-Dimah) and mother (Bachiesichang Milerah Siatah) who raised me and has been a rock of stability throughout my life,

and

my sisters and readers,

Whose loving spirit and encouragement sustains me still.

Special appreciations to the Board of Directors,

management & entire staff of Xlibris Corporation Intl.

for their excellence in service and customer care.

PREFACE

Let’s face it: when the first dictionary maker in his solitary dream world sat down with parchment and quill in hand the entire world shifted. A new world order of vast sometimes forbidden ocean of words, full of grizzly monsters lying in wait to confuse and confound users was finally laid bare before all. As a rule English is such a mongrel language and the concept of language errors is such a fuzzy one in today’s confused world. Some people write and others read, some people criticize and we fix the errors. ERRORS the diesy chain that frequently throw many users for a loop. Consider this deviant expression ‘I will do my possible best to pass the test.’ It is rather correct to say ‘I will do all that I can to pass the test.’ Remember that in Standard English we do not use ‘possible’ to qualify best. This lexicon seeks to rest this case and reverse the rot in the pot yet x-rayed the common:

• grammatical errors

• mistake in words with some letters

• spelling errors

• confused words

• misused words

• using certain words without knowing the parlance

• errors in agreement with verbs

• errors in the use of plurals

• errors in case

• errors In agreement with subject

• errors in tense

• errors in voice

• errors in splitting forms

• errors in mood

• errors arising from misused adjectives and adverbs

• errors in using the predicate adjective

• errors in using adverbs

• errors in using modifying elements

• errors in using prepositions

• errors in using conjunctions

• errors in making comparisons

• errors in punctuation

• redundancy errors

• errors in broad and vague words

• miscellaneous errors in usage

• errors in the use of singular or plural

• errors in construction of sentences

• errors in idioms and phrases

• errors in tense, gender, articles etc.

• proofreading errors

• printer’s devil

• misinterpretation errors

Off course English is the delight of all etymologists and the despair of us the aliens but have you ever stop short to reflect on where it came from, how it has so far developed, how words are spelt and pronounced from the unforgettable cadence of great poetry to the variegated textures and structures of everyday English.

Then log on as we define entries with care, illustrate with copious paradigms and filling one of the most glaring gaps in the study of Standard English with hotly contested ideas daring to throw the hinge door into million homes.

HOW TO USE THIS DICTIONARY

Bachiesichang Dictionary of English Errors (BDEE) is arranged alphabetically. Head words are in bold face with some cross reference entries to assist users. In some entries the following areas are covered to give users that perfect guide:

• bar codes

• sub-categorizations

• grammatical labeling/parts of speech

• spelling and pronunciation guide

• definitions

• run-on/derivatives

• entries & sub-entries

• etymologies/word histories

• synonyms and antonyms

• illustrative quotation and examples

• pictorial illustrations and

• encyclopaedic guide

Usage notes are also available to give you more explanation bout the correct and incorrect usage. You may be referred to the summary of grammar at the end of the dictionary for advance search and explanation.

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE DICTIONARY

INTRODUCTION

World English–Its History and Variety

Curiously enough, English as we use today was never conjured from the skies, neither did it spring from a hole in the soil. It was developed by its founding fathers. As a mongrel language it is the delight of all etymologists and the despair of us the aliens. And as such, do you love it in all its forms, from the unforgettable cadences of great poetry to the variegated rhythms and textures of everyday English? Do you also delight in the sheer wonder of words, and wish to learn more about the often-fascinating reasons why we speak and write English the way we do? Strictly speaking, we use English daily, but have you ever wonder where it came from? How it has so far developed? Why we spell and pronounce words differently.

The first known system of writing in the world was developed by the Sumerians about 3500BC. This was followed by the Semites who invented the first real alphabets around 1500-1000 BC. Besides, the word alphabet came from the first two letters of the ancient Greek Alpha and Betta and later modified into two signs of the ancient Phoenicians characters i.e. aleph and bett giving rise to the present day definition known as alphabet.

What is more, the word language originated from the Latin word Lingua which literally means tongue. If so, what then is English? Two schools of thought believed that the origin of the term English came from the Anglo-Saxons or old Teutonic word Engl-ish/Englisc which means the tribe or land of Angles (the first settlers of England). Similarly, bygone etymologists believed that the -ish suffix was added to symbolise the conquest of the vulnerable Bede in the earliest centuries. Another school of thought articulated that the term English goes back to the name of some primitive Germanic tribes who invaded the British in the year 449. These prehistoric Germanic languages were the West Germanic (Germany and Dutch) and North Germanic, comprising of the Norwegians, Swedish and Danish. They migrated from what is now called Northern Europe to England and conquered its territory including Wales in the year 1066. Since then the Germanic languages flourished up to what we now call English.

English Language has rapidly been integrated into the Global Education as the world’s first–class medium of communication. It is the only linguistic currency of international aviation and sailing, the UN language of record for scientific and technical publications. In no doubt it has become the inter-continental American dollar cherished by all. Nevertheless the influence of Great Britain as an imperial power in the earliest 5th-7th centuries brought about a profound change in the spread of English Language in most commercial parts of the world. Furthermore, the spread of her industrial revolution in the 17th century had made Great Britain the pivot of the world educational and technological success.

