- 如何不受漢語影響寫好英語短文
- 吳文彥
- 22068字
- 2020-03-11 14:22:11
第二節(jié) 句子
句子是最大的語法結構單位,不同的詞類(如:名詞、動詞、副詞)和不同的語法結構(如:單詞、短語、子句)在這個單位里起著不同的作用。這一章要探討的就是漢語句子和英語句子在結構、一致性和連貫性方面的差異。
一、句子結構(或句型)
句子結構是表達一個完整意思的句子中所有語法單位的排列順序,是句子的基本語法模式,被用作造句的范例,就像數(shù)學、物理、化學中的公式一般。英語和漢語句子均有“主語+謂語+賓語”這種結構,但是這兩種語言在句子結構方面的差異遠超過其相似性,這些差異會影響到學生的英語學習。
1.英語句子分類
句子按其結構可以為分三類:簡單句、并列句和復合句。
簡單句即只包含一個主謂結構的句子。
① He likes playing football.他喜歡踢足球。
② I was born in 1980.我出生于1980年。
并列句由兩個或兩個以上的簡單句連接而成。兩個簡單句是平行并列的關系,由連接詞連接。
③ She can jump far, but she can't jump high.她能跳得遠,但她跳得不高。
④ The little girl likes reading, and she likes drawing, too.這個小女孩喜歡閱讀,她也喜歡畫畫。
復合句包括兩個或兩個以上的分句,分句之間的關系是主從關系,只有一個分句處于主要地位,叫主句。其他分句都附屬于主句,叫從句。從句由從屬連詞引導。如:
I have to review the lessons because we will have an exam tomorrow.我必須復習功課,因為明天我們有考試。
可見,并列句和復合句都是建立在簡單句的基礎之上的,掌握了簡單句的基本結構,即可寫出正確的并列句和復合句。
2.簡單句的7種基本句型
組成簡單句的各個部分叫句子成分,在總結簡單句的7種基本句型之前,須先了解這些成分,主要包括:主語、謂語、賓語(直接賓語和間接賓語)、賓語補足語、表語(即主語補足語)、定語和狀語。
(1)組成簡單句的基本成分
1)主語是句子所要說明的人或事物,是句子的主體。一般由名詞、名詞短語、代詞、數(shù)詞、名詞化的形容詞、不定式短語、動名詞、主語從句等來充當,位于句首。如:
① The table is new.(名詞作主語)
② The secret of success is perseverance.(名詞短語作主語)
③ She looks young.(代詞作主語)
④ Many of the students performed well in the exam.(數(shù)詞作主語)
⑤ The rich are very generous to the poor.(名詞化的形容詞作主語)
⑥ To study abroad is my goal.(動詞不定式作主語)
⑦ Seeing is believing.(動名詞作主語)
⑧ That she was not at home was not true.(主語從句作主語)
2)謂語是用來說明主語“干什么”或“怎么樣”的。謂語或謂語部分里的關鍵詞必須用動詞。謂語位于主語之后,且與主語在人稱和數(shù)的方面應該保持一致。謂語可以是一個實義動詞,可以是情態(tài)動詞或助動詞加一個實義動詞,還可以是系動詞,系動詞不能單獨作謂語,得跟表語一起作謂語。如:
① I often read books in the morning.(實義動詞作謂語)
② She can speak Chinese.(情態(tài)動詞加實義動詞作謂語)
③ I have not finished my job today.(助動詞加實義動詞作謂語)
④ This idea sounds great.(系動詞加表語作謂語)
⑤ I am a teacher.(系動詞加表語作謂語)
3)賓語表示及物動詞的動作對象或內(nèi)容,通常位于動詞之后或用于介詞后構成介賓短語。一般由名詞、代詞、不定式、動名詞、賓語從句來充當。如:
① The father is criticizing his son.(名詞作賓語)
② Pass me the book, please.(代詞和名詞分別作間接賓語和直接賓語)
③ I want to go shopping now.(動詞不定式作賓語)
④ She enjoys doing housework.(動名詞作賓語)
⑤ I think that she is competent for the job.(賓語從句作賓語)
4)表語是用來說明主語的身份、特征、性質(zhì)或狀態(tài)的詞,所以又稱之為主語補足語。常位于系動詞之后,由名詞、形容詞、副詞、介詞短語、不定式、動名詞來充當。如:
① They are students.(名詞作表語)
② The leaves turn green in Spring.(形容詞作表語)
③ The TV is off.(副詞作表語)
④ I was at home yesterday.(介詞短語作表語)
⑤ Her job is to clean the whole building.(不定式作表語)
5)定語是用來修飾名詞或代詞的。凡是有名詞、代詞的地方都可以有定語。通常情況下,名詞、形容詞、數(shù)詞作名詞的前置定語,放在被修飾的名詞之前,副詞、不定式、介詞短語、現(xiàn)在分詞短語、過去分詞短語、定語從句等作名詞的后置定語,放在被修飾的名詞之后。但是,形容詞修飾由any、every、no、some等加body、one、thing構成的不定代詞時須后置。如:
① The boy dancer is my former student.(名詞作定語)
② Girls like everything beautiful.(形容詞作不定代詞everything的后置定語)
③ This pretty girl is my classmate.(形容詞作定語)
④ The three foreigners were from America.(數(shù)詞作定語)
⑤ I don't like the man upstairs.(副詞作定語)
⑥ Do you have something to buy?(不定式作后置定語)
⑦ The house built last year is amazing.(過去分詞短語作后置定語)
⑧ The boy crying over there was lost.(現(xiàn)在分詞短語作后置定語)
⑨ The woman in gray is my mom.(介詞短語作后置定語)
⑩ The book that I bought yesterday is written by Yan Geling.(定語從句作后置定語)
6)狀語是用來修飾動詞、形容詞、副詞或整個句子的成分。狀語表示動作、行為發(fā)生的時間、原因、地點、方式、條件、目的或程度等,因此,狀語可分為時間狀語、原因狀語、地點狀語、方式狀語、條件狀語、目的狀語以及程度狀語等。狀語一般由副詞、不定式、介詞短語來充當。狀語通常放在句末,有時也可以放在句首或句中。如:
① He writes carefully.He walks slowly.(副詞作方式狀語,修飾動詞)
② This material is environmentally friendly.(副詞作狀語,修飾形容詞)
③ He runs very slowly.(程度副詞作方式狀語,修飾副詞)
④ Unfortunately, he lost all of his money.(程度副詞作狀語,修飾整個句子)
⑤ Without your help, I can't finish the work.(介詞短語作條件狀語,修飾整個句子)
⑥ We must work hard to achieve success(.動詞不定式作謂語動詞的目的狀語)
一個句中有幾個并列狀語時,其順序較靈活,但一般是:方式狀語→地點狀語→時間狀語。如:
⑦ He worked hard at his lessons last year.(方式狀語,時間狀語)
⑧ I found a lost pen outside our school yesterday morning.(地點狀語、時間狀語)
⑨ He was walking slowly outside the park at that moment.(方式狀語、地點狀語、時間狀語)
頻度副詞often、always、usually、sometimes、never等在句中的位置:位于情態(tài)動詞、系動詞、助動詞之后,實義動詞之前。
① You can never tell what he will do.
② He is often late.
③ He is always helping others.
④ He often came late.
7)補語用來對句子中的某些成分(賓語、主語等)進行補充說明。主語補足語即表語;賓語補足語是用來說明賓語的意義、狀態(tài)等的成分。有些及物動詞接了賓語之后其意義仍不完整,還需要其他詞來補充說明賓語,這樣的詞被稱為賓語補足語。賓語補足語和賓語構成邏輯上的主謂關系,換句話說,在意思上,賓語相當于賓補的主語。帶有賓語補足語的一般句型為:某些及物動詞(如make, call等)+賓語+賓語補足語。賓補可以由名詞、形容詞、副詞、不定式短語、分詞、介詞短語和從句來充當。如:
① Her parents named her Yiming.(名詞作賓語her的補足語)
② Nowadays, people like to paint their walls gray.(形容詞作賓語walls的補足語)
③ Open the window to let the fresh air in.(副詞作賓語air的補足語)
④ Parents are supposed to help their young kids to preview and review their lessons.(不定式短語作賓語kids的補足語)
⑤ We found her dancing in the classroom.(現(xiàn)在分詞dancing作賓語her的補足語)
⑥ I will have my hair cut tomorrow.(過去分詞cut作賓語hair的補足語)
⑦ She found her books on the desk in good order.(介詞短語作賓語books的補足語)
⑧ We will make our city what your city is now(.從句作賓語our city的補足語)
含有賓語補足語的句子在變成被動語態(tài),賓語作主語時,原來的賓語補足語就成了主語補足語。如:
⑨ She was named Yiming by her parents.(名詞作主語補足語)
⑩ She was found dancing in the classroom.(現(xiàn)在分詞作主語補足語)
? The books were found on the desk in good order.(介詞短語作主語補足語)
(2)七個基本句型
在了解了簡單句的基本成分之后,以下介紹簡單句的七個基本句型:
1)S+Vi(主語+不及物動詞)。
不及物動詞本身就可以表達完整的意思,不需要賓語及補足語。這些動詞常見的有:come、go、rise、happen、exist、arrive、disappear、fall、happen、change、cry等。如:
① Things change.
