English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
Speaking in Exactitude
I haven’t ever had alcohol ~talk less~ of smoking (nonstandard).
I haven’t ever heard alcohol not to speak of smoking (standard). You can use not to speak of when adding something which your previous statement also applies to, or applies to even more than other things
In many homes, it’s the woman who sustains the relationship ~so to say~ (nonstandard).
In many homes, it’s the woman who maintains the relationship so to speak (standard). The expression is used to highlight the fact that one is describing something in an unusual or metaphorical way.
GAB
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