Of course, people first spoke English fifteen hundred years ago, since then, the Language had changed enormously, both in the way it is spoken and written, and its range of words. It is in the light of this that the lexicographer deemed it quite expedient to place at the disposal of its numerous readers an in-depth analysis of the various transformations and the underlying history of our language. English grew and changed as the British were invaded, visited and influenced by people from other countries.

It is customary to note that English as we see it today is derived from three faces (Old English, Middle English and the birth of Modern English). Three main groups of people created Old English and these were: the Anglo-Saxon tribes who settled in England, Christian Missionaries from Rome, and the Viking and Danish invaders and settlers.

(1) Anglo-Saxon settlers in England: Historically, these were tribes whose influence was very great as the British were visited in the earlier 5th-6th centuries. Tribes of Anglo-Saxons and Jutes from mainland Europe and Scandinavia invaded the British Isles and created a new uniform kingdom of England. As a proof of this there is no denying the fact that people in England spoke Anglo-Saxon, one of the earliest form of English ever to be discovered in the world’s history. This led to the development of certain words and characters such as fire, man, day, you, book, what, and, house were all the cradle of Anglo- Saxons derivations.

(2) The second group of people was the missionaries from Rome who came to Britain around 5th-7th centuries. These missionaries traveled to Britain and established separate monasteries held by their monks. Services were held in Latin and they basically copied Latin manuscripts. Some of these Latin words are dominantly used and stand very significant in our modern day English Literature. E.g. verse, angle, demon, pope, altar, candle, school and hymn.

(3) The third group of people were the Vikings and Danes in the √th-11th centuries. These were people whose origin could be traced from Scandinavia; they attacked Great Britain during the 10th-11th centuries and established a solid rule over the North-East England. The correlation between all these three groups of people who visited Britain were settlers, invaders or missionaries. The symbol of their legacy is seen from the colourful development of Scandinavian words e.g. leg, knife, skin, want, sky, egg, dirt, get, bull, etc. For the comfort and convenience of many users of this dictionary here is an extract of the single surviving manuscript of the epic poem; Beowulf – an Old English poem written in the 8th century and over 3000 lines long. This poem tells the story of a courageous warrior who fights against monsters to save his people.

"The unholy creature grim and

Greedy, was soon ready,

Savage and cruel, and from

Their rest seized thirty thanes…"

The development of Old English serves as a prelude to Middle English. In this regard, the Normans added French words to the language, some spellings changed and significant borrowing from Latin continued. Normans from 1066–1300 extended their influence under the leadership of William Normandy who conquered England at the battle of Hastings and declared the Doom’s Day Book-judgement. He later instilled the use of French by the upper class, used in parliament and the law courts. His conquest marks one of the world’s historic events. Much of what we know about Normans came down to us through archeological findings. Mr. Rollo, the ancestor of the Normans, signed a treaty with King Charles, the then king of France in exchange for grazing lands via military defence. They settled in the south-western part of France called Rouen and believed to have practised a system of governance known as feudalism. French words took a fertile ground in their official and executive places (courts, crime, feast, royal, fashion, music, attorney, beauty and story) were all borrowed from French symbols. French words led to a dramatic change in the spelling of English words in the 12th-15th centuries and Old English was finally abandoned. French scribes introduced ‘qu’ ‘gh’ and ‘ng’ spellings.

In effect, Middle English came as a result of Normans led by William the conqueror and the Canterbury Tales. Geoffrey Chaucer began writing the Canterbury Tales around 1387. The poem presents 23 tales, told by pilgrims. Chaucer’s role in English cannot be over-emphasized. A man through whose eyes a lot of changes in English Literature was realized. He lived 600 years ago and spoke and wrote in the London dialect of English. A great poet, who wrote in rhymed verse, in imitation of French and Italian models. He died in the year 1400. In his books, he wrote "Then people long to go on pilgrim…and especially from the end of every country England to Canterbury, they travel".

From the ongoing accounts, you may ealized that English gradually became recognized as a language as we use today. The Caxton and the invention of printing in 1476, The King James I Bible, Renaissance theorist, Dr.Samuel Johnson’s dictionary all influenced the rise of modern English. The rest are Traders and explorers and Gulliver’s Travels, an 18th century novel. In 1476 William Shakespeare started printing books in English, which led to an increase in reading and writing. Shakespeare was a dramatic poet who lived and wrote in London, but believed to have come from Stratford. He introduced improved and exciting ideas in his plays and poetry. Some of these phrases are frequently used in our written and spoken conversation: a blinking idiot, high time, foul play, a laughing stock, an eye sore and good riddance. It is also believed that the invention of paper by Tsi’Lung of China in AD 105 enhanced book development as at the time.

Not only had the William Shakespeare’s improved version brought about Modern English but the introduction of King James I Bible in 1611. An English version of the Bible that was printed and authorized by King James I was used throughout the whole country as the language of instruction. Here are some phrases from the Bible: In the twinkling of an eye, the skin of my teeth, a wolf in sheep clothing, the salt of the earth, the apple of my eye, an eye for an eye, etc.

The Renaissance theorist in 1475-1650 brought about a change in the interest of the people regarding Ancient Greek and Roman writings. Renaissance theorists started their intellectual reawakening in Rome and swept across the main land of Europe. This invention led to the development in new ideas of science and the arts. To express these ideas they borrowed words from Greek, Latin, French and Italian into the existing English corpora. Here are a few of such words: temperature (Latin), skeleton (Greek), pneumonia (Greek), gravity (Latin), Virus (Latin), muscle (Latin). In the field of art, violin, madrigal, soprano, opera, (Italian) were coined during that time. Other architectural words are cupola, balcony, grotto, (Italian) and dome (French).

