Several days ago, I had a trip down memory lane to recall the shocking countenance I wore after I discovered that the prepositional phrase “on the queue” is wrong. Its use is prevalent in Nigerian English; however, it is important to understand the valid phrases for our verbal and nonverbal expressions. Some of us are probably befuddled by the corrections we have learnt since the beginning of this engaging class on the Use of English. Reading is an integral tool for personal development. To become a sound user of English, studying articles like this column in Peoples Daily Weekend Newspaper is non-negotiable.
As English speakers, we use some wrong prepositions inadvertently; however, I would emphasize that mistakes are essential to achieve fluency in the use of any language in the world. Kindly concentrate on the following subtopics highlighted for our education in today’s article.
IN THE QUEUE OR ON THE QUEUE?
In Nigeria, there are waiting lines everywhere- in schools, banks, churches, and other public institutions. This reminds me of my days as an undergraduate in Ogun State. We used to queue for the payment of school fees and other mandatory fees before the introduction of an online method. One day, I told one of my colleagues, “You can not meet the secretary before me; I have been ON QUEUE since 9 am.” It was a frustrating experience indeed!
The prepositional phrase “In the queue” should be adopted by every good user of English. Repeat this phrase for two minutes to internalize its use for life. Interestingly, this is how I quickly eliminate wrong phrases and words from my speech in write-ups and oral communication.
Review the following sentences.
I was on the queue before the lady arrived. (Wrong)
I was in the queue before the lady arrived. (Correct)
Kindly join other students on the queue. (Wrong)
Kindly join other students in the queue. (Correct)
ON THE ISLAND
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Island means “a contagious area of land, smaller than a continent, totally surrounded by water”. I am enthusiastic about stressing the preposition for the island, which is “on”. Of course, conventionally, we are aware that “ in” should be used for locations. For example, I am in Lagos. In contrast, would you write “I am on Lagos”? Now, the rule does not apply to the island.
Chiroma lives on Lagos Island (correct)
The successful businessman has a fleet of cars on Victoria Island( correct)
BE AT ALERT
While growing up, my mother would narrate gory experiences people had with pickpocketers in Lagos, one of the densely populated cities. My coursemate, who resided in this part of Lagos, would talk about being vigilant when you visit his town.
Sam, you must be at alert when you reach Oshodi. (Correct)
Sam, you must be alert when you reach Oshodi. (Wrong)
Removing “at” here is not optional; as a matter of fact, it is compulsory. The word “alert” means “attentive”. Can we quickly substitute “alert” with “attentive” for the expression?
What do we have?
Be attentive.
Now, have you learnt that “at” is useless? Incredible.
Look up in the dictionary for a better understanding.
REPLY MY MESSAGE
On all social platforms, we text a large number of people for communication. Sometimes, it is provocative to chat with people who refuse to reply early as expected. Thereafter, we are inclined to type “Please, reply my message.” Omitting “to” renders the near-perfect sentence grammatically invalid. Write it in this pattern: Please, reply to my message.
Adamu just replied his father’s texts. (Wrong)
Adamu just replied to his father’s texts. (Correct)
ON VACATION
The school just went on vacation.
I would love to go on vacation to the United Kingdom.
ON BREAK
I would not study for now because I am on break.
ON LEAVE
Professor Bala will not come to school today because he is on leave.
ON STRIKE
ASUU was on strike in 2022.
We also use “on” for days of the week.
Let us meet on Monday.
The man, whose wife just left, died on Wednesday.
