The following sentence effectively uses a stylistic device to de-emphasize the bad news: Although we don't have any available positions at this time, we were pleased to receive your application and will keep it on file for six months.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sentence uses the stylistic device of placing the bad news (no available positions) in the middle, starting and ending with positive notes (pleasure in receiving the application and keeping it on file), which de-emphasizes the negative aspect.

The Following Sentence Effectively Uses a Stylistic Device to De-Emphasize