Grammar Clinic

Happiness and laughter Example: At the dinner table, conversations flow and mirth fills the air; especially when Abayomi is around, for he is a real comic.

Using few words in a clever and effective way Example: “Define Learning” said the teacher. “Knowing, doing and making” was Ada’s pithy remark.

Tending to make people afraid or less confident; very difficult to do or deal with Example: Telling my parents that I wanted to pursue a music career was a rather daunting ordeal; well, until I plucked up the courage and just told them!

Very hard to please; requiring a lot of care and attention Example: It wasn’t until Mr Bode had gone through 5,000 compact disc jackets to ensure they all met his standard, that I knew how finicky he could be!

A decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue; a progressive decline in vigour Example: Confined to a wheel chair, her legs gradually grew thin as the muscles atrophied due to a lack of use

Having or showing a lack of excitement or interest in something especially because it is very familiar Example: Living in London all his life made him blasé about the things that intrigued his visiting cousins.

A highly skilled or well-trained person : someone who is adept at something Example: Our Maths teacher is really adept at her job; both as a mathematician, and as a teacher.

Tending to be quiet : not speaking frequently Example: Turning to the bully with fire in his eyes, his voice low and dangerous, he says: “That I am taciturn does not mean I let people walk all over me!”

To trouble or be troubled in a constant, repeated way Example: That family has been bedevilled by many problems this past month: first, their father died; then their house got razed down; and now, the last child is terribly ill.

Pretending that something is true so as to create a pleasant or respectable appearance Example: When Lola had to be taken home after she fell ill, it became obvious that her rich girl image was just a charade