Literary Discourse
When “a” performs the function of “for”
Introduction
The verb “await” is interesting. It is a verb in which a morpheme reduces a preposition to redundancy. Yes in “await”, the morpheme “a” makes the proposition “for” needless. This implies that if we use “await”, we do not bring “for.” But if we use “wait”, we have to bring “for” to secure grammatical normalcy. Below are illustrative sentences:
It is instructive to state that the gerund or present continous form of “await” is “awaiting.” This form can sometimes function as a predictive adjective. Examples are:
● After the debate Dawuni left, but Danaa was still AWAITING.
● Gbewaa and I are AWAITING because Zolkugli promises to meet us here.
“Awaiting” can be a prepositive adjective too. As the name suggests, a prepositive adjective comes before the word or words it qualifies. Examples:
● Marzuka is a result-AWAITING applicant. (The adjective AWAITING comes before the noun APPLICANT)
● The AWAITING debaters in the ongoing African Universities’ Debate Tournament are Salpawuni and Deeshini. (The adjective AWAITING comes before the noun DEBATERS)
Conclusion
Colleague learner, permit us to conclude on a note of observation. In view of the above explanation, it has become obvious that when “await” or “awaiting” is used the preposition “for” should NOT be brought to corrupt the sentence. If you are in love with “for” in relation to the use of “await”, you better us “wait.” In simple language, we AWAIT but WAIT FOR. If we AWAIT FOR, it constitutes an assault on the sanctity of Grammar and Usage. Hahahaha!
Dedication
This discourse is dedicated to ALHAJI ENGINEER AMINU AMADU alias NBAA, an opinion leader of the Dagomba Community in Accra, for his interest in and contribution to the welfare of the youth. Alhaji Aminu is also an elder of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). May Allah continue to grant him long life, patience, and wisdom to mentor the youth and to serve humanity. Ameeeen.
Allah is the Best Grammarian.
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