C1Englishen.c1.057

Irony through understatement

Structure:

subject + is/are + not exactly + the + superlative + noun

The understated negative conveys the opposite meaning with humorous or sarcastic effect.

Example:

He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?

Examples

He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?

Question 1 of 20 correct

Which grammar pattern does this sentence use? "He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?"

Absolute construction (nominative absolute)

Absolute construction: All things considered

Absolute construction: The matter having been settled

Advanced affixation: noun and adjective suffixes

Advanced affixation: productive prefixes