Grammar Clinic

Existing as or based on a suggestion, estimate, or theory; not existing in reality. Example: ‘All Italian property owners are liable to pay income tax based on the notional letting value of the property’.

Careful and prudent in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment. Example: ‘The purpose of the bullying audit was explained and their participation in a confidential and discreet interview was invited’.

A womanizer. Example: ‘Ted has become an unrepentant philanderer, using the façade of his artwork to lure women into posing for his impressionistic and erotic illustrations’.

Gather or collect (something, especially information or approval). Example: ‘The police struggled to garner sufficient evidence about the Ridgeway murder and rape case’.

Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine. Example: ‘In the medieval ages people were burned alive in stakes at the slightest suspicion of heresy’.

A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. Example: ‘He had led an interesting life and was full of amusing stories and anecdotes, all of which he told with enthusiasm’.

Take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) happening; forestall. Example: ‘The wise government pre-empted a coup attempt by the ignorant anarchists who sought to seize power’.

Find a way around (an obstacle) Example: ‘if you come to an obstruction in a road you can seek to circumvent it’.

Dry Land. Example: ‘After seven months on the sea, Jane could take it no more, she knew she needed to put her feet on terra firma once again’.  

Resembling or characteristic of a brute; savagely violent. Example: ‘Everybody keeps their distance from John, no one wants to be a victim of his occasional brutish behavior’.