English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
NOTE THE SPELLING
Nigeria is in ~dare~ need of a good leader (nonstandard).
Nigeria is in ~a dire~ need of a good leader (nonstandard).
Nigeria is in dire need of a good leader (standard). Note that the word is “dire” and should not be preceded by “a”.
We need someone who will justly ~stare~ the affairs of this country (nonstandard).
We need someone who will justly steer the affairs of this country (standard). Note that to “stare” is to look fixedly at something or someone while to “steer” is to lead people in a particular direction.
We have to vote a ~stateman~ as the next president of this country (nonstandard).
We have to vote a statesman as the next president of this country (standard). A skilled, experienced, and respected political leader or figure is a stateSman.
GAB
