Grammar Clinic

Foolish words or ideas; nonsense Example: Even before Jim had finished his tale about how the dog ate his homework, the teacher exclaimed “Balderdash!“

To bring (a memory, feeling, image, etc.) to mind; to cause (a particular reaction or response) to happen Example: Talking about the village always evokes memories of fun lazy days doing nothing, playing a lot, eating too much, and endless swims in streams.

To try to win someone’s favour and approval by giving them praise, special attention, etc., and making them feel superior Example:  “All boys do is  fawn over me, and tell me things they think I want to hear” said Hadassah, the prettiest girl in school.

Easily seen and attracting attention Example: Tumi’s absence was really conspicuous because her seat at the front of the class was vacant all through last week.

To spread through all parts of something Example: The rotten egg smell of Tayo’s fart pervaded the whole room.

Causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed Example: Glaucoma is called “the silent eye stealer” because it is so insidious that by the time symptoms begin to appear, it’s already too late.

A great or foolish amount of pride or confidence Example: With great hubris, Goliath threatened to feed David’s body to animals; well, we know how that ended!

Lacking proper respect and seriousness Example: “I don’t like your flippant attitude one bit, not everything is a joke! This is a serious matter, and you are not treating it as such” said Evelyn to her husband.

Tending to talk a lot; talkative Example: That guy is such a loquacious fellow! He almost bent my ear with talk!!

To gain favour or approval by doing or saying things that people like Example: Monica is a teacher’s pet for only one reason – she knows how to ingratiate herself with teachers and make them eat out of her hands.