② She cried.
2)S+Vt+O(主語+及物動詞+賓語)。
及物動詞須跟有賓語才可以表達完整的意思,這些動詞常見的有give、make、receive、forget、show、raise、like、buy、see等,可以充當賓語的詞或短語參見如上概述。如:
My mother enjoys parties.
3)S+V-Link+S.C.(主語+系動詞+主語補足語)。
系動詞包括表示轉變或結果的系動詞(如:get、become、grow、turn、come、go、prove等)以及表示狀態(tài)的系動詞(如:am、is、are、look、seem、sound、smell、feel、taste、appear、remain、keep、stay等)。系動詞本身不能表達完整的意思,需要形容詞、名詞、介詞短語等來補充說明主語,所以稱之為主語補足語,也叫表語。如:
① The milk has gone bad.
② The girl becomes a young lady.
③ It's getting cold.
④ The medicine proves effective.
⑤ His father is an engineer.
⑥ You should keep quiet in the classroom.
4)S+Vi+A(主語+不及物動詞+狀語)。
不及物動詞后雖然不需要賓語及補足語,但有時可有副詞、介詞短語等狀語修飾動詞。
① A disastrous earthquake happened in 2008 in Sichuan.(主語+不及物動詞+時間狀語+地點狀語)
② The operation progressed smoothly.(主語+不及物動詞+副詞)
注意:有些“主語+不及物動詞+地點副詞”的句型可使用倒裝結構。如:
① There stands a tree.(“There”作地點狀語,正常語序為A tree stands there.)
② Here comes the man.(“Here”作地點狀語,正常語序為The man comes here.)
5)S+Vt+OI+OD(主語+及物動詞+間接賓語+直接賓語)。
有些及物動詞需要跟雙賓語才能表達一個完整的意思,常見的這類動詞有:give、send、pass、bring、tell、teach、show、award、lend、buy、hand、recommend、take、read、write、leave等。這樣的及物動詞被稱為授予動詞,其特點就是要接兩個賓語,指人的叫間接賓語,指物的叫直接賓語。如:
① My husband sent me a Christmas gift.
② She wrote her parents a letter.
③ Pass me the salt, please.
注意:及物動詞之后跟雙賓語,一般情況下,間接賓語在前,直接賓語在后,如果直接賓語是代詞,則需要把直接賓語放在間接賓語之前。如果把直接賓語放在間接賓語之前,間接賓語前需要加介詞to或for。間接賓語前加介詞to的動詞有:give、tell、sell、lend、show、teach、send、write、hand、bring、return、pass、leave、offer等。間接賓語前加介詞for的動詞有:get、choose、make、buy、order、do、sing、play等。如:
① Can you pass it to me, please?
② Tom's mother bought some new toys for him.
6)S+Vt+O+C(主語+及物動詞+賓語+賓語補足語)。
此句型中的及物動詞也可以稱為“不完全及物動詞”,因為此類動詞后面只跟一個賓語不能把句意完全表達清楚,后面必須接補語意思才會完整。如:He advised me to read that book.如果省略to read that book,句意則不完整。常見的這類動詞有:see、let、smell、feel、drive、find、tell、hear、imagine、keep、make、notice、allow、ask、start、watch、believe、call、wish、know、cause、catch、want、regard、consider等。可充當賓語補足語的詞或短語見如上概述。如:
① The teacher wished the students a happy holiday.
② I allowed him to come in.
③ My daughter always makes me laugh.
注意:區(qū)分直接賓語和賓語補足語的一個重要標志就是,賓語和賓語補足語之間有邏輯上的主謂關系。如:
We elected her the monitor.(her和monitor分別為賓語和賓語補足語,它們之間有邏輯上的主謂關系,可以理解為:she is the monitor.)
The father gave the boy a new book.(boy和a new book分別為間接賓語和直接賓語,它們之間沒有邏輯上的主謂關系)
7)S+Vt+O+A(主語+及物動詞+賓語+狀語)。
此句型中的及物動詞也可以稱為“不完全及物動詞”,后面必須接狀語意思才會完整。如:You must put all the toys upstairs.如果省略upstairs,句意則不完整。常見的這類動詞有:see、let、put、find、hear、keep、make、notice、watch等。如:
① I found the lost pen under the desk.
② We should keep the yogurt in the refrigerator.
3.簡單句的擴展方法
以上介紹了只含有基本成分的簡單句句型,其信息容量有限,如果在七種基本句型的基礎上對句子加以擴展,就可以增大句子的信息量,使句子內(nèi)容更加豐富。英語句子的擴展方法有增添法、并列法和從屬法。
(1)增添法
增添法即通過添加各類修飾詞和短語對簡單句加以擴展。這些添加的修飾成分可以是形容詞、副詞、代詞、數(shù)詞、名詞等,也可以是介詞短語、分詞短語、不定式短語和動名詞短語,將它們按照語法規(guī)則放在正確的位置,在句中充當定語或狀語,使句子的信息量增加,內(nèi)容更加具體生動。
① My elder and wiser sister gave me some good advice.(形容詞性物主代詞my以及形容詞elder和wiser修飾sister,形容詞good修飾advice)
② I have something particular to ask you.(形容詞particular作后置定語修飾something)
③ Reluctantly, she turned down the music.(副詞reluctantly修飾整個句子)
④ Fruit, such as apples、pears、bananas、oranges、provides people with vitamins essential to people's health.(such as引導的同位語后置修飾fruit;形容詞短語essential to…作后置定語修飾vitamins)
注意:類似于such as用來引導同位語的詞或詞組還有that is, like, for example, in other words,它們通常置于被修飾的詞之后。
A tall intelligent young Chinese debater's eloquent speech particularly attracted the audience's attention.(名詞speech被多個修飾詞修飾:A tall intelligent young Chinese debater's eloquent)
注意:在英語中,當一個名詞同時被幾個修飾詞修飾時,它們的位置大體為:限定詞(包括冠詞、物主代詞、指示代詞、不定代詞等),數(shù)詞,一般描述性形容詞,表示大小、長短、高低的形容詞,表示形狀的形容詞,表示年齡和新舊的形容詞,表示顏色的形容詞,表示國籍、地區(qū)、出處的形容詞,表示物質(zhì)、材料的形容詞,表示用途、類別的形容詞。
All the members of the project group discussed the research schedule quite carefully in the laboratory last night.(謂語動詞discuss同時被程度副詞quite,方式副詞carefully,地點狀語in the laboratory和時間狀語last night所修飾)
注意:如果句子中同時有幾個副詞修飾語,其位置應該為:程度副詞、方式副詞、地點副詞和時間副詞。
① We pay honor to Qu Yuan by celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival.(由by引導的方式狀語修飾謂語動詞pay)
② Being the hometown of Mozart, Salzburg in Austria is the birthplace of classical music and waltz.(現(xiàn)在分詞短語Being…在句中作狀語)
③ Annoyed by the hotel receptionist, Mr. Henry made a complaint to the manager.(過去分詞短語annoyed by …在句中作原因狀語)
注意:現(xiàn)在分詞和過去分詞短語在句中作狀語,相當于省略了主語和連詞的狀語從句,之所以省略主語,是因為分詞的邏輯主語與主句的主語一致。現(xiàn)在分詞和過去分詞作狀語的區(qū)別在于現(xiàn)在分詞含有主動的意義,分詞與主句主語的關系是主動關系;過去分詞短語含有被動的意義,分詞與主句主語的關系是被動關系。分詞也可以有其邏輯主語,邏輯主語常常是名詞或代詞,二者構成獨立主格。獨立主格由with來引導,with常被省略,在句中常作狀語,表示時間、原因、條件、方式、伴隨或補充說明等,一般置于句首或句末。如:
① He is lying on the bed, his eyes closed.(獨立主格his eyes closed在句中作狀語,補充說明主句)
② To be economically prosperous, China will carry out more flexible policies of opening to the outside world.(不定式短語作目的狀語,修飾整個句子)
