English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Some senseless features of English
Sometimes, the inconsistencies associated with the English language itself is responsible for its poor usage, especially among second language speakers of English. Some instances of such inconsistencies are discussed below.
1. The following nouns are plurals but they do not attract “s”: The Underdog”, “the youth”, “the faithful”, “the poor”, “the offspring”, “the folk”, “Three dozen”, “Two aircraft” but some singular nouns that begin with “a” still attract “s”: “a species”, “a crossroads”, “a bellows”, “a means”, “a summons”.
2. Informal is the opposite of formal but invaluable is not the opposite of valuable. Invaluable is to be of great value.
3. Impossible is the opposite of possible but inflammable and flammable have the same meaning; that which is capable of burning.
I too agree that English rules are sometimes senseless!
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Academic Advisor, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan;
&
Doctoral Student of English, University of Ibadan.
