I was in a contemplative mood because my attempts to reach my bank online were unsuccessful. In the long run, I arrived at its branch to voice extreme displeasure over my restricted account. There was a long queue of customers who were also prepared to lodge a deluge of complaints to the customer service agents. The frustrated lady behind me had anger written all over her face. While speaking audibly about her terrible ordeal, she said, “The bank manager is on a white shirt. I need to complain to him”. Because I was totally stunned by her flawed expression, I penned it down on my notepad for a comprehensive study.
Without an ounce of doubt, the textile industry contributes immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy with the production and distribution of fabrics across several locations. Whoever has dress sense will definitely look good during these special occasions: wedding ceremonies, birth anniversaries, graduation ceremonies, and hangouts. How do you describe people whenever they put on their clothes? Which preposition do you use- in or on?
Study the following expressions:
Lola met two men on suits at the reception yesterday. (Wrong)
Lola met two men in suits at the reception yesterday. (Correct)
Have you ever seen Chioma on a yellow gown? (Wrong)
Have you ever seen Chioma in a yellow gown? (Correct)
Whose friend is on a short-sleeved blouse? (Wrong)
Whose friend is in a short-sleeved blouse? (Correct)
As observed in the correct example sentences, “in” is the standard preposition, not “on”. Therefore, the lady should have said, “The bank manager is in a white shirt. I need to complain to him”.
In what context can you use “on”?
Why are the boys on their outfits? (This means that they are standing on them.)
IN GLASSES
Do you remember that Professor Adamu was in glasses yesterday? (Correct)
Three children were in colourful glasses at the hospital. (Correct)
WEAR GLASSES
Using “wear” is also accurate.
The handsome student wears classic glasses to school every day.
Why have you not worn your glasses?
PICK UP YOUR CALL
A few months ago, I consulted the Oxford English Advanced Learner’s Dictionary for the phrasal verb “pick up”. There are over twenty meanings; however, I realized it is also an intransitive verb, which means “to answer a phone”.
It is erroneous to ignore the preposition “up” because the verb “pick” can not function alone in this context.
Why did you refuse to pick our director’s phone calls? (Wrong)
Why did you refuse to pick up our director’s phone calls? (Correct)
I promise to pick your call when I reach home. (Wrong)
I promise to pick up your call when I reach home. (Correct)
Below are example sentences from the dictionary:
I am calling him, but he just isn’t picking up.
The phone rang and rang and nobody picked up.
TWICE IN A WEEK
Dr. Haruna and his colleagues teach us English once in a week. (Wrong)
Dr. Haruna and his colleagues teach us English once a week. (Correct)
Does the boy brush his teeth once in a day? (Wrong)
Does the boy brush his teeth once a day? (Correct)
“In” should not be introduced to each of these phrases: once a day, twice a week, once a year.
ON A BUS
My best friend and I met on a bus in 2020.
I prefer to go on the bus than to drive.
Were they on the bus yesterday?
The phrase “on a bus” is grammatically OK when you are referring to a commercial bus. This same rule is applicable to planes.
The commissioner and his wife got on the plane and found their reserved seats. (Correct)
DEMAND FOR
Our lecturers demanded for pay rises from the Federal Government. (Wrong)
Our lecturers demanded pay rises from the Federal Government. (Correct)
The student demanded for a full refund of his tuition fees from the bursar. (Wrong)
The student demanded a full refund of his tuition fees from the bursar. (Correct)
“Demand” means “ask for”. It is duplicative to add “for” to it; nevertheless, it can take the preposition when used as a noun.
Examples:
Several Nigerians made a demand for a police investigation into MohBad’s sudden death.
The pilot should make a demand for compensation for injuries sustained in the plane crash.
ASSIGNMENT
Attempt the following questions:
He visits his father __________ a month. (a) twice (b) twice in (c) twice at
Emmanuel’s friend is always ______ a pair of dark glasses. (a) on (b) in (c) wears
I will never ________ his call. (a) pick (b) picks up (c) pick up
Kindly forward your answers to samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com or 07049203179 via SMS.
Names of those who answered the last questions correctly
Abdullahi Nuhu, Okere Chigozie, Yahyah Aishat, Oreshade Gbenga, Sultan Musa, Yakub Abigail, Alimi Olive, Adedigba Emmanuel, Alade Charity, Rasheed Fatah, Bello Sulaimon, Babatunde Esther, Adebayo Bukola, Olalomirin Pelumi, Ahmed Roqeeb, Adeyemi Abigael, Akindunjoye Micheal and Adeniji Micheal.