③ Today we are going to discuss how to improve our oral English more efficiently.(how+不定式短語作謂語動詞discuss的賓語)
④ It took us three years to implement our first research project.(it為形式主語,動詞不定式短語為真正的主語)
⑤ Taking effective measures will prevent some officials from abusing their power and enjoying privileges.(動名詞短語Taking…在句中作主語,abusing…and enjoying…作介詞賓語)
(2)并列法
可以把兩個或兩個以上的簡單句使用并列連詞、副詞或分號連接在一起,這種方法擴展而成的句子就是上文提到的第二種句子類型,叫做并列句。并列法的另一形式即把兩個或更多的具有相同語法結構的句子或句子成分以同一語法形式或修飾方式平行地組合起來,表達同等重要的信息,這種結構既避免了不必要的重復,又擴展了信息內(nèi)容,有時還可以起到加強語氣的作用,這種方式形成的句子在結構上是平等的,因此,統(tǒng)稱為平行結構,從句子類型上來講,平行結構的句子可能是簡單句,可能是并列句,也可能是復合句。
1)并列句。
并列句是使用并列連詞(如:for、and、nor、but、or、yet、so等)、連接副詞(如:furthermore、besides、moreover、also、however、nevertheless、still、nonetheless、otherwise、therefore、consequently、thus、accordingly、hence等)或分號將兩個或兩個以上的簡單句連接而成的句子。
用并列連詞連接的兩個分句之間要使用逗號,其句式可表示為:分句+逗號+連詞+分句+句號。如:
① The Japanese have a longer life expectancy than any other people, for their diet is extremely healthful.(for作連詞,連接了兩個獨立的簡單句)
② Some of them were injured, but some of them weren't(injured).(but作連詞,連接了兩個獨立的簡單句,but后面的簡單句省略了injured,因為第一個分句里已經(jīng)出現(xiàn)了這個詞,省略避免了重復)
③ The scenery was beautiful, and the acting superb.(and作連詞,連接了兩個獨立的簡單句,and后面的分句省略了was,因為第一個分句里已經(jīng)出現(xiàn)了這個詞,省略避免了重復)
用連接副詞銜接兩個分句,其句式可表示為:分句+分號+連接副詞+逗號+分句+句號。如:
④ The subway in Beijing is clean and efficient; consequently, hundreds of people take it every day.(consequently作連接副詞,銜接兩個分句)
⑤ The company's sales increased last year; however, the staff's income decreased.(however作連接副詞,銜接兩個分句)
當兩個分句的意義密切相關時,并列句也可以只用分號連接。其句式為:分句+分號+分句。如:
He remained modest; no praise or compliments could affect him.
2)平行結構。
把兩個或更多具有相同語法結構的句子或句子成分以同一語法形式或修飾方式平行地組合起來,表達同等重要的信息,以這種方式形成的句子結構就是平行結構。使用平行結構擴展而成的句子不一定是并列句,這取決于表達平行意義的語法結構是詞、短語、還是從句,抑或是獨立分句。它更像是一種修辭手段,類似于我們常講的排比句,可以起到加強語氣的作用。
詞或短語表達的平行結構為簡單句。如:
① Chris is a boy of creativity and consideration.(兩個名詞表達的平行結構)
② If you want to earn a satisfactory grade in the training program, you must be punctual, courteous and conscientious.(三個形容詞表達的平行結構)
③ In matters of principle, stand like a rock;in matters of taste, swim with the current.(By Thomas Jefferson)(兩個介詞短語表達的平行結構)
④ One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.(By Goethe)(四個動詞不定式短語表達的平行結構)
⑤ I spent the day cleaning the house, reading a novel and watching a movie(.三個動名詞短語表達的平行結構)
從句表達的平行結構為復合句。如:
We are looking for a manager who can think logically, who can analyze carefully, and who can make decisions realistically.(三個并列定語從句表達的平行結構)
句子表達的平行結構為并列句。如:
Should scientists do research, or should they teach, or should they work in industry?(三個獨立分句表達的平行結構)
(3)從屬法
從屬法即把兩個意思有聯(lián)系但并不同等重要的簡單句用某種手段連接起來,使一個句子從屬于另一個句子,這種方法擴展而成的句子就是上文提到的第三種句子類型,即復合句。從屬法擴展句子有三種主要方式:用名詞從句、形容詞從句以及用副詞從句擴展。
1)用名詞從句擴展。
名詞從句即在句中起名詞作用的從句,包括主語從句、賓語從句、表語從句和同位語從句。引導名詞從句的詞有:連詞(that、if、whether),連接代詞(who、whose、whom、whoever、what、whatever、which、whichever),連接副詞(how、why、when、where)。
主語從句即在句中充當主語的從句,它替換了句中的主語,從而使句子得以擴展。如:
① That you have passed the exam is sheer luck.
② Whether he will come or not is not certain.
③ What I am looking for is a movie by Tom Hanks.
④ Whatever parents do and say has some effects on their kids.
⑤ When and how we go to America is not decided.
注意:為了保持句子平衡,避免頭重腳輕,主語從句常用it作形式主語,將主語從句后置。但不是所有的主語從句都可以用it作形式主語,上面句子中的③和④就不適合改寫為it作形式主語的句子,①②⑤用it作形式主語后可改為:
① It is sheer luck that you have passed the exam.
② It is not certain whether he will come or not.
⑤ It is not decided when and how we go to America.
用it作形式主語,將主語從句后置的情況相當多,有些已形成固定的搭配,常見的有:
④ It+be+名詞+that從句,如:
It's a pity that you can't attend our wedding ceremony.
⑤ It+be+形容詞+that從句,如:
It is evident that modest exercise is good to people's health.
⑥ It+不及物動詞+that從句,如:
It appears that you don't have much choice.
⑦ It+be+過去分詞+that從句,如:
It is estimated that more than 90 percent of lung cancer victims are smokers.
賓語從句即在句中充當賓語的從句,它替換了句中的賓語,從而使句子得以擴展。賓語從句除了作及物動詞的賓語外,還可以作動詞+副詞、形容詞、不定式、分詞、動名詞及介詞的賓語。如:
⑧ I believe that it will be a fine day tomorrow.
⑨ Can you find out how many problems we have?
⑩ I am glad that you invite me to come here.
? It's important to remember that your main task is to study hard.
? I spend the whole day reviewing what I have learnt in the past 3 days.
? We are talking about who should go there.
動詞find、feel、consider、make sure、believe等后面有賓語補足語的時候,則需要用it作形式賓語,而將賓語從句后置。如:
She believes it a truth that she will be alone.(it為形式賓語,真正的賓語為“that從句”)
當主句的謂語動詞為表示感知的“believe、think、expect、suppose”等時,常把對從句的否定放在主句中。如:
Her father doesn't believe that she can manage it.
表語從句即放在系動詞之后的從句,在句中充當表語,它替換了句中的表語,從而合句子得以擴展。如:
My opinion is that her advice should be practical.
表語從句除了用如上連詞、連接代詞和連接副詞引導外,還可以用as if/though, because引導。如:
It looks as if it will rain.
That is because I practiced a lot.
