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Moon7296 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

no vs not

1. Why does Lord Staveley say that no honest woman is safe with you?2. Why does Lord Staveley say that a honest woman is not safe with you?

Q) Is there any difference in meaning between #1 and #2?
Q2) If there's a slightest difference in nuance, what is it?
  

Top answer

" The meaning of 1 and 2 is similar, but there is a nuance. 1 would be the more emphatic and serious statement. And 2 could, in some contexts, be interpreted as light and humorous.

  • " The meaning of 1 and 2 is similar, but there is a nuance.
  • 1 would be the more emphatic and serious statement.
  • And 2 could, in some contexts, be interpreted as light and humorous.
  • For example: Police Officer investigating a crime: Why does Lord Staveley say that no honest woman is safe with you?
  • Woman: I'm honored by your proposal and am inclined to accept, but why does Lord Staveley say that an honest woman is not safe with you?
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1 Answers
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First, in sentence 2, it should be "an honest woman."

The meaning of 1 and 2 is similar, but there is a nuance. 1 would be the more emphatic and serious statement. And 2 could, in some contexts, be interpreted as light and humorous. For example:

Police Officer investigating a crime: Why does Lord Staveley say that no honest woman is safe with you?

Woman: I'm honored

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