‘Protest’ and its dynamic grammatical features

A dominant issue in Nigeria today revolves around the protest planned against hardship, slated for between August 1 and 10. It has generated a lot of controversies and will continue to dominate discussions for some time because many are opposed to it while others say it must hold. One way or the other, almost everyone will have to use the word ‘protest’ as they join the debate. In today’s lesson, therefore, we are looking at the features of the word as a grammatical element, with the hope that it will guide our handling of it.

A noun, a verb

‘Protest’ comes in the family of English words that can be used as nouns and verbs — without changing forms.  In ‘What arrangement have they made?’, ‘arrangement’ is a noun, naming something. To use it as a verb, there has to be a change in form: ‘They want to arrange for the party.’ In the case of ‘protest’, however, a concept called contrasting noun-verb stress obtains. Yes, the same form/spelling is maintained for both word classes, and even when used as an adjective as in ‘protest letter’. As is the case with advance, project, address and respect etc., however, the manner of pronunciation changes when ‘protest’ is used as a noun and as a verb. In the first situation, the first syllable is stressed while the second is stressed when used as a verb. Always try to indicate this difference whenever articulating it and others in the class:

The PROtest will start on August 1. (A noun)

Some people will proTEST from August 1. (Verb)

He will deliver an ADDress. (Noun)

He will addRESS the gathering. (Verb)

He is the prime SUSpect.(Noun)

All the guys susPECT him. (Verb)

Other words in this category include conflict, defect, conflict, combat, record, conduct and discount.

Countable, uncountable

As a noun, ‘protest’ can be countable and uncountable, depending on the context . For instance, when it means ‘an occasion people show that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc.’, it is countable:

Many people believe the protest should be shelved.

Others say there is nothing strange about the protest if it will be peaceful.

Police are gearing up for the protests that may be witnessed across the country.

Also, according to Cambridge Dictionary, when ‘protest’ means a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition, it can be either. Here are examples from the iconic publication:

Protests have been made/registered by many people who would be affected by the proposed changes.

A formal protest was made by the German team about their disqualification from the relay final.

Conservation groups have united in protest against the planned new road.

Also, Oxford Dictionary notes that ‘protest’ is countable when it refers to words or actions that show that you do not want someone to do something or that you dislike something very much:

I turned off the TV, despite loud protests from the kids.

He accepted his punishment without protest.

She ignored his protests and walked away.

The programme caused a storm of protest (a lot of angry protest).

The announcement was met with howls of protest.

Protest against, about, at

‘Protest’ is flexible in terms of its relationship with prepositions. It accepts against, about and at:

Our people protested against police brutality in 2020 but the widespread action turned violent.

Our people protested at police brutality in 2020 but the widespread action turned violent.

NASU members protested against non-payment of their arrears.

NASU members protested about non-payment of their arrears.

Here are two examples from Oxford Dictionary in this regard:

Students held a protest march against the war.

Five thousand employees came out on strike in protest at the poor working conditions.

Note, however, that American English can do away with the preposition:

Our people protested police brutality in 2020 but the widespread action turned violent.

The coach protested the referee’s call. (From Britannica Dictionary).