同位語從句用于對其所修飾的名詞作進一步解釋,說明名詞的具體內(nèi)容。同位語從句一般跟在抽象名詞之后,如:hope、wish、fact、belief、news、idea、promise、information、conclusion、order、suggestion、problem、thought、word、report、decision、possibility等。如:
We received the order that we should finish the task at once.(that引導的同位語從句用來解釋the order的內(nèi)容)
Margaret told me her final decision that she would go to Egypt next month.(that引導的同位語從句用來解釋the decision的內(nèi)容)
I have no impression how we met each other at first.(how引導的同位語從句用來解釋impression的內(nèi)容)
We are talking about the problem whether we should buy a new car.(whether引導的同位語從句用來解釋problem的內(nèi)容。)
當主句的謂語較短,而同位語從句較長時,同位語從句常后置。如:
The idea came to his mind that he had put his key in the drawer.(that引導的同位語從句用來解釋the idea的內(nèi)容)
注意:無論是哪種名詞從句,只要是連接代詞和連接副詞銜接的從句,都應遵循“連接代詞/連接副詞+主語+謂語+其他成分”的陳述語序。
2)用形容詞從句擴展。
形容詞從句也稱為定語從句。定語從句通過將句中的定語用句子來表達,從而使句子得以擴展。定語從句一般放在它所修飾的名詞之后,這種名詞叫先行詞。定語從句有限定性與非限定性之分。限定性定語從句是先行詞不可缺少的定語,否則主句的意思就會不完整,從句和主句的關系十分密切,不需要逗號將主句與從句隔開。非限定性定語從句是先行詞的附加說明,即使刪除也不會影響全句的主要意思,從句和主句之間用逗號隔開。引導定語從句的詞有關系代詞和關系副詞。前者在定語從句中充當主語、賓語、定語等,包括as、who、whom、whose、that、which;后者在從句中作狀語,包括when、where、why。
限定性定語從句:
① I have a classmate whose father is a famous doctor(. whose在從句中作定語,修飾father)
② The boys who are playing chess are from our school(. who在從句中作主語)
③ I like the novel that I read this morning.(that在從句中作賓語)
④ I have never heard such a story as he tells.(as在從句中作賓語)
⑤ She still remembers the day when she first came to Beijing.(when在從句中作時間狀語)
⑥ Yesterday is the day that I will never forget.(盡管先行詞day是時間,但因為它在定語從句中作賓語,所以用that引導)
⑦ The house where I lived ten years ago has been rented to others.(where在從句中作地點狀語)
⑧ Beijing is a city that I like best.(盡管先行詞city是地點,但因為它在定語從句中作賓語,所以用that引導)
關系代詞在定語從句中作介詞賓語時,從句常由“介詞+關系代詞”引導。如:
① This is the city in which I grew up.(in which引導了定語從句,in還原在定語從句中即為:I grew up in the city.)
② The father bought the magazine for which his daughter asked.(for which引導了定語從句,for還原在定語從句中即為:his daughter asked for the magazine)
③ We will go to hear the famous singer about whom we have often talked.(about whom引導了定語從句,about還原在定語從句中即為:we have often talked about the singer)
非限定性定語從句:
① His mother, who is a teacher, is very strict with him.
② China, which is founded in 1949, is becoming more and more powerful.
③ As is known to all, China is a developing country.(as引導非限定性定語從句,修飾整個主句)
④ He is from the south, as we can see from his accent.(as引導非限定性定語從句,修飾整個主句)
注意:as和which均可引導非限定性定語從句,which只能放在主句之后,as可前可后。
注意:同位語從句與定語從句都是放在某一名詞或代詞后面,但它們有如下區(qū)別:
首先,定語從句對所修飾的名詞有限定作用,而同位語從句對它前面的名詞只做進一步的說明和解釋。如:
① The idea that he told me just now is impractical.(that引導的定語從句對前面名詞起修飾作用)
② The news that he will study abroad is true.(that引導的同位語從句解釋了前面名詞的內(nèi)容)
其次,定語從句的先行詞(即被修飾的詞)可以是名詞、代詞、主句的一部分或整個主句,而同位語從句前面的名詞只能是抽象名詞。如:
③ The girl whom he loves is an excellent dancer.(定語從句,修飾the girl)
④ Her husband got promoted, which made her very happy.(定語從句,修飾整個主句)
⑤ The possibility that this method will work is being discussed now.(同位語從句,解釋the possibility的內(nèi)容)
最后,定語從句的引導詞在從句中作成分,而同位語從句的引導詞不在從句中作成分。
⑥ The idea that he gave was wonderful.(定語從句,that在從句中作gave的賓語)
⑦ The idea that the earth is flat has long been discredited.(同位語從句,that在從句中不作任何成分)
3)用副詞從句擴展。
副詞從句也稱為狀語從句,可以用來修飾主句中的謂語、定語、狀語或是整個句子。狀語從句通過將句中的時間、地點、原因、目的、結果、條件、方式、讓步、比較關系等狀語用句子來表示,達到擴展句子的目的。不同的狀語從句有不同的引導詞。
時間狀語從句:when、whenever、while、as、before、after、as soon as、until、since、by the time、every time、the minute
When she came in, I was eating.
My father had left for London just before the letter arrived.
After we had finished the work, we went home.
I didn't wake up until I heard the alarm clock.
She has been living a hard life since her husband died.
I will call you as soon as I get there.
By the time I got there, the bus had already gone.
I feel sick every time I see sea food.
地點狀語從句:where、wherever、anywhere
Where there is no rain, farming is difficult or impossible.
Remember I am waiting for you wherever you go.
原因狀語從句:because、as、since、for
He is absent because he is ill.
As the weather is cold, I stay at home.
He must be in trouble, for he is absent today.
注意:for引導原因狀語從句,只能放在主句之后。
目的狀語從句:so、so that、in order that、lest、for fear that
I will run slowly so that you can catch up with me.
He wrote the name down for fear that he should forget it.
You'd better take more clothes in case the weather is cold.
注意:in case, for fear that, lest引導的從句,謂語動詞可用虛擬語氣:should+動詞原形。若不用虛擬語氣,要用一般現(xiàn)在時或過去時。
結果狀語從句:that、so… (that) …、such…that…、with the result that…
Nothing more was heard from him so that we began to wonder if he was dead.
He's such a good person that we mustn't blame him.
方式狀語從句:as、just as…so…、as if、as though
Always treat others as you would be treated by.
As water is to fish,so air is to man.
They looked at me as if I were mad.
注意:as if/though引出的狀語從句謂語多用虛擬語氣,表示與事實相反,有時也用陳述語氣,表示所說的情況是事實或實現(xiàn)的可能性大。
比較狀語從句:than…、as…as…、not so (as) …as
They work harder than we do.
You know as much about that as I do.
She is not so/as outgoing as her classmates.
讓步狀語從句:though、as、although、even if/though、in spite of the fact、while、no matter+疑問詞、疑問詞+ever、whether…or…
Although it isn't dangerous,the teacher didn't allow them to swim.
I will go to travel even though the weather is bad.
No matter what the matter may be,we should do our best.
Whatever happened,he would not mind.
Whether you believe it or not,it is true.
Though和as引導的讓步狀語從句可以用倒裝結構,將形容詞、副詞、分詞、實義動詞等提前。如:
Child as he was, he knew what was the right thing to do.
條件狀語從句:if, unless, providing/provided that, suppose, supposing, as(so)long as, if only(要是…該多好,謂語動詞用虛擬結構)
If the rain stops, I shall go out for a walk.
You can't learn English well unless you work hard.
If only I were rich.
注意:無論是哪種副詞從句,從句位于主句之前,須在從句之后使用逗號;若從句位于主句之后,則無須使用逗號。
4.英語句式的特征
綜合上述對英語句型及其擴展句型的概述,可將英語句式的特征總結如下:
(1)主語突出性
從上述七種簡單句的基本句型可以看出英語是一種主語突出的語言,即主語和謂語是句子結構中最基本的語法單位,幾乎每一個句子都得有主語,這樣才是語法正確的句子。主語決定著謂語的數(shù)和情態(tài)。英語句子中的主語通常是名詞、代詞或起名詞作用的短語或從句,它通常出現(xiàn)在謂語動詞之前,可以是動詞動作的發(fā)出者也可以是動詞動作的受動者。可能有人會說祈使句不就沒有主語嗎?如:
Hurry up!
Don't walk on the grass.
Do work hard.
其實,祈使句作為用來發(fā)出命令或者提出請求和建議的句型,其主語是被省略了,給任何一個祈使句加主語“你”,句意不會發(fā)生任何變化。因此,可以說,祈使句是一種特殊的,將主語隱含或內(nèi)嵌在表面結構中的一種特殊句型。
(2)無人稱句
沒有提及誰或什么做過或經(jīng)歷某事的一類句子。英語中,主語可以是人或者其他有生命的詞,但是表達具體行為的動詞也可以跟表達抽象概念、不能執(zhí)行動作的無生命的主語搭配。如:
It's my expectation that I can study abroad one day.
It's reported that 90% of lung cancer patients are smokers.
It's cold.
在這三個句式當中主語都用了無生命代詞“it”,用它來表達一些抽象概念。前兩個句子中的“It”作形式主語,指代“that”從句;最后一個句子中的“It”指天氣。無人稱句常出現(xiàn)在新聞類、科技類、學術類以及散文寫作中。使用沒生命的詞作主語的優(yōu)勢在于句子可以更加生動、更加易于表達。
(3)被動句式
被動句式指使用被動語態(tài)的句式,它表達的是“某件事情由某人完成”的含義。被動句式中的主語由主動句式中的賓語轉化而來,謂語動詞由“be+過去分詞”取代主動句式中的及物動詞。英語句式的特征之一就是被動語態(tài)的使用頻率很高,尤其在科技類的文章中。這個特點也符合英語中無人稱句較多的這一風格。
(4)語序影響句意
語序指的是詞和短語在句子中的線性排序。在英語中,好幾層含義都可以在一個句子中通過復雜的結構清晰地表達出來。語序不同,含義就會不同。如:
Only I worked out the math problem yesterday.(only強調(diào)只有我,沒有別人)
I only worked out the math problem yesterday.(only強調(diào)我只解出了這道數(shù)學題,沒有做別的)
這組句子表明不同的語序會產(chǎn)生不同的含義,有時,如果句子語序不當,就會產(chǎn)生歧義。如:
My mom put the book on the bookshelf which was bought yesterday.
