Grammar Clinic

A straight line between two places. Example: ‘He zoomed in and out of the slower traffic, making a direct beeline for the suburbs of Ikeja’.  

Artistic, concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty: Example: ‘We should strive to appreciate the aesthetic value of our names’.  

To hum or sing in a soft, low voice. Example: “We learn to communicate as babies through crooning and singing from our mothers,” Dr. Bob explained.

Noisy, energetic, and cheerful: Example: ‘ King Arthur was surrounded by noisy and boisterous children as he sat motionless on his throne’.    

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail: Careful. Example: ‘Tasha dressed with fastidious care’.  

A person who draws and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar. Example: ‘Sir John, staying at the Garter Inn, successfully recommends Jake to his Host as a tapster’.    

The killing of a large number of people: Example: ‘The Boko-Haram bombing was timed to cause as much carnage as possible’.

The protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power: Example: ‘They found their trust in divine providence to be a source of comfort’.

Looking or sounding sad and dismal: Example: ‘I was shocked when I saw Jack, his face looked even more lugubrious than usual’.  

Extremely unpleasant, horrifying, or terrible: Example: ‘It’s great for Roger because he’s had a hard time since he suffered a horrendous injury last season’.