PREFERABLY USED AS SINGULAR

English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

PREFERABLY USED AS SINGULAR

Professor Adeleke Fakoya facilitates trainings, seminars, symposia and the likes (nonstandard).
Professor Adeleke Fakoya facilitates trainings, seminars, symposia and the like (standard). The expression “and the like” is a fixed way of referring to other similar persons, things or activities.

The elites have to do something about this situation (nonstandard).
The elite have to do something about this situation (standard). Elite means a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.

The intelligentsias can’t be blamed for the state of learning in Nigeria (nonstandard).
The intelligentsia can’t be blamed for the state of learning in Nigeria (standard). Intelligentsia are intellectuals or highly educated people.
Dr GAB