Dr. Samuel Johnson’s dictionary was published in 1755. Dr. Samuel Johnson discovered and published a standardized dictionary which rectified English Spellings and also preserved the existing English words for trance-generational use.

Traders and explorers also followed this in the 16th-17th centuries. Merchants and other explorers travelled extensively across Europe and America and brought back home new words such as coffee (Turkish), banana (Spanish), Yam (Portuguese), Maize (Spanish), and potato (Spanish).

The last contributors were the Gulliver’s Travels. Jonathan Swift wrote a distinctive novel on Gulliver’s Travel in the years 1720-1725 using words and spellings that were very close to modern English. The great novel transformed English into a unified scribal theory. This Great warrior was captured by his enemies ‘Lilliputians’ in his dramatic story. Eg "I attempted to rise, but was not able to stir… I could only look upwards; the sun began to grow hot, and the light offended mine eyes".

English spread around the world rapidly and won many converts and words after 1800. English is now a world language spoken by over 350 million people with at least 400 million and more using it as a second language in different parts of the world such as Canada, Ireland and Wales, Scotland, the Caribbean, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. But English speakers continue to borrow words from other languages and possibly creating new words.

Aa

a or an

English like any order language is replete with problems not only for foreign learners, but also for native speakers. As a living language that is changing continuously, the use of ‘a/an’ is commonly misused even in the hands of experienced users. Let us carefully consider the following rules:

A (also a) n. (pl. As or A’s) the first letter of the alphabet or the first in the list of things. art. indefinite article used with nouns

x They were given hundred dollars each.

√ They were given a hundred dollars each.

x He has good educational background.

√ He has a good educational background.

NB: good educational… (with ‘a’) and… a hundred (with ‘a’)

x I wrote it on a piece of a paper.

√ I wrote it on a piece of paper.

Note: piece of paper (without ‘a’)

x She took very wise decision.

√ She took a very wise decision.

x There is school building in the community square.

√ There is a school building in the community square.

x He obtained B.A. (Hons) degree.

√ He obtained a B.A. (Hons) degree.

√ A NAGRAT meeting…

Note: Use ‘a’ before words and abbreviations starting with a consonant, as in: very, school, B.A., NAGRAT and C.P.P.

√ He obtained a U.K visa last week.

x He obtained an U.K. visa last week.

√ Force is a unit of measurement.

x Force is an unit of measurement.

x Force is unit of measurement.

√ He purchased a USB pendrive.

x He purchased USB pendrive.

√ J.B. Danquah was a UGCC member.

x J.B. Danquah was an UGCC member.

Notice that we used ‘a’ before words and abbreviations starting with vowel pronunciations that are likened to a consonant as in a unit not ‘an’, a UBS not ‘an’ UBS, a UGCC, not ‘an’ UGCC, and a UK not ‘an’ UK.

x He was a English teacher in his thirties.

√ He was an English teacher in his thirties.

x We understand he is a ex-serviceman.

√ We understand he is an ex-serviceman.

Note: Use ‘an’ and not ‘a’ before words starting with a vowel as in: an English teacher (not ‘a’ English teacher), an ex-serviceman, (not a ex-serviceman)

x I took a HFC Loan.

√ I took an HFC Loan.

Note: Use ‘an’(not ‘a’) before abbreviations starting with a consonant but are likened to vowel sound when pronounced as a whole or words spelt with ‘h’ that is often not heard when spoken.

x It takes a hour for the fire brigade to bring the fire under control.

√ It takes an hour for the fire brigade to bring the fire under control.

x Mrs. Ama’s hair is a silky.

√ Mrs. Ama’s hair is silky.

x He is a ill.

√ He is ill.

x The house we saw is a white.

√ The house we saw is white.

x The house we saw is an white.

Note that in language study we do not use ‘a or an’ before an adjective unless there is a noun preceding the adjective.

√ The house we saw is white building.

x The house we saw is a white building.

x The house we saw is an white building.

Here building becomes the noun following the adjective white.

x I bought book.

√ I bought a book.

x I saw elephant.

√ I saw an elephant.

Remember to use the correct article with a singular countable noun as in: ‘a book’ not ‘book’, ‘an elephant’ not ‘elephant’.

a blue marvelous or a blue small marvelous or a marvelous blue

x Akos bought a blue marvelous radio.

x Akos bought a blue small marvelous radio.

√ Akos bought a marvelous blue radio.

a book n. printed work which is bound together; publication; notebook; bundle, set of things (such as: stamps, matches, tickets and more) bound together

v. record, inscribe; indicate; order in advance; reserve

x What kind of a book is this?

√ What kind of book is this?

a considerable number of which are or a considerable number which are

x They have written all the relevant points, a considerable number of which are already known to you.

√ They have written all the relevant points, a considerable number which are already known to you.

a few or few

x Many applicants were invited for the interview but a few were attended to.

√ Many applicants were invited for the interview but few were attended to.

a friend of him or a friend of his

x It isn’t Aliu’s, the album belongs to a friend of him.

√ It isn’t Aliu’s, the album belongs to a friend of his.

a lot

x Alot…

√ A lot…

x I met him @ the hotel.

√ I met him at the hotel.

Note that these internet shortcuts ‘@’ are not used in formal writings.

a small or small

x What makes Josephine attractive is that she has a small eyes and a broad face.

