Explanations. 1. Self-service, as the word implies, is service one provides himself

1. Self-service, as the word implies, is service one provides himself. In other words, he helps himself to the goods he wishes to purchase. Trolleys are available for his convenience. This concept of service enables the customer to choose his goods unhurriedly and without pressure to buy. The owner of the supermarket benefits from the smaller number of workers he has to engage. Despite the impersonal nature of the service, sales in supermarkets have been brisk.

2. To shop is to buy things from a shop. A shopkeeper is the owner of the shop and a customer is also called a shopper.

3. To promote is to help the progress of something or someone. It can mean to found or organise.

John promoted a new business company.

One can also promote good feelings between two or more people.

The employer promoted good staff relations.

4. Under one roof expresses the idea of shopping in one place. Supermarkets being large, customers can purchase nearly everything they want in them.

5. The word stationery (writing materials and office supplies) is pronounced like stationary (fixed in a position; not moving). Note the difference in the spelling and meaning of the two words.

6. The word toilet has several meanings and this fact often leads to confusion. Study the following meanings:

Toilet articles include such things as a comb, a hair brush, a hand mirror etc. A toilet-table is a dressing table with a mirror. Toiletry or toiletries refer to toilet articles.

A few notes on the correct use of the language.

Good English should be direct, simple, brief, vigorous and clear. In the choice of words the following rules are important:

1. Use the familiar word instead of the far-fetched.

The words within brackets are recommended in the examples below.

a. to transpire (to come out)

b. perchance (perhaps)

c. discriminating (choosy)

2. Use the single word in place of many words.

a. In the case of men and women…

(by men and women)

b. John has been made the recipient of…

(John received…)

c. In many cases the essays lacked…

(many essays lacked…)

3. Use the short word instead of the long one.

a. to envisage – (to face)

b. to procrastinate – (to postpone)

c. to reproduce – (to copy)

Good English requires that the rules of grammar be followed. These rules which are based on common sense have withstood the test of time. They cannot be ignored. There is also social significance in using correct English. It identifies an educated person. Strive therefore to improve your command of the language through study and practice.