Common Errors In English with Samuel Alimi
Last Wednesday, a post about the word ‘puff-puff’ sparked mixed reactions from my audience on WhatsApp. I could not stop laughing after reading the comments in my inbox, especially from my students who are always eager to learn from the daily lessons I post. The interactions I have with them about the use of English are always fascinating, eventful, and interesting. One reaction that really made my day was, “Sam, please stick with ‘puff-puff’ for us. We are fine with the wrong word.” In jest, I responded, “I also prefer to call it ‘puff-puff’ for clear communication, but it is time we learnt the correct term. Just imagine using completely different words when ordering it. How would the baker understand you, especially if they are not educated?”
It is crucial to note that ‘puff-puff’ is a non-existent word in English. None of the authoritative dictionaries suggest its meaning or provide example sentences. It is purely Nigerian English, and its use is rare in other English-speaking countries. I was surprised to read that some speakers call it ‘kpuff-kpuff’ instead of the common error ‘puff-puff’. However, neither of these spellings is correct. The correct term is ‘rough puff-pastry’. Several Youtube channels also discuss the origins of the snack and trace it back to Nigeria, specifically in the Yoruba region.
Between ‘Severally’ and ‘Several Times’
A writer recently announced that the term ‘severally’ has been incorporated into Standard English to mean ‘several times’. Many teachers had always emphasized that the word was incorrect before it gained wide acceptance, and its use was discouraged and flagged. However, I remember the days when I posted the common errors in Nigeria and took the position that although ‘severally’ means ‘independently’ in Standard English, it can still be used to mean ‘several times’ in Nigerian expressions. The purpose of this information is to avoid misleading my readers into thinking that using ‘several times’ to mean ‘severally’ is completely wrong.
Between JU-ly and ju-Ly
The above method of writing the month ‘July’ was adopted for a thorough explanation on its correct pronunciation. The stress is on JU, not ly. Therefore, it should be correctly pronounced as JU-ly in British English. The erroneous version has always been adopted by many speakers who are not familiar with the recognized one.
Plate number or Number Plate?
Segun’s father got a plate number for his new car. (Incorrect)
Segun’s father got a number plate for his new car. (Correct)
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a ‘number plate’ is defined “either of a pair of rectangular motor plates bearing an alphanumeric code, fixed to the front of a motor car to show identity.”
This establishes the fact that the phrase ‘plate number’ is not correct.
“Of’ or “At”?
Avoid using ‘of’ when referring to your enrolment in a tertiary institution.
Femi was a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University. (Incorrect)
Femi was a student at Olabisi Onabanjo University. (Correct)
The woman is a lecturer of the University of Lagos. (Incorrect)
The woman is a lecturer at the University of Lagos. (Correct)
‘At’ is the appropriate preposition to use, not ‘of’.
Free Gift?
A gift is always given freely. It is completely unnecessary to add the adjective ‘free’” before gift. This error is common with online vendors who attach “FREE GIFTS” to their packages in a bid to attract more sales from their prospects, which is a good marketing strategy. However, it is pertinent to note that ‘gift’ is enough.
I received a gift from my best friend on my birthday. (Correct)
I received a free gift from my best friend on my birthday. (Wrong)
“Out of” Or “Over”?
The student scored 10 over 50 in the first-semester examination. (Wrong)
The student scored 10 out of 50 in the first-semester examination. (Correct)
Do not begin a sentence with a number not spelt out.
50 children attended the programme in November. (Incorrect)
Fifty children attended the programme in November. (Correct)
20 senators were present for the commissioner’s wedding ceremony. (Incorrect)
Twenty senators were present for the commissioner’s wedding ceremony. (Correct)
Hyphenate compound numbers.
My sister is twenty-nine years old. (Correct)
My ninety-nine-year old grandmother breathed her last after battling cancer. (Correct)
Assignment
_______students cautioned their students against vandalizing the school properties
30
Thirty
© 70
Daniel is a student ______ the Federal University of Technology.
in
with
at
One of the following phrases is not tautological.
Transport fare
Close proximity
Free gift
Kindly forward your answers to samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com or 07049203179 via SMS.
Names of those who answered the last questions correctly
Adebayo Bukola, Adedigba Emmanuel, Victory Daniel, Adeyemi Abigael, Yahyah Aishat, Sultan Musa, Victor Bawa, Alimi Olive, Alade Charity, Bello Sulaimon, Okere Chigozi, Ahmed Roqeeb, Banjo Victoria, Genesis Johnson, Yusuf Bala, Adeniji Mattew, Babatunde Esther, Fiyinfoluwa Olawale, Chigozie Eze, Daniella Akeju, Diamond Praise, Philemon Josiah, Ositelu Adewale, Babatunde Joseph, Nuhu Abdullahi, and Bala Sulaimon.