√ What makes Josephine attractive is that she has small eyes and a broad face.

NB: small eyes (without the article ‘a’)

a too difficult job or too difficult job

x I suspected it was a too difficult job for my uncle.

√ I suspected it was too difficult job for my uncle.

a trousers or a pair of trousers

x My mother bought me a trousers last week.

√ My mother bought me a pair of trousers last week.

a work or work

x I’m looking for a work.

√ I’m looking for work.

Note: work (without ‘a’)

abandon v. leave behind, desert; reject, renounce, give up

x The poll tax ordinance was abandoned immediately after independence.

√ The poll tax ordinance was abolished immediately after independence.

x The Teachers in the abandoned communities have embarked on a sit down strike.

√ Teachers in the remote communities have embarked on a sit down strike.

Note that ‘abandoned’ in the first example is being used wrongly to mean long distance places. Can you now give the correct usage? In Standard English we use ‘remote’ instead.

√ The remote cause of the battle is not known.

√ This museum preserves a very remote sense of history.

Note: do not confuse or misuse these words as often seen in the writings of many potential users. But when we say something has been abandoned, we stopped doing it after a failed attempt, and this may or may not be continued at all. Whereas to abolish something means to do away with a rule, system, belief or enactment with no further intention of continuing.

abel, able

x God is abel.

√ God is able.

x The team qualified due to the abel leadership of the technical committee.

√ The team qualified due to the able leadership of the technical committee.

Abel – a name of a person.

Able – be strong or good at something.

ability n. (pl. abilities) used to suggest that one is skillsful

x The government has failed on its ability of creating jobs.

√ The government has failed on its ability to create jobs.

Note that it is incorrect in language study to say ‘ability of.’ Remember ‘ability’ is followed by the preposition ‘for’ and not ‘of’ as in; ability to swim, ability to rule. etc. Again ‘ability to’ must be followed by a verb.

x The pastor urged the congregation to improve their ability of listening.

√ The pastor urged the congregation to improve their listening ability.

Note: We usually use the activity followed by ‘ability’ as in: singing ability, swimming ability; engineering ability, (not ability of singing, ability of swimming, ability of engineering) as often confused by many users.

x Singing regularly enhances your ability of music.

√ Singing regularly enhances your ability in music.

NB: ‘ability’ is used in three standard ways that must not be confused. *They are: ability + to (ability to),

* ability (singing ability),

*ability + in (ability in).

abjure, adjure

x She adjured her way of smoking.

√ She abjured her way of smoking.

Abjured – to renounce a habit or belief.

Adjure – to entreat someone to do something.

x The pastor abjured them to do good things.

√ The pastor adjured them to do good things.

x I abjured him to keep fighting.

√ I adjured him to keep fighting.

Note: use the correct preposition ‘to’ after the verb ‘adjure’. Notice that when this word is used as seen in the above context it is followed by the ‘to’ infinitive form as in ‘to keep’.

able adj. capable, competent; talented

This word can be used interchangeably without necessarily breaking the rules of grammar.

x My Uncle is able to win the presidential elections five times.

√ My Uncle is capable of winning the presidential elections five times.

Note that when we use ‘able to do something’ we mean that thing can be done but not common or simple to do. For instance, it is not common to win presidential elections five times. On the other hand ‘capable of doing something’ we mean that the thing can be done if need be but it is not regularly done.

x They aren’t able to understand it.

√ They couldn’t understand it.

Remember that ‘able to’ must be replaced by ‘couldn’t’ in this sense because verbs of perception and mind such as smell, see, hear, understand etc. usually follow can, can’t, couldn’t etc. e.g.

√ I can see you.

x I’m able to see you.

x I’m able to smell a rat when the police visited the house.

√ I could smell a rat when the police visited the house.

x He was not able to remember the day he was born.

√ He couldn’t remember the day he was born.

x My mother was able to hear the foot falls of soldiers lurking around our house.

√ My mother could hear the foot falls of soldiers lurking around our house.

x The robbers are not able to advance their cause because of the fence.

√ The robbers can’t advance their cause because of the fence.

x In Islam women are not able to lead people in prayer.

√ In Islam women can’t lead people in prayer.

Note: We use ‘can’t or can’ in place of ‘able to’ when we’re referring to something in the face of law or regulations.

x Transparent ballot boxes has made them able to check electoral fraud.

√ Transparent ballot boxes have enabled them to check electoral fraud.

NB: In the above case it is grammatically correct to use ‘enable’ (not ‘able to’)

about prep. & adv. on the subject of; concerning, used to indicate movement within a particular area or location in a particular place, adv. approximately.

x I was just about firing another shot when the police arrived.

√ I was just about to fire another shot when the police arrived.

Note that ‘about’ should be followed by the preposition ‘to’ as in: about to sing (not about singing), about to read (not about reading).

x I was about reading my last passage when the invigilator clapped his hands to stop work.

√ I was about to read my last passage when the invigilator clapped his hands to stop work.

above prep. & adv. to be higher than – PHRASES above all, above board, above oneself, not be above

x My Grandmother is above 90 years.

√ My Grandmother is over 90 years.

√ My Grandmother is more than 90 years.

Notice that in traditional usage we don’t use ‘above’ beforenumber or quantity of things as in: ‘90’.

x The blocks are above 100.

√ The blocks are over 100.

