Making a point
1. Fred is about to have a painful landing. He says:
The answer is a. This is understatement because it will be much more than just uncomfortable.
2. The weather report predicts a hurricane. You say:
The answer is c. A hurricane is more than just 'windy', so this is an understatement.
3. A friend asks if your son has a girlfriend. You say:
The answer is a. 'Not just yet' means something might happen soon, but this is an understatement.
4. Bill has just had an excellent meal. He says:
The answer is b. This is understatement because by this Bill means that the food is very good.
5. Your friend's car engine blew up. You say:
The answer is c. This is not a 'bit of engine trouble' it is a lot! So this is an understatement.
6. Mary is red-faced and furious. Carol says:
The answer is b. 'Not happy' is a very mild way to describe Mary's mood, so it is an understatement.
7. The bathroom arrangements are primitive. You say:
The answer is a. This is an understatement, as the 'technology' is thousands of years old.
8. Sally comes home to see her house on fire. She says:
The answer is b. For some English speakers 'not good' means 'very bad'.
9. You have a very elegant friend. You say:
The answer is c. This is understatement because he is well-dressed insted of just being 'not badly dressed'.
