Isn't this sort of'?

[Deya Eviga]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #97 "How to assess employees", question 6

The athletic abilities of the circus performers was nothing short of ..........

(a) emphatic
(b) phenomenal
(c) exegetical
(d) documental

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #97 "How to assess employees", answer 6

The athletic abilities of the circus performers was nothing short of phenomenal.

Correct answer: (b) phenomenal

Your answer was: correct
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Isn't this 'sort of'? Or if not, why?

Deya

[Alan]

Hi Deya,

No, this is nothing short of and means almost the same as.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a driving instructor