√ The blocks are more than 100.

above all beyond everything else, more than everything else

x My Uncle loves music, above all reggae.

√ My Uncle loves music, especially reggae.

Note: Use ‘especially’ and not above all.

x What confuses me above all is the new labour law.

√ What confuses me most of all is the new labour law.

NB: We use ‘most of all’ or ‘the most’ when we are referring to the extent at which something is aimed.

x In this country crime is above all the most serious problem confronting the police.

√ In this country crime is by far the most serious problem confronting the police.

Remember to use ‘by far’ in place of ‘above all’ in this context.

above or over

x The country’s population is now above 20 million.

√ The country’s population is now over 20 million.

Remember that in standard usage we use ‘over’ instead of ‘above’ when we mean quantities.

x They were above 18 candidates vying for the presidential slot.

√ They were over 18 candidates vying for the presidential slot.

? The above mentioned are the principles of mathematics

√ The points already mentioned are the principles of mathematics.

above-mentioned adj. previously mentioned, aforementioned

√ The above-mentioned schools are expected to…

x The schools above-mentioned are expected to…

Note: The rule is when we use this adjective we follow it by a noun as in schools.

Abroad (Adv.) a country that is different from your native land.

x The team went to abroad to play a friendly match.

√ The team went abroad to play a friendly match.

x I am a Ghanaian and have been abroad 10 years.

√ I am a Ghanaian and have been in abroad for 10 years.

x Ms. Esinam is living far away with Ghana.

√ Ms. Esinam is living far away from Ghana.

x Ms. Esinam is staying far away from Ghana.

NB: Staying is used to suggest that someone is only visiting or residing in a place temporary and he/she is expected to leave soon. But where you are talking about permanent residence you use the word ‘live’ as in: living far away from Ghana (not staying far away from Ghana)

x I suggest you should go to abroad find a job and make your life better.

√ I suggest you should go abroad to find a job and make your life better.

abroad see also overseas

absent adj. not present or seen

x He was absent from the meetings last week due to the poor road network.

√ He missed a lot of meetings last week due to the poor road network.

√ He was not at the meetings last week due to the poor road network.

Note: These sentences are used to mean the failure of a person to meet a particular schedule or the lack of presence at an event.

x He has been absent from school from Tuesday.

√ He has been absent from school since Tuesday.

x He has been absent from work from Monday.

√ He has been absent from work since Monday.

x I go to school since Monday to Friday.

√ I go to school from Monday to Friday.

√ I go to school from Monday till Friday.

Note: to suggest the idea from a certain time to now, we simply say from  . . . to not since

x He was absent in the meeting.

√ He was absent at the meeting.

x I met her in the party.

√ I met her at the party.

NB: We do not use ‘in’ in connection with events (use at + indefinite article + event)

x He comes here three times in a month.

√ He comes here three times a month.

x I have two meetings in a day.

√ I have two meetings a day.

x I ran twenty kilometres in an hour.

√ I ran twenty kilometres an hour.

x Muslims fast thirty days in a month.

√ Muslims fast thirty days a month.

In languages study when we are referring to how regular something takes place or the time dimension in doing something we do not include ‘in’ as in : a month (not in a month).

x I’m a freelance writer in the Writer Bureau.

√ I’m a freelance writer at the Writers Bureau.

x He is teaching African Law in the Ghana Law School.

√ He is teaching African Law at the Ghana Law School.

x He is the Human Resource Manager in UT Bank.

√ He is the Human Resource Manager at UT Bank.

x She is a radio presenter of Joy FM.

√ She is a radio presenter at Joy FM.

NB: at (not in)

absolutely adv. it s used to suggest agreement

x Sitting in an office is absolutely good.

√ Sitting in an office is very good.

Note: Do not confuse absolutely with ‘very’ and we do not use absolutely to qualify good. It is only in politics that we use ‘absolute majority’.

abstain (verb) to avoid getting involved in an unpleasant activity or situation for fear that it may harm you.

x The pastor cautioned the youth to abstain to premarital sex and stick to decent lives.

√ The pastor cautioned the youth to desist from premarital sex and stick to decent lives.

Note: abstain from (not ‘to’)

abstain v. avoid; refrain from

x I must abstain to drinking.

√ I must abstain from drinking.

accede, exceed

√ She acceded to power at the time of the global economic melt down.

x She acceded on power at the time of the global economic melt down.

NB: accede to something (not on) is a phrasal verb commonly used in formal styles to suggest that one has assumed a leadership position.

Accede – agree to do something

Exceed – to go beyond

x You must not accede that limit.

√ You must not exceed that limit.

accent, ascent, assent

x I don’t understand his American ascent.

√ I don’t understand his American accent.

x He gave his accent to the amendments of the party’s constitution.

x He gave his assent for the amendment of the party’s constitution.

√ He gave his assent to the amendment of the party’s constitution.

Accent -the speech of a particular group of people.

Ascent – rise

Assent – to agree to a request or idea.

NB: we assent to something (not for).

accept v. receive; agree, consent

x She excepted our offer.

√ She accepted our offer.

x They all passed the exams accept the transfer student.

√ They all passed the exams except the transfer student.

x Everyone believed the story accept Grandpa.

Notice that these words must not be confused because of their likeness. ‘Accept’ is a verb and ‘except’ is used as a preposition.

accept or to take/accepted

x They offered me the job and I agreed to take it.

√ They offered me the job and I accepted it.

access n. to be made reachable or easy to

x The corruption scandal leveled against him gave him an access to the presidency.

