English expressions

[Nkechi Linda]

STOP TURNING THESE EXPRESSIONS UPSIDE DOWN

I want to show you 4 English expressions that most educated people turn upside down alongside their correct forms. In formal English usage, their wrong forms are not acceptable.

1. Screen touch Phone
I have a touchscreen phone.
'
Touch' as the modifier used to describe the 'screen', comes first.

2. Plate number
Number plate
.
Although plate number is common in Nigeria and other African countries, in formal English usage, number plate is naturally used, especially in British English.

3. Wash hand basin
Use the hand-washing basin.
Hand basin/ wash basin

You're the one washing your hands inside the basin, NOT the basin washing hands.

4. You can't eat your cake and have it.
You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Meaning you can't keep something and use it up at the same time.

Which one shocks you most?

- Dr David Iluebe, The Grammar Doctor @ English Usage Clinic