Grammar Clinic

In a very bad condition and needing to be repaired; not carefully made or put together Example: The bus I took to school was a ramshackle mess; it was all broken lights, rusty body, leaky roof, torn seat cushions, and squeaky doors!

(1) To make someone angry or annoyed; (2) to arouse the curiosity or interest of Example: (1) I was piqued by the passenger on the bus who kept poking my back with his knees.   (2) Her mention of the word “Love and Dating” was all it took to pique my curiosity!

A person, thing or practice that does not belong to the time in which it is being used or appears Example: The practice of circumcising girls in order to prevent promiscuity is an anachronistic idea not fitting in this computer age.

To give a brief summary of something Example: Chigirl recapitulated to us, the events that went down at Gimba’s party; from the fight between Bayo and Chinedu, to Isioma getting drunk, and his father coming in unannounced!

Decayed with usually a very bad or disgusting smell; very ugly, bad, or unpleasant Example: The putrid smell that emanates from LAWMA trucks is usually strong enough to choke life out of one!

Personal confidence or courage that allows someone to do or say things that may seem shocking to others Example: Timilehin had the chutzpah to point out the teacher’s error, not minding what would happen.

To cause something to happen faster Example: Because Hauwa’s father wanted her to receive the parcel soonest, he paid for the service that would expedite the delivery, also known as Express.

To overwhelm someone or something with people or things to be dealt with Example: During my sister’s introduction ceremony, our house was pretty much inundated with people from all walks of life.

Continuing without stopping Example: Incessant calls from people who have copied my number from the internet is the major reason why my phone battery drains so fast!

Something that is added; especially a section of a book that is added to the main or original text Example: Is addendum the same as appendix? asked Clarissa, as she leafed through the textbook. Yes it is, replied her mother.