Grammar Clinic

Unintentional; to accidentally or mistakenly do or say something. Example: Ndidi inadvertently poured the hot water on the fowl.

To make a thing more beautiful or attractive than it originally is; to beautify/adorn. Example: Kehinde wants to embellish his room with new decor materials imported from Italy.

A situation in which no progress seems possible: DEADLOCK Example: Negotiations between the government and rebel fighters ended in yet another impasse.

To make something (such as an unpleasant feeling) less painful or severe. Example: Despite all efforts to assuage the baby’s discomfort, she kept on crying for her mother.

To repeatedly hit or punch (someone or something) very hard Example: The boxer pummelled his opponent silly, knocking him out in only the third round!

(1) In a confused and hurried way; (2) in mingled confusion or disorder Example: With sounds of gunshot in the air, everyone was running pell-mell down the street.

Very bad and unpleasant Example: The whole class was punished – six strokes each! – for what the teacher called “noise of an infernal degree”.

Old and in bad condition because of age or poor health Example: It’s one thing to live long, but it’s quite another to live for so long that one becomes decrepit!

To waste time by loitering and delaying Example: “Don’t dillydally young man! Get up and get on with your chores already.” said Lanre’s father to him.

(1) To give in exchange for another; (2) to travel back and forth regularly; (3)  to change (a penalty) to another less severe Example: (3) In celebration of Independence, the governor commuted the death sentence of 5 prisoners to life imprisonment.