這個句子中的定語從句“which was bought yesterday”可以被看作用來修飾“bookshelf”,也可以被看作用來修飾“book”,因此句意不明確。可以為:
My mom put the book which was bought yesterday on the bookshelf.
由此可見,為了避免歧義,我們應該把每一個詞、短語或從句放在離被修飾詞最近的位置。
(5)樹形句
英語句子結構就像樹一樣,從樹干開始,不斷向外生長出樹枝、樹杈和樹葉,本質(zhì)上來講就是在形成輪廓的基礎上填充細節(jié)。英語這種語言正是通過添加、并列、從屬等獲得句子的多樣性和復雜性。如:
However, even if prediction becomes possible, people who live in areas where earthquakes are a common occurrence will still have to do their best to prevent disasters by building structures that are resistant to ground movement and by being personally prepared.(選自《新視野大學英語》第二版,第三冊,unit 6)
在這個句子中,“people … will still have to do their best”是主句,第一個定語從句“who live in areas”用來修飾主語“people”,第二個定語從句“where earthquakes are a common occurrence”用來修飾“areas”,“to prevent disasters”是主句謂語“do their best”的目的狀語,兩個由by引導的短語作“prevent disasters”的方式狀語,“even if…”作主句的讓步狀語從句。
由此可以看出,英語句子中的主句就像是樹干,而其他部分就像附在樹干上的樹枝、樹杈和樹葉一樣。
5.與漢語句子結構的比較以及漢語對英語的負遷移
英語和漢語句子結構有很多不同的特征,這一部分主要探討它們之間的差異以及這些差異對中國英語學習者造成的負遷移。
(1)主題突出性語言與主語突出性語言
如上所述,英語是主語突出性語言,而漢語則不同,漢語是主題突出性語言。所謂主題突出性語言指的是以主題和述題為句子結構基本單位的語言。許多漢語句子往往以說話者想要表達的主題開頭,但它不一定是主語,而句子的剩余部分表達的是這個主題的內(nèi)容,被稱作述題。主題和述題的概念不同于主語突出性語言中的主詞(主語)和述詞(謂語),主詞和述詞指的是句子的語法結構而不是它的信息結構。請看下面句子來理解主題與述題、主詞和述詞的概念:
As for your dry-cleaning, I will bring it tomorrow.
在這個句子里,主題是as for your dry-cleaning,述題是I will bring it tomorrow.主詞是I,述詞是will bring it tomorrow.
漢語的主題突出性特征體現(xiàn)在句子結構方面,最大的特點就是松散。據(jù)統(tǒng)計,認為英語中使用頻率很高的句型“主語+謂語+賓語”在漢語中只占到日常表達的9%,也就是說漢語句子的結構不像英語一樣有高度的語法一致性。
漢語作為主題突出性語言,另一明顯的特征是日常表達中常常會出現(xiàn)如下無主語的句子:
——明天干什么去?
——去約會。
對于中國學生而言,漢語的這個特征顯然會對他們的英語學習產(chǎn)生負遷移,他們可能會輸出沒有主語的英語句子。而在英語中,一個完整的句子必須得有一個主語和一個謂語,而謂語必須得是限定動詞(即形式因主語的人稱和數(shù)而變化的動詞形式)。缺乏主語或謂語動詞,意思不完整的句子就是句片。如:
他去商場買口罩,發(fā)現(xiàn)已經(jīng)斷貨了。
He went to the shop to buy face masks. And found sold out.(錯誤)
這個句子中的錯誤在于“And”后面的句子沒有主語,動詞“found”后面需要接賓語,說明是“什么斷貨了”,可改為:
He went to the shop to buy face masks and found them sold out.
或者:
He went to the shop to buy face masks and found they were sold out.
He went to the shop to buy face masks. He found they were sold out.
此外,漢語句子中的主題非常寬泛,可以是時間,可以是地點,可以是方式,當然也可以是人或物,如:
① 電腦丟了。
② 昨晚丟了一臺電腦。
③ 教室里丟了一臺電腦。
受漢語語言特征的影響,中國學生很有可能會將上面三個漢語句子錯譯為以下英語句子:
① A computer lost.
② Last night lost a computer.
③ In the classroom lost a computer.
這上述三個漢語句子中,劃線部分即為句子的主題,但它們不全是句子的主語。第一個句子在含義上具有被動意義,但因為漢語中的被動句不一定有表被動的標識詞,學生忽略了這個關鍵點,就出現(xiàn)了譯文中的第一個錯誤句子。第二和第三個句子,學生混淆了主題和主語。上文已經(jīng)提到,英語句子必須得有主語,但這兩個句子的譯文顯然缺了主語。以上英文譯句可改為:
① A computer was lost.
② A computer was lost yesterday.
③ A computer was lost in the classroom.
從修改后的英語句子可以看出,漢語中的主題被分別翻譯成了英語中的主語、時間狀語和地點狀語。這就向我們展現(xiàn)了英語和漢語在句法安排上的差異。
所以,中國學生今后在寫英語句子的時候,首先要找出或認準它的主語和謂語,缺了任何一個都是錯句。
(2)人稱主語與非人稱主語
漢語句子中的主語通常是能完成某種動作的人或有生命的詞,雖然英語句子中我們也會用人或有生命的詞作主語,但非人稱詞作主語也很常見。
1)由于漢語常用人稱作主語,所以中國學生在英語表達中也習慣用人稱作主語。比如,學生習慣寫出“People say that…”這樣的句子,而不太會用“It's said that…”這樣的句型。在以下的漢語句子中,學生往往會不約而同地用人稱主語對它們進行翻譯:
① 五年里,父母經(jīng)歷了很多艱難險阻。
譯文:During the five years, her parents went through many hardships.
② 他認為出國學習很重要。
譯文:He thinks that studying abroad is significant.
③ 我突然想到了一個解決辦法。
譯文:Suddenly I thought of a solution.
④ 老師怎么都想不起他的名字。
譯文:The teacher couldn't remember his name at that moment.
⑤ 只要你把英語學好,你就能進外企工作。
譯文:As long as you learn English well, you will get a job in a foreign company.
雖然這些英語翻譯在語法上沒有問題,但它們不夠地道、生動和簡練,如果用非人稱詞作主語,感覺就會不同:
⑥ The five years witnessed the hardships of her parents.
⑦ Studying abroad strikes him significant.
⑧ A solution occurred to me suddenly.
⑨ His name slipped the teacher's mind at that moment.
⑩ Learning English well will enable you to get a job in a foreign company.
因此,在英語寫作中,要有意識地嘗試用非人稱詞作主語,慢慢形成習慣,這樣,我們的作文讀起來會更加地道。
(3)主動語態(tài)與被動語態(tài)
漢語多用主動語態(tài),使用被動語態(tài)的頻率要比英語少很多。漢語中的被動語態(tài)會用到“被、叫、讓、給、受、遭受、由、加以、為、所”等信號詞。但更多時候,我們會發(fā)現(xiàn)一些漢語句子在形式上是主動語態(tài)(即沒有出現(xiàn)被動語態(tài)信號詞),可含義上卻是被動語態(tài),也就是說它的被動標志不明顯。比如:“作業(yè)做完了”;“房間打掃了”;“衣服洗完了”。這樣的句子都應該使用被動語態(tài),可是由于句子中沒有出現(xiàn)被動語態(tài)信號詞,中國學生很有可能會將它們翻譯為主動語態(tài):
My homework finished.
The room cleaned.
The clothes washed.
正確譯文為:
My homework has been finished.
The room has been cleaned.
The clothes has been washed.
漢語被動語態(tài)和英語被動語態(tài)的區(qū)別之一在于英語中動作的施動者放在表被動的謂語結構“be+過去分詞”的后面,而漢語中施動者放在動詞之前。如:
他被狗咬了。——He was beaten by the dog.
