Which one of these is the proper way to say “really?”? Well, recently I’ve just watched the serials of Sherlock Holmes, in which I found many interesting materials especially for spoken language. So

Search from various English teachers...

Afie

Which one of these is the proper way to say “really?”? Well, recently I’ve just watched the serials of Sherlock Holmes, in which I found many interesting materials especially for spoken language. So, these are the conversations: Mary: John says he’s the most unsociable person he’s ever met. Sherlock: He is? He’s the most unsociable? Mary: Hmm. _______________________________ Magnusson : Shouldn’t be you in hospital? Sherlock: I am in hospital. This is the canteen. Magnusson : Is it? Sherlock : In my opinion, yes. Have a seat. So, what do "He is?" and "It is?" mean? How do you say "really?" using this kind of pattern? Thanks

Answers · 7

Sherlock's first question should be written as "HE is?", with stress on the "he". Sherlock takes some pride in his ability/notoriety, and is a little jealous that Watson's friend has outdone him. "HE is?" means "Not me? I thought it was me!" In the second dialogue, Magnusson doubts Sherlock's statement that they are in a canteen. Yes, this "is it?" means "Really?" ("Is it really a canteen? I doubt it!") For your third exchange, it's the same meaning as "really?" Magnusson is basically saying, "do you really think that?"

Mh, technically, "He is?" in a question isn't correct, because in a question you switch position between subject and object of the sentence. It's correct say "Is he?". Anyway, "is he"?" it is referred to the sentence upward, when it says: " John says he’s the most unsociable person he’s ever met". The question below means "really is he the most unsociable person?" Sorry, I don't know if I explained clearly or not, I tried! And for the use of "really"... I don't know what you mean for use it in this kind of pattern ò-ò Maybe you mean a sentence like "Is he really like this?" or something?

Here's another conversation. Magnusson: What makes you think I'd be so careless? Sherlock: Oh, I think you are a lot more careless than you let on. Magnusson: Am I?

Still haven’t found your answers?

Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!

Start Learning Today