A writer says 'It was only a small mistake' about an error that closed the factory. What is the effect of the word 'only'?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. It creates understatement
- Step 1: The word minimises the mistake, contrasting with its huge result.
- Step 2: This creates irony or understatement.
Answer
It creates understatement.
Why not the others: It shows the mistake was truly small: The context shows the mistake caused serious harm. It tells the reader to ignore the mistake: The contrast draws attention to it. It introduces a question: The sentence is a statement.
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