Wiklow or Whitlow?

Common Errors in English With Samuel Alimi

Biscuits are popular among many children and adults, and I also loved them when I was younger. I would always save money to buy them, as they are one of the most popular snacks you can find anywhere. Furthermore, today’s class provides an interesting insight into the common mistake made by many English speakers when referring to these sweet biscuits. While a dozen is indeed a set of twelve, it is incorrect to use the preposition “of” with “dozen” in this context.
Sola, could you please buy two dozen of biscuits for me? (Incorrect)
Sola, could you please buy two dozen biscuits for me? (Correct)

I need a dozen of eggs. (Incorrect)
I need a dozen eggs. (Correct)

To avoid confusion, replace “dozen” with “a set of twelve” in the sentences above:
Sola, could you please buy me two sets of twelve biscuits?
I need a set of twelve eggs.

Round Up
Another phrasal verb that has been severely abused by many speakers is “round up.” Whenever you are about to finish your class presentation, you are likely to use this wrong expression too.

Ma, can we round up the class? (Wrong)
Ma, can we round off the class? (Correct)

“Round up” simply means “to collect together,” while “round off” means “to complete or finish something.” Have you studied why it is important to use the former phrasal verb?

Use “round off” instead of “round up” to end your speech. Avoid the wrong phrasal verb like the plague.

The armed robbers were rounded up in Abuja yesterday. (Correct)

On a Blue Shirt
Whenever you want to refer to someone putting on clothes, do not use “on”. It is grammatically incorrect to use this preposition; therefore, use “in” instead.

The man on the blue shirt is my father. (Incorrect)
The man in the blue shirt is my father. (Correct)
This same rule applies to glasses and trousers.
That lady on glasses is brilliant. (Incorrect)
That lady in glasses is brilliant. (Correct)

The man on female wears was assaulted by security officers. (Incorrect)
The woman on female wears trousers was beaten by security officers. (Correct)

Sponsor
During a long discussion with my English teacher, I expressed my interest in politics. I said, “I would love to be a politician; so I pray for sponsorers”. The teacher quickly corrected the term “sponsorers” because it does not exist in English. I thought that I could add “er” to “sponsor” since a person who teaches is a teacher.

I need a sponsorer. (Incorrect)
I need a sponsor. (Correct)

Witlow
I guess that you are one of those who misspell “whitlow” as “wiklow.” It’s time you understood the correct spelling.

Did you know that it is also a countable noun?
Remember our discussion on “headache”?
The man has wiklow. (Incorrect)
The man has a whitlow. (Correct)

Appreciate
It’s always important to express gratitude to our benefactors. It encourages them to do better. How would you feel if you helped an ingrate? This is why we must continually appreciate every noble deed.
I noticed a grammatical error with the phrase “I appreciate.”

The verb “appreciate” is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object to make sense. Can you say “I take”?

She took. (Incorrect)
She took her pen. (Correct)
Therefore, it is grammatically incorrect to say “I appreciate.” Why are you grateful?

Thanks for your comment. I appreciate. (Incorrect)
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it. (Correct)
I appreciate your help. (Correct)
I appreciate you. (Correct)
She appreciates our financial assistance. (Correct)
“Appreciate” can be used as an intransitive verb when something increases in value.
Land appreciates.
Gold appreciates,
The houses in London just appreciated. (Correct)
It doesn’t make sense to use “appreciate” as an intransitive verb for all good deeds.

Be Alert
While growing up, my mother would narrate gruesome experiences people had with pickpocketers in Lagos, one of the most densely populated cities. My classmate, who lived in this part of Lagos, would emphasize the importance of being vigilant when visiting his neighborhood.
“Sam, you must be at alert when you reach Oshodi,” he would say.

Be at alert (Wrong)
Removing “at” in this context is not optional; in fact, it is necessary. The word “alert” means “attentive.” Can we replace “alert” with “attentive” in the expression? What do we get?”

Be attentive.
Now that you have learned that “at” is unnecessary, isn’t that incredible?
Look it up in the dictionary for a better understanding.

Assignment

Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions.
1. The lady _____ glasses is my best friend. (a) on (b) in (c) at
2. The baby has _______. (a) wiklow (b) a whitlow (c) whitlow
3. Get me a __________ cheese balls, please. (a) dozen (b) dozen of (c) dozens

Names of those who answered last questions correctly

Eze Jeremiah, Caroline Praise, Shukurat Adekola, Bolanle Olusola, Bala Aminat, Bello Sulaimon, Adaeze Beauty, Jerry Solomon, Isah Abbubakar Sadiq, David Okufuwa, Olaniyi Temitayo, Adesina Sofiyat, Pitan Rasheed, Alimi Olive, Rasheed Fatah and Idowu Rofiat