English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
He was born in late ’80s (nonstandard).
He was born in the late ’80s (standard).
When “late” is used to talk about a period of birth or a deceased, it is preceded by article “the”: This is the house of the late Chief Awolowo.
Have you been to Gambia (nonstandard)?
Have you been to the Gambia (standard)? Some countries, including UK and USA, have the definite article “the” as part of their names.
She was beginning to gain upper hand (nonstandard).
She was beginning to gain the upper hand (standard).
GAB
