Grammar Clinic

Tending to excite or inflame, usually negatively. Examples: Most Americans wonder how Donald Trump will be able to unite the country, given his incendiary speeches while campaigning for President.

To make a thorough search or investigation especially by moving and looking through the contents of a place Example: I had to rummage through my sister’s bag for minutes on end before I found the key.

Not of sound mind Example: The judge gave the man a lighter sentence because his lawyer was able to prove he was non compos mentis when he committed the crime.

Having or showing great skill or cleverness Example: Kole is really adroit at handling children. You need to see how well he manages them, and how much they love him.

(1) to stop or end by force; (2) to quiet, calm, or pacify Example: (2) After a particularly bad nightmare, Didi’s parents would allow her sleep in their bed in a bid to quell her fears.

To refuse (something, such as an offer or suggestion) in a sharp or rude way Example: She rebuffed his offer to come to the party with him as his date, because she wasn’t down for that just yet.

(1) showing lack of experience or knowledge; (2) being simple and sincere Example: She was naive enough to put faith in all his lying words. I guess she never heard the advice to “trust, but verify.”

Very clever, stimulating, amusing, and interesting Example: I love to read about the lives of people who conquered all odds to be successful in life. I can’t help but find it scintillating!

(1) to hit (someone or something) very hard;  (2) to beat by a wide margin Example: (2) I am sure Manchester United fans couldn’t believe their eyes, watching helplessly on Sunday, as their team was walloped 4-nil by Chelsea.

(1) very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural; (2) extremely different from what is expected or usual Example: The baby started to cry the instant he saw the grotesque face of the masquerade, seeing that it was different from what he knew.