這個漢語句子的動作施動者是“狗”,它放在了動詞“咬”的前面,而翻譯為英語之后,施動者“狗”放在了謂語“was beaten”的后面。
漢語被動語態(tài)和英語被動語態(tài)的第二個區(qū)別是英語被動語態(tài)中的“by”通常可以省略,但漢語中仍須保留“被”,因為它除了是被動語態(tài)的信號詞以外還是引出施動者的詞。這一差異使中國學生容易出現(xiàn)的問題就是他們會試圖在每一個英語被動語態(tài)中保留“by somebody”這一信息,即使這是不太必要的。比如他們在翻譯“據(jù)大家說……”時,可能會譯為:
It is said by everyone that…
在這個例子里,“by everyone”的語法功能很弱,留著它是完全沒有必要的,省略掉它也不會讓讀者迷惑。
此外,是否用人或有生命的詞作漢語句子的主語也往往決定著它該用什么樣的語態(tài),主語為人或有生命的詞且沒有表被動的信號詞,句子用主動語態(tài),主語為無生命的詞,句子用被動語態(tài)。但是英語句子沒有這種分別。正因如此,中國學生會在無生命的詞作主語的情況下采用被動語態(tài)。如:
利率上漲了。
門開了。
中國學生很有可能會將以上句子寫為:
Interest rates are increased.
The door is opened.
這樣的譯文語法上是正確的,但意思已經(jīng)發(fā)生了微妙的變化,會被讀者認為“利率上漲”和“門開”是有人為之。更恰當?shù)淖g文為:
Interest rates increase.
The door opens.
另外,有些英語動詞的主動形式表達了被動含義,這就讓中國學生感到很迷惑,所以中國學生很容易寫出以下錯誤句子:
My bike is missed.
Her voice is sounded melodious.
這兩個句子中的“miss”和“sound”本身就可以表達被動含義,不需要將它們變成被動形式。修改后的句子如下:
My bike is missing.
Her voice sounds melodious.
(4)語序不同
對于中國學生而言,決定英語句子的語序是一道大難題,因為漢語的語序較英語而言,不太嚴格,相對靈活。如:
他為什么不吃飯?
為什么他不吃飯?
譯文:Why didn't he have meals?
誰會參加那場比賽?
那場比賽誰會參加?
譯文:Who will attend that game?
這兩個漢語句子的語序進行了調(diào)整卻絲毫沒有影響其含義,而它們的英文譯文的語序卻是唯一的。在這兩種語言中,主語和謂語的位置幾乎是一樣的,差別就在于狀語、賓語以及修飾語的位置。如:
這所學校20%的學生會被錄取到清華和北大這樣的名校。
Twenty percent of the students(主語)will be admitted(謂語)by famous universities(方式狀語)like Tsinghua University and Beijing University(后置定語)in this school(地點狀語).
以上例子中的英文翻譯別管有多少修飾詞,先把主語和謂語核心詞寫出來,然后再添加定語和狀語。修飾詞的順序首先回答的是“什么”,然后是“如何、為什么、哪兒、給誰等”,最后是“什么時候”。如:
大部分學生都沒有意識到他們的英語水平會通過每天早上朗讀英語課文有大幅度提升。
Most students(主語)fail to realize(謂語)that their English(賓語從句的主語)will be improved a lot(賓語從句的謂語)by reading the texts aloud(修飾從句謂語動詞的方式狀語)every morning(修飾從句謂語動詞的時間狀語).(賓語從句)
就“主語+謂語+賓語”這個句型結構來說,漢語和英語的語序也有差別,如:
中文:我們要買些什么?
譯文:What will we buy?
在上述英語疑問句中,賓語(疑問詞)要放在句首,而在漢語中,賓語放在句末。
此外,在復合句中,漢語句子的疑問詞會出現(xiàn)在從句中,而英語中的疑問詞應放在主句句首。這一差異使很多中國學生譯出錯誤句子,如:
中文:你知道他什么時候回來嗎?
錯誤譯文:Do you know when he will be back?
正確譯文:When do you know he will be back?
另外一個英漢語序的差別是地名,英語地名的表達順序為由具體到概括、由小及大,而漢語正好相反。如:
中文:他來自于中國山西省太原市的一個小山村。
譯文:He is from a small village of Taiyuan in Shanxi province, China.
(5)扇型句式與樹型句式
漢語句子的擴展方式類似于扇子,句子的各個組成部分就像扇子的輻條一樣,其含義平行地連接到核心主題,各成分之間含義的銜接非常模糊,也就是說,漢語句子沒有英語句子中所體現(xiàn)出來的樹干和樹枝之分,意群之間相互堆疊,沒有任何連詞,只是在語義上相互關聯(lián)。如:
中文:天津雜技團的演員們克服了道具多、行李重的困難,乘飛機、坐大巴,長途跋涉了整整一天,來到了安塔利亞。
譯文:Overcoming the difficulties of carrying numerous stage properties and heavy luggage, the actors and actresses of the Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe made a long, arduous journey to Antalya by air and by bus for a whole day.
在這個例子中,漢語句子的成分之間沒有任何連接詞,四個動詞短語“克服、乘、長途跋涉、來到”被放在并列的位置,一個接一個堆疊地表達了作者想要表達的含義。在英語翻譯中,通過調(diào)整語序、使用現(xiàn)在分詞結構并增加表目的的動詞不定式標識詞“to”使句意得以傳達。
有些中國學生寫英語句子時,沿用了漢語的扇形句式,層層堆疊,導致輸出一些錯誤的英語句子,如:
中文:這是一個漫長的典禮,而且很枯燥。
譯文:It is a long ceremony and very boring.
這個例子中不同的句法結構被堆疊放置于平行句式里,導致了錯誤。“l(fā)ong ceremony”是名詞短語,“very boring”是形容詞短語,把它們放在由and連接的并列結構里是不對的,應改為:
The ceremony is both long and boring.
再如:
我喜歡旅游、游泳和彈鋼琴。
在這個漢語句子中,“旅游、游泳和彈鋼琴”作謂語動詞“l(fā)ike”的賓語,所以應該使用同樣的形式,要么都用“to+v”的形式,要么都用“v-ing”的形式,如若混著用,就會產(chǎn)生錯句。這里需要注意的是“旅游”和“游泳”都是單個動詞,而“彈鋼琴”是“動詞+賓語”的結構。因此,可以翻譯為:
I like traveling, swimming and playing the piano.或者:
I like to travel, to swim, and to play the piano.
因此,在寫英語句子的時候,首先要辨認出句子的主語和謂語動詞,然后要確保并列的意群要用同樣的句法結構來寫。并列可以更加清晰、有力、簡練地表達出作者的觀點。
二、句子的一致性
1.何為句子的一致性
句子的一致性是衡量句子是否有效的第一個標準,它指的是一個句子只能有一個中心思想,而且所表達的中心思想是完整的。
下列不一致的句子可以幫助我們更好地理解句子一致性的含義:
(1)句子意思表達不完整
× The speech was given in such an amazing way.
√ The speech was given in such an amazing way that everyone enjoyed it very much.
(2)句子的主從關系模糊
× We are going to visit Amy, and he is our American friend.
√ We are going to visit Amy who is our American friend.
(3)連接詞使用不當
× The main reason she was absent was because she was ill.
√ The main reason she was absent was that she was ill.
(4)中心不明確
× I was watching a film last night. I suddenly found Mary sitting in front of me.
√ When I was watching a film last night, I suddenly found Mary sitting in front of me.
以上例子中的錯誤句不仔細琢磨可能根本看不出問題所在,因為它們的錯誤不在語法方面,所以說只是語法正確并不能產(chǎn)生好的句子,一致性才是有效句的一個重要標準。
2.與漢語句子一致性的比較以及漢語對英語的負遷移
由于漢語是一種主題突出型的語言,所以在漢語寫作中,只要一個段落的句與句之間說的是同一主題,就可以中間沒有任何連接詞,“一逗到底”,而讀者也能夠理解其邏輯關系。也就是說,漢語句子的一致性沒有英語嚴格。如:
中文:王夫人道:“(人參)就是各位這邊沒了,你叫個人往你婆婆那里去問問,或是你珍大哥那里有,(你)尋些來,(你)湊合著給人家,(人家)吃好了,(你們)救人一命,(這)也是你們的好處。”(選自曹雪芹的《紅樓夢》)
譯文:“if we have none, send to your mother-in-law for some, or your Cousin Zhen's household may let us have what's needed. If you can save the young man's life that will be a good deed.”