√ The corruption scandal leveled against him gave him easier access to the presidency.

Note: we do not use ‘an’ before this uncountable noun ‘access’.

access, excess

x We do not have any excess to a lawyer.

√ We do not have any access to a lawyer.

x I was given access money than I expected.

√ I was given excess money than I expected.

Access – the right to use something or admittance

Excess – extra

accident n. something that takes place by chance

x I was lucky. I found the solution on accident.

√ I was lucky. I found the solution by accident.

x My Uncle had a big accident.

x My Uncle had a great accident

√ My Uncle had a fatal accident.

Note that in standard usage we use accident with the following adjectives: fatal, serious, bad, dreadful etc.

√ The train was badly crushed in an accident.

√ The accident was a serious one.

x They went to pay their last respect to the late King who met an accident last week.

√ They went to pay their last respect to the late king who met with an accident last week.

accommodation n. a place where someone lives or stays. n. housing; residence; lodging; adjustment; arrangement

x He got an accommodation at Tamale.

√ He got accommodation at Tamale.

Note: Do not use ‘an’ to qualify this uncountable noun, See also access.

x The couple has rented a new accommodations at Nungua Estate.

x The couple have rented a new accommodation at Nungua Estate.

√ The couple has rented a new accommodation at Nungua Estate.

NB: accommodation has no plural form.

accompany v. go along with, go together with; join, attach

x The police officer asked the man accompany him to the station.

√ The police officer asked the man to accompany him to the station.

Use the correct verbal to complete the sentences.

accomplished v. to achieve soothing so successfully.

x People still wonder how Dr. Kwame Nkrumah have accomplished so much in such a short space of time.

√ People still wonder how Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has achieved so much in such a short space of time.

Note. Do not confuse accomplish with achieve.

accordance n. suitability; coordination, conformity; agreement

x In accordance to instructions, he flew back as soon as he received the telephone from headquarters.

x In accordance by instructions, he flew back as soon as he received the telephone from headquarters.

√ In accordance with instructions, he flew back as soon as he received the telephone from headquarters.

Don’t forget to use the right preposition.

according to under, in accord with

When we use ‘according to’ we must note the second idea that follows it is not personalized but rather refer to the person or place or time you are quoting from.

x According to me child trafficking is more prevalent in developing countries.

x According to us child trafficking is more prevalent in developing countries.

√ According to the writer, child trafficking is more prevalent in developing countries.

√ In my opinion, child trafficking is more prevalent in developing countries.

account n. to tell what happened or give an expenditure of a transaction–Phrases call to account, money of account, on someone’s account, on account of, on no account, on one’s own account, take account of, turn to (good) account

x Law makers must take into account that the illiteracy rate is still high.

√ Law makers must take into account the fact that the illiteracy rate is still high.

Note: take into account + the fact that

accurate adj. precise, exact

x Is your time accurately 12pm?

√ Is your time exactly 12pm?

These words are used interchangeably to describe the state of an error and must not be confused.

√ The Church auditorium was accurately planned.

x The Church auditorium was exactly planned.

accuse v. place blame, charge with a crime

x He was accused for stealing a goat in the village.

√ He was accused of stealing a goat in the village.

Note: we accuse someone ‘of’ something (not for)

x My brother is more experienced than me.

√ My brother is more experienced than I.

√ My brother is more experienced than I do.

Note: use the subjective case (I) + verb (do) and not an objective case ‘me’

accused n. one who has been charged with a crime, one who has been blamed

x The murderer was not only convicted but also accused.

√ The murderer was not only accused but also convicted.

accustom v. to be used to something

Remember that we get accustomed or become accustomed to something and not accustomed by something. In other words do not use the preposition ‘to’ directly before accustom, but in other verbs like; get, became, grow and be.

x They became accustom by Togolese folklore.

√ They became accustomed to Togolese folklore.

x In the olden days children were accustomed to tell funny stories about the past.

√ In the olden days children were accustomed to telling funny stories about the past.

Note: the infinitive + the –ing form of the verb is used when the action is a habitual thing.

acentric, eccentric

x This is an ecccentric behaviour.

√ This is an acentric behaviour.

eccentric – not centerel

Acentric – very unusual/strange.

acerb, aserb

x My boss is acerb.

√ My boss is a Serb.

Acerb – bitter

A serb – a native of Yugoslavia.

ache v. suffer from a continuous dull pain, hurt; miss, yearn for

x He punched him and his eyes were ache.

√ He punched him and his eyes were aching.

Note: This verb is usually associated with some physical pain that must not be confused or misused.

acquainted adj. familiar, close, intimate; knowledgeable, informed, aware

x I know who Dr. Mensah Otabil is but I am not acquainted to him.

√ I know who Dr. Mensal Otabil is but I am not acquainted with him.

Acquainted with (not to)

act v. perform, do; play a role; playact; pretend, fake; take action; react, take measures

x He acted well during the interview.

√ He behaved well during the interview.

Note: Act and behaved are frequently confused or misused. Act is often linked with a specific time of the action and behave is used to mean the customary or usual habit portrayed by a person.

x Fasting is an action of self discipline.

√ Fasting is an act of self discipline.

action n. activity, something that is being done; energetic or vigorous activity; movement, motion; effect; lawsuit; combat

x ‘Do not do any action that would jeopardize your life.’ The Teacher warned

√ ‘Do not take any action that would jeopardize your life.’ The Teacher warned.

