English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB).
Don’t talk this way; it’s called circumlocution
1. Ahead of schedule (say, early).
Let’s start planning early (not, Let’s start planning ahead of schedule).
2. At an early date (say, soon). It will happen soon (not, It will happen at an early date).
3. During the time that (say, while). While I was on break, I saw him (not, during the time that I was on break I saw him).
4. At this point in time (say, now). Now I am so tired (not, at this point in time I am so tired).
5. Give rise to (say, cause). What caused it (what gave rise to it).
6. Owing to the fact that (say, because). I left because he wasn’t ready (not, I left owing to the fact that he isn’t ready).
7. Was of the opinion that (say, thought). He thought it was wrong (not, He was of the opinion that it was wrong).
8. The reason why is that (say, because). I know it’s because of your age (not, I know the reason why is your age).
9. Take action on the issue (say, acted). He should act fast (not, He should take action on the issue fast).
10. Was witness to (say, saw). I saw the scene (not, I was a witness to the scene).
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Academic Advisor, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan;
&
Doctoral student of English, University of Ibadan.
