Hi Could anyone explain a little about this expression: 'so much as' in this sentence ? 'On arriving at lunch, she sat down at the table without so much as an acknowledgement of my presence.' Dictio

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Hi Could anyone explain a little about this expression: 'so much as' in this sentence ? 'On arriving at lunch, she sat down at the table without so much as an acknowledgement of my presence.' Dictionaries give you these meanings : even, much ... Which I don't see very clearly. Also, does it have a different meaning if followed by a verb? Thank you very much

Answers · 3

‘Without so much as’ is used to indicate that not even the minimum was given. In your example it equals ‘She didn’t acknowledge my presence but should have.’ I cleaned up their dirty dishes for them- without so much as a ‘Thank You’. He’s sad that his birthday passed without so much as a call from his son. (It’s a small effort) It’s concise

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