CORRECT USAGE OF SOME COMMONLY ABUSED WORDS (Part 4)


CORRECT USAGE OF SOME COMMONLY ABUSED WORDS (Part 4)

          Let us progress to Part 4 of our discussion on ‘Correct Usage of Some Commonly Abused Words’ in this article.

15.  DEPENDENT & DEPENDANT

Dependent is an adjective and it means needing the support of something or someone in order to continue existing or operating.  It also means being influenced or decided by something, and in that sense, it is usually used as a phrasal verb: dependent on/upon (something).  And in grammar, the word dependent, describes a grammatical clause which cannot form a separate or an independent sentence, but can only form a sentence when it is joined to a main clause.     
Dependant is a noun and it means someone (child, old parent, relative or friend) who depends on a breadwinner for financial support and up-keep. 
Examples:
(i)                Passing with flying colours in examination is dependent on good preparation.
(ii)             The success of any organization is dependent on the work output of the management and staff.
(iii)            The clause ‘John has finished’ is dependent on the clause ‘his home work’ to make a complete sentence of ‘John has finished his home work’.
(iv)           The Holy Bible admonishes family men to take good care of their family members as their dependants.
(v)             Since he got injured ten years ago, Chief Dennis Oniovosa became a dependant.
(vi)           PAYE (Pay As You Earn) workers are usually advised to state the names of their dependants so as to get tax relief appropriately.

16.  OBSERVATION,  OBSERVANCE  & OBSERVANT

Observation is a noun and it means noticing or seeing or watching something or someone.   It also means a remark made about something that one has noticed. 
Observance is a noun and it means obeying a law or a regulation or following a religious requirement. 
Observant is an adjective and it means being good or quick at noticing things or paying attention to rules.
Examples:
(i)                The new production manager is making careful observation on every aspect of the company’s operations.
(ii)             “What does your observation reveal about the problem of the generating set?”, the supervisor asked the mechanic.
(iii)           The ancient Israelites were characterised by their strict observance of the Sabbath.
(iv)           Nigerians are known for observance of Independence Day celebration on the 1st of October each year since 1960.
(v)             Master Thompson Okorode is said to be the most observant student in his class.
(vi)           Policemen are required to be very observant, especially when investigating criminal matters.

 17. SURROUNDING  &  SURROUNDINGS
Surrounding is an adjective and it means around, nearby or encompassing.                    Surroundings is a noun and it means all the things and the conditions
around, which may affect something or somebody.  Surroundings also mean the place where someone lives and the conditions such one lives in.
Examples:
(i)                 The circumstances surrounding the sudden disappearance of the chairman are mysterious.
(ii)             What are the vagaries surrounding the continual fall of the Naira against Dollar?
(iii)           The sycophants surrounding the embattled Managing Director have plunged him into a mess.
(iv)           The surroundings of abattoirs are usually dirty; but there is need to keep them clean.
(v)             The surroundings of schools must be kept clean always.
(vi)           Landlords and landladies should always encourage their tenants to tidy up their compounds and the surroundings.
 18.        COMPLIMENT,  COMPLIMENTS  & COMPLEMENT

          Compliment is both a noun and a verb.  It means a remark or notice that expresses approval, admiration or respect. 
          Compliments (which is always in plural) is a noun and it means greetings, good wishes, regards etc.   It is also used to refer to something given to others free instead of being sold to them.  

          Complement is both a noun and a verb, and it means combining or using one item to make another complete or better or more attractive.
Examples:
(i)                The Principal complimented the Games Master’s efforts in training the students.
(ii)             The General Manager gave an encouraging compliment on the managerial ability of the Human Resources Manager.
(iii)           “Please convey compliments to your boss”, Chief Ojo told the messenger.
(iv)           The apostle Paul concluded most of his inspired writings with compliments to fellow believers.
(v)             I have mailed you a copy of the new book to you with my compliments.
(vi)           Eve was created as a complement of Adam.
(vii)        Butter is often used to complement bread.

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