By Chinua Asuzu
Outgrow stereotyped, bare lead-ins like these:
As Oputa JSC stated, “…”
The statute provides: “…”
The Supreme Court held, “…”
According to Ben Nwabueze, “…”
Prefer informative lead-ins like these:
Oputa JSC restated the four criteria an applicant must meet for the grant of an interlocutory injunction: “…”
The statute restricts relief to contexts in which the petitioner has supplied proof of consistent use: “…”
The Supreme Court pointed out the exceptions to the no-liability-without-damage rule: “…”
Ben Nwabueze argues that Nigeria’s constitutional bill of rights incorporates freedom of private enterprise: “…”
Lead-ins like these show that you understand the authority you’re about to quote. It shows professional responsibility, diligence, and respect for the reader. It is also a smart rhetorical device.
Chinua Asuzu, Brief-Writing Masterclass (Partridge, 2017), 339–341.
Childish versus Childlike
When Jesus Christ said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 18:3, Holy Bible (KJV), he was urging his followers to become childlike, not childish.
Childish, a negative adjective, connotes immaturity, peevishness, puerility, and silliness.
Childlike, a positive adjective, connotes innocence, simplicity, truthfulness, and joie de vivre.
