This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
Use of ‘each’
When ‘each’ is the subject of a sentence it is followed by a singular verb.
Each of the girls was given an exercise book.
When it refers to a plural antecedent, it takes a plural verb.
The soldiers arrived at the airport and were each given a gun.
Use of ‘none’
‘None’ is usually followed by a singular verb when it means ‘no amount, no quantity, not one’ or ‘no one.’
None of the jewellery is missing.
None of my friends was able to attend my wedding.
When ‘none’ means ‘no people’ or ‘no things’ the verb is generally in the plural
Some of the buses arrive late but none reach the depot after 11 p.m.
Agriculturalist / agriculturist
Both forms are acceptable in English. However, the shorter form ‘agriculturist’ has become popular.
Aim
‘Aim’ is usually followed by ‘at’ when it means ‘to strive’ or ‘to try.’ However, now ‘aim’ is used frequently with ‘to.’
We aim to finish the job in a week.
Akin
‘Akin’ means ‘very similar to something.’ It is usually followed by ‘to.’
Something akin to panic overwhelmed him.
Albeit
‘Albeit’ is used to add information that reduces the force or importance of what you have just said.
Nilma accepted the offer albeit with some hesitation.
The conjunction ‘albeit’ meaning ‘although’ or ‘notwithstanding’ was once considered an archaism, but it has received a fresh lease of life.
Alibi
In law ‘alibi’ means a defence by an accused person that he was elsewhere at the time when a crime was committed. However, it is now used to mean an ‘excuse’ or ‘pretext’ by many writers.
The suspect had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.
Alien
‘Alien’ means ‘very different from what you are used to, especially in a way that is difficult to understand or accept.’
‘Alien beings’ are supposed to come from another planet.
‘Alien’ also means ‘someone who is not a legal citizen of the country they are living or working in.’
Allege
‘Allege’ means ‘to say that something is true or that someone has done something wrong, although it has not been proved.’
It was alleged that the school principal had accepted a bribe.
‘Allegedly’ is used when reporting something that people say is true, although it has not been proved.
Bob was driving a sports car allegedly owned by a leading politician.
Allergic
The medical definition is ‘physically hypersensitive to certain substances.’ In colloquial speech, however, it can mean, ‘dislike’ or ‘aversion.’
Sometimes ‘allergic’ is used humorously.
Most men are allergic to housework!