Introduction
There are tautological constructions that appear elusive – difficult to detect and avoid. Among them are structures involving the synonyms “adequate” and “enough” both of which are adjectives. Sometimes, the difficulty compounds when “adequate” is in its adverbial state – “adequately.” Let us consider the following illustrative sentences:
● The money given to Azinpaga is not ADEQUATELY enough.
● In Dagbon culture, mere allegations are not ADEQUATELY enough to warrant punishment.
● In a land of White Supremacy, any fabrication against a black man is ADEQUATELY enough to humiliate him.
Correction
It is instructive to state that all the above illustrative sentences are errors of tautology because of the simultaneous application of the adverb “adequately” and the adjective “enough.” Below are ways we can correct the faulty sentences.
● The money given to Azinpaga is not ENOUGH.
● In Dagbon culture, mere allegations are not ENOUGH to warrant punishment.
● In a land of White Supremacy, any fabrication against a black man is ENOUGH to humiliate him.
Alternatively, we can make “adequately” an adjective – “adequate” and put it in place of “enough.” Examples:
● The money given to Azinpaga is not ADEQUATE.
● In Dagbon culture, mere allegations are not ADEQUATE to warrant punishment.
● In a land of White Supremacy, any fabrication against a black man is ADEQUATE to humiliate him.
Conclusion
Colleague learner, understanding the meanings of words to avoid tautology is important. But understanding alone is not ADEQUATELY enough, ohhh sorry, not ENOUGH. Hahahahaha! Indeed, what is more than understanding in the avoidance of tautology is an amalgamation of knowledge and care.
Dedication
This discourse is dedicated to all language teachers for their efforts at enhancing communicative proficiency in society.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.