Remember that in Standard English; it is a wholesale repetition to express ‘action’ followed by ‘do’

x Victims of rape often find it unpleasant to forget such actions perpetuated against them.

√ Victims of rape often find it unpleasant to forget such acts perpetuated against them

x Accounting is the action of recording, classifying and reporting of financial data to internal and external users.

√ Accounting is the act of recording, classifying and reporting of financial data for internal and external users.

x We must take an action against them.

√ We must take action against them.

NB: We take action against somebody (without an)

active adj. energetic, busy, constantly moving, lively; functioning; of or pertaining to the active voice, indicating that the action is performed by the subject of the verb (Grammar)

x Even though he has resigned from politics, he has to be as actively as before in his internal party matters.

√ Even though he has resigned from politics, he has to be as active as before in his internal party matters.

NB: use the correct form of the adjective ‘active’

activity n. activity, something that is being done; energetic or vigorous activity; movement, motion; effect; lawsuit; combat

x He could see no activities in the office so he went to the shop instead.

√ He could see no activity in the office so he went to the shop instead.

acts, axe

x She axe quickly.

√ She acts quikly.

Acts- to perform a play, a thing done or behave in a certain manner.

Axe – a basic tool used for cutting down trees.

actual adj. substantial, real, tangible; current; factual

x It is often believed that doctors save lives but the present saver is God.

√ It is often believed that doctors save lives but the actual saver is God.

√ My husband’s present problem now is his political career.

x My husband’s actual problem now is his political career.

These two expressions ‘actual’ and ‘present’ are commonly misused. An actual thing is often considered as true without any shadow of doubt, whilst a ‘present’ thing suggests the occurrence of something at that material moment.

actually adv. in fact, practically; truthfully

√ It is believed that prophets see everything, but actually they are more confused than one can imagine.

x It is often believed that prophets see everything, but in fact they are more confused than one can imagine.

Note that we use ‘actually’ to rectify a wrong impression and ‘in fact’ to advance a course or a point that still needs emphasis.

adam, atom

x I don’t know her from atom.

√ I don’t know her from Adam.

Adam – the name of the first man

Atom – refers to smallest particle of a substance.

adapt v. conform; change, make suitable; match, fit; adapt oneself, become adjusted

x She finds it difficult to adapt herself by the new environment.

√ She finds it difficult to adapt herself to the new environment.

x This book will be adapted for use by beginners of the language.

√ This book will be adapted in use by beginners of the language.

Adapted in… (not for)

adapt, adept, adopt

x She adepted her style of teaching to make the lesson understandable to her students.

√ She adapted her style of teaching to make the lesson understandable to her students.

x He is such an adapt when it comes to mathematics.

√ He is such an adept when it comes to mathematics.

Adapt – to vary or make something fit a certain style

Adept – an expert in something.

x We are going to adapt a new strategy that will make it difficult for criminals to operate in the metropolis.

√ We are going to adopt a new strategy that will make it difficult for criminals to operate in the metropolis.

Adopt – take in

add v. supplement; sum, add numbers together; conclude, summarize

x If ten is added into two, what will be the answer, the teacher asked?

√ ‘If ten is added to two, what will be the answer?’ The teacher asked.

Note that in Standard English, we do not say add ‘into’ but rather ‘add to’. This means that the verb ‘add’ should be followed by the preposition ‘to’ not ‘into.’

addable, edible

x Banana is an addable fruit.

√ Banana is an edible fruit.

Addable – something that can be added.

Edible – something that can be eaten.

adds, ads, axe

x I saw the Adds on TV.

√ I saw the ads on TV.

Adds – increases

Ads – advertisements

Axe – a basic working tool used for cutting

adieu, ado

x Without more edieu, we shall invite the chairman to deliver his speech.

x Without further adieu, we shall invite the chairman to deliver his speech.

√ Without more ado, we shall invite the chairman to deliver his speech.

√ Without further ado, we shall invite the chairman to deliver his speech.

Ado – without wasting time

Adieu – means farewell

NB: this noun ‘ado’ without more ado ‘or’ without further ado (not adieu)

adjoin, adjourn

x The case has been adjoined to next Friday.

√ The case has been adjourned to next Friday.

Adjoin – next to

Adjourn – to put off a matter.

admire v. be impressed by someone; adore, venerate

x All my friends admiring my brother because he is tall and good-looking.

√ All my friends admire my brother because he is tall and good-looking.

Note: The simple present or past tense form of the verbs must not be confused.

x John is too admired as a novelist.

√ John is much admired as a novelist.

Notice that adverbs of degree such as ‘too/much’ must not be misunderstood.

√ I admire him for his intelligence.

x I see him for his intelligence.

x He love admiring beautiful flowers.

√ He loves looking at beautiful flowers.

x A hero is often seen by his/her people.

√ A hero is often admired by his / her people.

Be careful not to confuse the two.

admit v. confess to something; allow entrance; accept as valid

x I made her to admit that she is pretty.

√ I made her admit that she is pretty.

adopt v. form a relationship with another person (as in to take a child as one’s own); choose to make one’s own (of an idea, name, etc.)

√ He found it very difficult to adopt to his new life in Australia.

√ He found it very difficult to adapt to his new life in Australia.

x The steps which the party can and are adopting are listed in this letter.    

√ The steps which the party can adopt and are adopting are listed in this letter.

adore v. admire, venerate

x My husband adored swimming in the evening.

