In this article, we will explore the reasoning behind choosing ‘altogether’ as the correct answer in the sentence: ‘I’m afraid the salesman is not () honest.’ Let’s break down the meaning of each option and why ‘altogether’ is the best fit for this context.
Understanding the Sentence Context
The sentence ‘I’m afraid the salesman is not () honest’ implies that the speaker is expressing doubt about the salesperson’s honesty. The word in parentheses must convey a sense of how ‘honest’ is perceived. Now, let’s examine the options:
Examining the Options
1. all – While ‘all’ might sound logical, it doesn’t convey the sense of completeness needed in this context. It wouldn’t work well in describing a person’s honesty.
2. much – ‘Much’ would imply a high degree, but the context here requires something that describes the totality of the person’s honesty, which ‘much’ does not fully capture.
3. only – This word suggests limitation, and doesn’t fit when describing a trait like honesty in its entirety.
4. sometimes – ‘Sometimes’ implies variability, but this doesn’t make sense when talking about honesty, which is usually viewed as a binary trait (either honest or not).
5. altogether – This is the correct answer. ‘Altogether’ means ‘completely’ or ‘in total,’ which fits perfectly with the context of describing the salesman as entirely or fully lacking in honesty.
Why ‘Altogether’ Works Best
In this case, ‘altogether’ implies that the salesperson is not honest at all, in a complete sense. It fits the sentence perfectly because it conveys the total absence of honesty. The word ‘altogether’ is commonly used in this way to show a complete or total lack of something.
Conclusion
When deciding which word to choose for this sentence, it’s important to understand the nuance of each option. ‘Altogether’ works best because it captures the idea of total dishonesty, aligning with the context and meaning of the sentence. Always consider the overall meaning and tone of the sentence to make the right choice in similar questions.
コメント