A recent review of Nigerian newspapers has highlighted a concerning trend of grammatical errors in headlines and articles. The critique, conducted by a media watchdog, found numerous instances of incorrect word usage, punctuation, and syntax. For example, the headline "Banks lay siege on lawmakers" was suggested to be rephrased as "Banks lay siege to lawmakers." This error, and many others like it, can undermine the credibility of publications and compromise the clarity of their message.
The review also identified errors in word choice, such as using "saddle" instead of "in the saddle" and "per excellence" instead of "par excellence." Additionally, some publications incorrectly used phrases like "double standards" instead of the fixed expression "double standard." These mistakes can be attributed to a lack of attention to detail or inadequate editing processes. The watchdog emphasizes the importance of accuracy in language to maintain the trust of readers and convey information effectively.
Furthermore, the critique pointed out errors in verb tense and subject-verb agreement. For instance, the phrase "Clearance of non-CRI goods begin at ports" should be rephrased as "Clearance of non-CRI goods begins at ports." Similarly, the sentence "Efforts so far to speak with the Kogi State Police Public Relation Officer has proved abortive" should be rephrased to "Efforts so far to speak with the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer have proved abortive." These errors can alter the meaning of sentences and compromise the overall coherence of articles.
The media watchdog also criticized the use of incorrect phrases and idioms. For example, the phrase "mend fence" should be replaced with "mend fences," and "wetted the public appetite" should be replaced with "whetted the public's appetite." Moreover, some publications used incorrect prepositions, such as "regard to" instead of "regard for." These mistakes can make texts seem unpolished and undermine the authority of publications.
In addition to these errors, the review found instances of incorrect word order and punctuation. For example, the sentence "Like we have said at various fora…" can be improved to "As we have said at various fora…" or "Like we have said at various forums…" The watchdog encourages publications to adopt a more formal tone and adhere to standard English language conventions to enhance their credibility and readability.
The critique also highlighted the importance of consistency in language usage. For instance, the phrase "either of these two countries" was noted as a stock phrase that should be used correctly. The watchdog suggests that publications should adopt a style guide to ensure consistency in language usage and minimize errors. By doing so, publications can improve their overall quality and maintain the trust of their readers.
The media watchdog's review serves as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in language usage. By correcting these errors and adopting standard English language conventions, Nigerian publications can enhance their credibility and convey information more effectively. The watchdog's efforts aim to promote a culture of accuracy and excellence in Nigerian journalism, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged public.
Key points
- The media watchdog criticizes Nigerian newspapers for pervasive grammatical errors, citing examples from various publications.
- The review highlights the importance of accuracy in language to maintain the trust of readers and convey information effectively.
- The watchdog encourages publications to adopt a more formal tone and adhere to standard English language conventions to enhance their credibility and readability.