√ My husband enjoyed swimming in the evening

advantage n. benefit; profit; utility, avail

x Having the national identification card gives you many advantages.

√ Having the National Identification Card gives you many benefits.

x The advantage in becoming a Muslim is its culture of equality.

√ The advantage of becoming a Muslim is its culture of equality.

x There are many advantages in/to having an irrigation farm.

Note: Advantage must not be confused with benefit. Advantage is often used to mean something that makes one better off than others whereas benefit is an incentive that changes a person’s situation for the better.

adverse, averse

x Smoking has a lot of averse effects.

√ smoking has a lot of adverse effects.

Adverse – against or bad effects on something

Averse – unwilling or opposed to

advertisement n. act of advertising, promotion, drawing attention to, act of promoting, public announcement or printed notice designed to attract attention; ad; advert; public announcement

x The newspaper advertised about the post of an accounts clerk.

√ The newspaper advertised for the post of an accounts clerk.

NB: Bear in mind that advertisement is followed by the prepositions ‘for’ (not ‘about’)

advice n. counsel, guidance; information; official notification

x Our teachers always give us useful advices.

√ Our teachers always give us useful advice.

x Her advise was good.

√ Her advice was good.

x Children who refuse to follow their parents advise becomes wayward.

√ Children who refuse to follow their parents’ advice becomes wayward.

x They were advice to re-sit for the examination.

√ They were advised to re-sit for the examination.

x She was advice to go to school.

√ She was advised to go to school.

Note: In grammatical context these words have different forms i.e. ‘advise’ functions as a verb and ‘advice’ a noun.

x He gave me an advice about how to start a new business.

√ He gave me some advice about how to start a new business.

x I don’t like following people advices.

√ I don’t like following peoples advice.

NB: advice has no plural form i.e. ‘advice’ (not advices)

x The headmaster gave me some advices.

√ The headmaster gave me some advice.

advice or advise?

√ I advise you to see a doctor.

x I advice you to see a doctor.

advised adj. thought-out, considered; informed

x I was advised to either telephone or to write the office for appointment.

x I was advised that I should telephone or either write the office for appointment.

x I was advised I ought either telephoning or writing the office for appointment.

√ I was advised either to telephone or to write the office for appointment.

aerie, eerie, eery

x I had an aerie encounter with a heavenly being in a dream yesterday.

x I had an erie encounter with a heavenly being in a dream yesterday.

√ I had an eerie encounter with a heavenly being in a dram yesterday.

Aerie – refers to an eagle nest.

Eerie – a strange or ghostly experience

Erie – the name of a lake

affect v. influence; move someone (emotionally); attack (of a disease); act as if, pretend; have a certain disposition towards; have an affinity for

x War effects a nation.

√ War affects a nation.

x The accident effected his leg.

√ The accident affected his leg.

x The absence of the captain will effect the team.

√ The absence of the captain will affect the team.

x Natural medicine has no side affect.

√ Natural medicine has no side effect.

x The affect of climate change is a global challenge.

√ The effect of climate change is a global challenge.

NB: these words sounds the same but are expressed differently: ‘Affect’ is used as a verb which means ‘to influence’. On the other hand ‘effect’ may function as a noun or a verb depending on how it is used in a given sentence. When ‘effect’ is used as a verb it means ‘to cause something to happen’. If the function denotes a noun it suggests ‘the result of something’.

affecting adj. moving, stirring, touching; exciting

x A person cannot live long in total isolation without it affecting their personality.

√ A person cannot live long in total isolation without it affecting his/her personality.

Use the correct personal pronoun

afflicted adj. distressed; infected, stricken, plagued, tormented

x The old man is living in agony; he is afflicted by a chronic disease.

√ The old man is living in agony; he is afflicted with a chronic disease.

afford v. be able to do without difficulty; be able to pay for; supply, provide, give to oneself or to another

√ I can’t afford to go on holiday this year.

x I can’t afford going on holiday this year.

‘Afford to’ means do something; ‘afford’ should be followed by a verb. It is always ‘to’ plus infinitive form.

x We cannot afford for fail.

√ We cannot afford to fail.

Note that in standard usage ‘afford’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’

x I can’t afforded to loose that job.

x I can’t afford to lost that job.

√ I can’t afford to lose that job.

afraid adj. fearful; frightened

x Excessive use of computer effects the eyes.

√ Excessive use of computer affects the eyes.

x Don’t be afraid of asking questions.

√ Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Afraid of something: to be very skeptical about it, and be afraid to do something means having the zeal to do something you are been scared of.

after conj. subsequent to -, following prep. later than; behind; according to someone or something; concerning adv. later, afterwards; since

x I shall never speak to him for what has happened.

√ I shall never speak to him after what has happened.

x During the civil war many fled to Togo and has been living there after then.

√ During the civil war many fled to Togo and has been living there since then.

The prepositions ‘during ‘and ‘after’ must not be confused.

after all finally, after everything else

x The students sat for the examination and after all passed convincingly.

√ The students sat for the examination and in the end passed convincingly.

x A soldier should be brave and honourable; after all, he should put his country before himself.

√ A soldier should be brave and honourable; above all, he should put his country before himself.

See also (John should set a good example to his brothers; after all, he is the eldest in the family).

after long delay or after much delay

x After long delay, I was finally offered admission.

√ After much delay, I was finally offered admission.

afternoon n. period of time between 12 noon