這個例子中的8個分句之間都用了逗號,它們表達的是不同的意思,但圍繞的是一件事,對讀者而言,邏輯關系清晰可見。而英語譯文卻只有兩句話,在每一個句子中,都加了主語、連詞和代詞使其在含義上具有一致性。
正是因為漢語句子成分之間的關系并不需要用某種語言形式來體現(xiàn),所以中國學生在英語句子寫作時容易犯句子不一致的錯誤。如:
中文:隨著經(jīng)濟的快速發(fā)展,網(wǎng)絡在中國人中越來越普及。
譯文:Economy develops rapidly, and internet becomes popular among Chinese people.
這個漢語句子的兩個部分之間雖然沒有表邏輯關系的連詞,但讀者仍然能理解其表達的核心意思是“網(wǎng)絡的普及”。但英語譯句中的兩個部分顯然表達的是不同的事物,不是一個完整的觀點,因此這個譯句有不一致的問題。可改譯為:
The internet has become popular as the result of the widely-used and inexpensive computers—the product of the rapid economic development.
這個譯句中將“網(wǎng)絡的普及”和“經(jīng)濟的快速發(fā)展”間隱含的關系清晰地表達在“由于電腦的普及及其價格的下降”這一短語上,從而使句子的核心集中在“網(wǎng)絡”上。
中文:她出生于在上海,長在上海,她人比較胖。
譯文:She, born and raised in Shanghai, is a rather fat woman.
雖然這個漢語句子中兩個部分表達的是不相關的事情,但整個句子的核心只有一個,即“她”。而英語譯句中的問題顯而易見,“她出生于上海”和“她很胖”是完全無關的兩個事情,將它們寫在一個句子里不符合一致性原則。改譯為:
She was born and raised in Shanghai. She is rather fat.
由此可見,確保每個句子表達的是一個完整的意思是中國學生在寫英文句子一定要注意的問題。
三、句子的連貫性
連貫性指的是句子各個部分之間清晰、準確的排列組合。由于英語句子的含義主要取決于語序,所以句子成分的排列組合對正確表達觀點尤為重要。一個連貫的句子清晰、易懂,因為詞與詞之間的銜接符合語法規(guī)則和用法。不連貫的句子很難懂,可能會有不同的解讀方式。
1.如何寫出連貫的英語句子
要寫出連貫的句子,須使用一些起銜接手法,如指代、省略、替代、連詞介詞、關系副詞、非謂語動詞等。
(1)使用代詞達到連貫性
代詞有助于將作者表達的觀點聯(lián)系在一起,不管是一個句子里還是句與句之間都可以通過代詞的銜接將觀點完整、清晰地表達出來。起銜接作用的常用代詞有:I、you、he、she、they、them、this、that、these、those、one、such以及it。
通過代詞一方面可以避免句子內(nèi)部或句與句之間不必要的重復,另一方面可以讓作者簡練地表達出觀點。如:
If a student feels that a school rule is unjust, the student could lodge an appeal to the principal about the rule.
這句話給讀者的感覺非常啰嗦,且不流暢,如若將重復的名詞用代詞替換,感覺就會不同:
If a student feels that a school rule is unjust, they could lodge an appeal to the principal about it.
(2)使用連詞達到連貫性
連詞可以將分句中表達的觀點與句子其他成分中傳達的信息銜接在一起,并表明它們之間的關系。連詞的種類很多,詳見本章有關用并列法和從屬法擴展句子的內(nèi)容。使用連詞可以使句子更具邏輯性。比如:
He twisted his ankle. He fell down.
如果這兩句話之間沒有任何連詞,其邏輯關系就不夠明朗,讀者就不知道到底哪句話是因,哪句話是果。
我們再來分析一段話,看看它是如何運用連詞使段落更具連貫性的。
People should also like to be able to prevent the great destruction of property caused by earthquakes. After all, most of the people who die in earthquakes are killed by falling buildings. Therefore, building structures that can withstand the power of earthquakes is a major concern. Steel seems to be the best material, but not if it is welded to form a rigid structure. Many new structures are built with a new type of steel joint, an I-joint, which appears to be the most durable type of joint. These joints of steel can move without breaking. Also, to prevent property damage, architects now design buildings so that the building's columns are inserted deep into solid soil. In addition, many new house shave relatively light roofs and strong walls. Concrete pillars for highway bridges that previously only had steel rods inside are now enclosed in steel.(節(jié)選自《新視野大學英語讀寫教程(第二版)》第三冊第六單元課文How to Prepare for Earthquakes)
上述黑體字都是一些連詞或連接副詞,它們使這段文字更具連貫性,也使得分句間以及句子之間的邏輯關系更加清晰。
(3)通過語法一致達到連貫性
語法一致主要指數(shù)、格、性和人稱方面的一致,它是句子中兩個或更多成分之間的一種語法關系,各個成分都具有某一相同特征,如:英語中第三人稱單數(shù)的主語后要跟單數(shù)動詞,而復數(shù)主語則跟復數(shù)動詞。最常見的兩種語法一致問題有:主謂一致問題以及代詞一致問題。
1)主謂一致。
英語中,謂語動詞的數(shù)應與其主語一致,主語為單數(shù),謂語動詞也要用單數(shù),主語為復數(shù),謂語動詞用復數(shù)。以下是主謂一致須遵循的規(guī)則:
主語是復數(shù),謂語動詞也應該是復數(shù),但主語是單數(shù),謂語動詞也要用單數(shù)。如:
① This vase is a genuine antique.
② Both students are excellent.
當主語是兩個或更多由or銜接的單數(shù)名詞或代詞時,謂語用單數(shù)。如:
His mom or his dad sends him to school every day.
當主語由一個單數(shù)名詞和復數(shù)名詞組成,或者由either…or…、not only…but also…或neither…nor…銜接時,謂語動詞的數(shù)應與離它近的主語的數(shù)相一致。如:
③ Not only you but also he is going swimming.
④ Neither he nor I am cooking.
“each、each one、either、neither、everyone、everybody、anybody、anyone、nobody、somebody、someone、no one” 都是單數(shù)代詞,它們后面須接單數(shù)動詞。如:
① Each of the oranges is sweet.
② Nobody likes this man.
③ Neither of them is allergic to nuts.
④ Something has to be done to prevent fire disasters.
由and銜接的兩個主語如果指的是同一個人或物,謂語動詞要用單數(shù)。如:
Love and right is a constant theme in history.
動名詞和動詞不定式短語作主語,謂語動詞用單數(shù)。如:
⑩ Eating spicy food is difficult to him.
? To study hard is what we should do.
主語后面跟有由“along with, together with等”引導的短語,這些短語不會影響到謂語的形式,即謂語動詞的形式與它們之前的主語的人稱和數(shù)相一致。如:
Nancy, together with her sisters, was injured in the accident.
倒裝句中謂語動詞的數(shù)與主語的數(shù)一致。如:
In the house are my friends.
集體名詞(如:family、audience、public、team、committee、crew、herd、class、crowd、staff等)作主語,謂語動詞可以用單數(shù)也可以用復數(shù),取決于它在前后文中的含義是單數(shù)還是復數(shù)。如:
? The class are all fond of volleyball.(class強調(diào)全班所有同學,而不是把它看作一個整體)
? The family is quite happy on this holiday.(把“family”看作一個整體,而非強調(diào)每個人)
形式上是復數(shù)但含義上是單數(shù)的名詞(如:physics、politics、economics等表示科目的詞),謂語動詞用單數(shù)。如:
Physics is difficult for many girls.
表示時間、距離、金錢、重量、體積、空間等意義的復數(shù)名詞作主語,謂語動詞常用單數(shù)形式。如:
? Seven million dollars was missing in the bank.
? Three hours of waiting is too much for me.
當“each…and each…、every…and every…、no…and no…、many a…and many a…”結構作主語時,謂語動詞用單數(shù)形式。如:
Many a teacher and many a student is busy with the exam.
當百分數(shù)、分數(shù)后面加名詞或代詞作主語時,要根據(jù)這個名詞或代詞來決定謂語動詞的單復數(shù)形式。如果是復數(shù)名詞或代詞,謂語動詞用復數(shù);如果是單數(shù)名詞(或不可數(shù)名詞)或代詞,謂語動詞用單數(shù)。如:
? Fifty percent of the students in our school are girls.
? Three-fourth of the surface of the earth is sea.
一些形式為復數(shù),意義為單數(shù)的名詞,如:trousers, pants, shorts, glasses, scissors等作主語時,謂語動詞用復數(shù);但當這類名詞前有a pair of修飾時,謂語動詞應用單數(shù)。如:
? His new trousers were too short.
? This pair of glasses was bought from Hongkong.
the number of…(……的數(shù)量)作主語時,謂語動詞用單數(shù),a number of…(許多……)修飾可數(shù)名詞作主語時,謂語動詞用復數(shù)。
? The number of the students in our school increases every year.
