English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
THE QUEEN’S ENGLISH
The Queen’s ~remains is~ to be taken to Westminster Abbey (nonstandard).
The Queen’s remains are to be taken to Westminster Abbey (standard). A person’s body after death is called “remains” and it attracts a plural verb when used as a subject.
Many will travel to the UK to pay their last ~respect~ to the Queen (nonstandard).
Many will travel to the UK to pay their last respects to the Queen (standard). A formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship is “respects”.
~By right~, Prince Charles should be the next king (nonstandard).
By rights, Prince Charles should be the next king (standard). When you mean to say “if the situation were fair”, then you say “by rights”. Note that “by right” is also allowed in American English.
We hope the Queen’s demise does not put the UK on the ~rock~ (nonstandard).
We hope the Queen’s demise does not put the UK on the rocks (standard). To be on the rocks is to experience difficulties.
GAB
