English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
Grammar for an Icon
Happy birthday to my sister and ~confidant~ (general).
Happy birthday to my sister and confidante (specific). Someone’s confidante is a woman who they are able to discuss their private problems with.
You deserve a ~plaque~ for all you’ve done for me (nonstandard).
You deserve a plaque for all you’ve done for me (standard). An ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event is a plaque. Note too that the “a” in plaque is pronounced like the “a” in black; not like the “a” in play.
She is indeed ~of great value~ (redundant).
She is indeed invaluable (succinct). An extremely useful and indispensable person or thing is said to be invaluable.
Happy 50th Birthday to the best person I know!
GAB
