THE COMMUNICATION CHRONICLES.

 You just finished teaching a class or hosting a party, and you say, “Let’s round up the day with some ice cream!”  It sounds right, doesn’t it? But in the world of English, one tiny word can sweeten or scatter your message. Let’s fix it once and for all in a way that sticks. ✅ ROUND OFF – To End Something Nicely Use this when you're finishing something in a smooth, complete, and satisfying way. Let’s round off the lesson with a fun game. She rounded off her speech with a touching story. Think: wrapping things up nicely . Like a final clap at the end of a good show.  ✅  ROUND UP  – Totally Different Meaning. This one means to  gather or collect people or things , especially when they’re scattered. The police rounded up the suspects. The teacher rounded up the students after lunch. So if you say,  “We rounded up the meal with cake”.  It sounds like the cake ran away, and you went to arrest it. ROUND OUT – To Complete Something Fully (A...

 Have you ever said,  "At this junction, we need to make a decision",   thinking it sounded deep? Well… It’s time to clear the road. These two words may sound similar, but they don’t take you to the same place. Let's break it down in a way that actually sticks. Junction:  Where Roads Meet A junction refers to a physical place  where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross . ✅ I waited for the bus at the junction of Allen Avenue and Toyin Street. ✅ Let’s meet at the railway junction near the mall. So if you’re talking about a traffic stop or a turning point on the street, “junction” is your go-to. 🚫 I didn’t expect to find him at that juncture. ✅ I didn’t expect to find him at that junction. (Correct - if you're referring to a location .) Juncture:  A Critical Point in Time Juncture is all about timing  - a specific point in a process , especially an important or decision-making moment. ✅ At this juncture, we need to define wha...

 Ever said something like, “I’ll see you if I get home,” when you meant you were definitely coming back? Yes, we’ve all been there. It’s a word mix-up, but it can totally change what you're trying to say.  Let’s fix that today, the fun and easy way. Simple Truths You’ll Remember Here’s the thing: “IF” means maybe . “WHEN” means definitely , just later . ✔️ Correct: I’ll see you when I get home. ✖️ Wrong: I’ll see you if I get home. (Unless you’re saying there’s a chance you may not return.) Now flip it: ✖️ Wrong: I’ll give him the prize when he wins the debate. ✔️ Correct: I’ll give him the prize if he wins the debate. (You’re not sure he’ll win yet, so it’s a condition, not a certainty.)  Quick Tip to Remember: Use “when” if the action is sure to happen. Use “if” when it depends on something happening first . Next time you’re chatting, texting, or writing, take a second to choose the right word.  A little grammar polish can make a big di...

  Have you ever seen someone write  “shun vices”  and wondered , “Is that even correct?” You’re not alone. English can be a little tricky, but that’s why we’re here to learn together. In English, “vice” and “vices” look similar but are used differently depending on what you’re talking about. VICE (Uncountable): This means serious criminal activities like prostitution, drugs, or other illegal activities like drug dealing, gambling, or anything that dangerously breaks the law. ✅ Correct: The new law aims to reduce crime and vice in the city. ❌ Wrong: The new law aims to reduce crime and vices in the city. VICES (Countable): These are bad habits or moral weaknesses in someone’s character, like greed, jealousy, pride, or laziness. They’re not always criminal or necessarily illegal, but they’re not great either. ✅ Correct: Eating too much junk food and always coming late are some of his vices. ❌ Wrong: Eating too much junk food and always coming late are some of his v...

Have you ever said,  “The reason why I…”  or  “Please return back soon” ? You’re not alone but guess what? You’ve just used a tautology. English is a beautiful language, but sometimes we add extra words without realizing it. One of the most common slip-ups is repeating the same idea using different words, a habit known as tautology . It sneaks into everyday speech and writing, making our messages longer and less clear.  Let’s clear up one of the most common culprits: “the reason why.” What’s a Tautology? A tautology is when two words express the same meaning, used together unnecessarily. Think of it as repeating yourself, only fancier.  Example of a Tautology: The reason why he left was personal. Here, both “reason” and “why” are doing the same job- explaining cause. You only need one.  Better Options: The reason he left was personal. Why he left was personal. See? Still clear, but neater.  Other Common Tautologies to Watch Out For: Retur...

  A few years ago, if someone had told me that I could sit in the comfort of my home, wear my comfy clothes, teach people across the world, and still earn six figures in Naira, I would’ve laughed and said, “Abeg, stop play!” But guess what? It happened. And no, I didn’t have to shout, sell anything strange, or chase people to join any coded group. I simply did what I love: teaching. So, how did I do it? Here’s the real gist , broken down in a way you can understand: 1.      I Treated Teaching Like a Business Not just something I do when I feel like it. I showed up on time, delivered value, and built a brand around who I am. I marketed myself well. I told my story. I didn’t hide my wins. 2.      I Signed Up on Multiple Teaching Platforms From local ones to international platforms like Filo, Preply, NaijaTutors and others, I put myself out there. The more doors you knock on, the more likely one will open. 3.     I Found My Niche ...