Education is the most powerful weapon, Nelson Mandela says, which we can use to change the world.
This article helps and inspires students to improve their English and encourage their interest in achieving their goals without needing to go off the course syllabus, however strict it might be. It is divided into four segments: quotations and their explanation, proverbs and their meanings, correct and incorrect English, and some tips to improve your English. All the segments are presented in twos.
Quotations and Their Explanation
Life without motivation is like sitting in a dark room with lots of fear inside. Here are two quotes that can motivate you in life.
“Those who embezzle public funds should be ready to face the consequences.”─Muhammad Buhari
Explanation: Muhammadu Buhari GCFR (born 17 December 1942) is a Nigerian politician who has been president of Nigeria since 2015. Buhari is a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army and served as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état. The Nigeria’s situation explains the quote more words could.
“As far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.” –Muhammad Buhari
Explanation: well, this is self-explanatory as well.
Proverbs and Their Meanings
There is a proverb for almost any situation. It is a wise saying that gives some advice about life.
put the cart before the horse
Possible meaning: It If you put the cart before the horse, you do things in the wrong order or sequence (= riga malam masallaci in Hausa), e.g I think you are putting the cart before the horse by leaving your permanent job before getting a new one.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
Meaning: used as a way to tell someone that they should either stop complaining about a difficult or unpleasant activity, or stop doing it(Fadan da ya fi karfinka…in Hausa).
Correct and Incorrect English
We all make mistakes when we are speaking or writing English as a Second Language, along the way. Of course, it is inevitable. The important thing is to learn from the mistakes so you become a more confident, capable speaker and writer. Here are some mistakes that should be avoided:
Incorrect: Stop shouting on me, please!
Correct: Stop shouting at me, please!
Note: “shout” is never followed by “on” – it’s usually followed by “at”. But it can be followed by “to”—when we shout to someone, we want them to hear us. They might be on the other side of the street, or a distance from us in a noisy place, e.g She shouted to me from the upstairs window.
Incorrect: I promise of returning it as soon as I can.
Correct: I promise to return it as soon as I can.
Note: “promise” can be followed by ‘of’ if it functions as a noun, e.g She gave him a false promise of her support. But if the word, “promise” comes as a verb, it should be followed by ‘to’!
Words and Their Meanings and Examples in Sentences
Words are of paramount importance to our lives. Voltaire once said, “Language is a very difficult to put into words.” What is the best way to learn new words? Sound them out, The Seattle Time reported. Researchers found sounding words slowly helps people memorize new words easier.
Unstinting /an ‘sntintin>/
unstinting support, help, praise etc is complete and given willingly.
- I need unstinting support, please.
dissuade/di ‘sweid/
It means, to persuade someone not to do something.
- His son found a way to dissuade him from smoking.
Tips to Improve Your English ─ Hester
- You can start an online blog and share your writings with the world.
- If you want to become a better writer, brainstorm as many ideas and thoughts onto paper without worrying about grammar or spelling.
A big thank-you for reading and remember ─ practice is key!
Bashir Shu’aibu Jammaje
08168757065
bashjam90@gmail.com Twitter: @Mrbashjam