? A number of students are preparing for their final exam in the classroom.
在“one of+復數(shù)名詞+定語從句” 結構中,定語從句中謂語動詞的單復數(shù)應由它修飾的先行詞的數(shù)來決定。如:
He is one of the students that have got high scores.
這個結構應區(qū)別于“the only one of+復數(shù)名詞+定語從句”,這里的定語從句的謂語動詞要用單數(shù)形式。如:
He is the only one of the students who attends the meeting every month.
2)代詞與其先行詞的一致。
代詞須與它的先行詞(即代詞所指代的成分)在數(shù)和性上保持一致。如果先行詞是復數(shù),代詞也應該用復數(shù);如果先行詞是單數(shù),代詞也應該用單數(shù);如果先行詞是男性,代詞也應該用男性代詞(he、his、him);如果先行詞是女性,代詞也應該用女性代詞(she、her、hers);如果先行詞既不是男性也不是女性,而是某個東西(如:book、desk等),代詞應該用中性單數(shù)代詞(it、its);如果先行詞包括兩性(everyone、anybody、nobody等),代詞必須用中性復數(shù)代詞(they、them、their)。下面是代詞與其先行詞保持一致須遵循的規(guī)則:
兩個或更多由or連接的單數(shù)先行詞應該用復數(shù)中性代詞指代。如:
If my wife or my mother calls me, tell them I am out.
兩個由and銜接的先行詞用復數(shù)代詞指代。如:
If my wife and my mother call me, tell them I am out.
one、everyone、everybody、nobody、each、either、neither、anyone、anybody、someone、somebody等不定代詞在正式寫作中用單數(shù)代詞指代,在非正式寫作中用復數(shù)代詞指代。如:
Everyone is sticking to their own views in this discussion, and no one is compromising.
代詞出現(xiàn)的位置不能讓讀者覺得既有可能指代甲,也有可能指代乙,即要避免指代不清的問題。如:
Lisa told Anna that she should attend the meeting tomorrow.
這句話中的“she”指代不清,讓人覺得有可能指“Lisa”,有可能指“Anna”。可進行如下修改:
Lisa told Anna not to attend the meeting tomorrow.
避免代詞與其所指代的先行代詞的不一致。如:
When one goes shopping, you should avoid buying things unnecessary.
這句話主句的主語用了不定代詞“one”,從句卻用“you”指代“one”,顯然不一致,“you”應改為“he”。
代詞不可以指代動詞、形容詞或狀語從句。如:
If you are expelled from the school, it will distress your parents.
這個句子中的“it”用來指代條件狀語從句,是不恰當?shù)模~“it”并不能這么使用,應改為:
If you are expelled from the school, your parents will be distressed.
代詞不能指代不明先行詞。如:
Daily practice is necessary in ballet training; in fact, they are often as highly trained as athletes.
這句話中的“they”只能靠推測才能知道指代的是誰,因為前一個分句中并沒有復數(shù)名詞或代詞,所以不應該使用代詞,可改為:
Daily practice is necessary in ballet training; in fact, ballet performers are often as highly trained as athletes.
3)關系代詞與其謂語動詞的一致性。
定語從句中的動詞必須與關系代詞的先行詞保持一致。如:
She decided to buy some candies, which are her daughters' favorite.
這個定語從句的謂語用了“are”,因為關系代詞的先行詞“candies”用了復數(shù)形式。
此外,關系代詞要與緊挨它的先行詞的數(shù)保持一致,而不是跟句中出現(xiàn)的位于先行詞之前的其他名詞或代詞的數(shù)一致。如:
He visited one of the bookstores which were recommended by his teacher.
這句話中的定語從句謂語動詞用了復數(shù)形式“were”,與其先行詞“bookstores”一致,而不是和“one”一致。
根據(jù)以上論述,要寫出連貫的句子須避免以下情況:
① 不要在不必要的情況下將關系緊密的詞分開。如:
All the students are learning Chinese in this college.
這句話會讓讀者理解為“這所學院是學生學習漢語的唯一地方”,也許表達這句話的人的意思是“這所學院的所有學生都在學漢語”,如果是這樣,“in this college”就應該放在主語“students”的后面,而不是放在句末作謂語動詞的狀語。
② 不要用指代不明的代詞。如:
The mom said to her daughter that she could watch the Indian movie the next day.
這句話中的代詞“she”會讓我們不明白它到底指的是“mom”還是“daughter”,可進行如下修改:
The mom said to her daughter that she herself could watch the Indian movie tomorrow.或者
The mom thought that her daughter could watch the Indian movie tomorrow and said so to her.或者
The mom said to her daughter:“You could watch the Indian movie tomorrow.”或者
The mom said to her daughter:“I could watch the Indian movie tomorrow.”
③ 不要使用無依著修飾語(并不修飾句中任何成分或正確指代句中成分的片語或子句)或將修飾成分置于離被修飾詞很遠的位置。如:
Walking home from school, the fire engine came screeching(發(fā)出尖叫聲)around the corner.
這句中的現(xiàn)在分詞短語從結構上來看是修飾主句主語“the fire engine”,這顯然邏輯不通,可以改為:
Walking home from school, I saw the fire engine come screeching around the corner.
再如:
The funny poster attracts everyone's eyes on the wall.
這句話中的“on the wall”很顯然是修飾“poster”的,須調(diào)整位置到poster之后,不應該放在最后。
④ 人稱和數(shù)不要做不必要或令人迷惑的轉換。如:
The students who want to join the club are asked to sign your name on this piece of paper.
這句中的代詞“your”跟主語“the students”不符,應改為“their”,并將name變?yōu)閺蛿?shù)“names”。
⑤ 語態(tài)、時態(tài)和語氣不要做不必要的轉換。如:
The earthquake destroyed many buildings and a lot of people were injured.
這句話從語法上講并沒有錯誤,但語態(tài)的轉換使它看起來不夠流暢,可改為:
The earthquake destroyed many buildings and injured a lot of people.或者
In the earthquake many buildings were destroyed and a lot of people injured.
⑥ 并列成分間不要用不同的語言形式。如:
It's believed that one's action speaks louder than what one says.
這句話中的“one's action”和“what one says”為并列成分,但一個是名詞短語一個是從句,使得整個句子讀起來怪怪的,可改為:
It's believed that one's action speaks louder than one's words.或者
It's believed that what one does speaks louder than what one says.
簡而言之,句子的連貫性對準確、清晰地表達觀點有非常重要的作用,所以一定要養(yǎng)成回讀所寫句子的習慣,檢查其連貫性并做出必要的修改。
2.與漢語句子連貫性的比較以及漢語對英語的負遷移
(1)漢語句子缺乏連詞的使用
大多數(shù)語言學家認為漢語屬于“意合”語言,而英語屬于“形合”語言。意合指句子之間常靠內(nèi)部的邏輯關系聯(lián)系在一起,而非語言形式(如連詞);而形合指句與句之間往往靠各種語言形式緊密結合。因此,漢語句子構建的一般原則就是“積字成句,積句成章”。如:
知己知彼,百戰(zhàn)不殆;不知彼而知己,一勝一負;不知己不知彼,每戰(zhàn)必殆。
這個句子沒有使用任何連詞,但它的意思非常明了,中國讀者能理解它所表達的邏輯關系。如果給這句話加上連詞,就會變得很啰嗦,不夠簡練。如:
(若)知己(而又)知彼,(則)百戰(zhàn)不殆;(若)不知彼而知己,(則)(將)一勝(及)一負;(若)不知己(而又)不知彼,(則)每戰(zhàn)(將)必殆。
正因為英語和漢語在連詞使用上的差異,很多中國學生在英語寫作中都會忘記在句子之間或句子內(nèi)部使用必要的連詞,從而導致錯誤,其中最典型的錯誤之一就是流水句。在英語中,如果兩個分句可以獨立成句,那么它們之間不可以使用逗號來銜接,而應該用句號,如果它們之間使用了逗號,那它就是一個流水句。但是,在漢語中,兩個或多個分句,甚至一個段落都可以不用連詞,意群之間只用逗號來銜接(即一逗到底),而讀者依然可以明白句與句之間的邏輯關系。因此,中國學生會把漢語的這一特征錯誤地運用到英語寫作中,出現(xiàn)如下錯誤:
Mr. Smith is a great teacher, he always explains things very clearly.
可改為:
Mr. Smith is a great teacher; he always explains things very clearly.或者
Mr. Smith is a great teacher. He always explains things very clearly.
(2)漢語句子缺乏代詞的使用
代詞在漢語句子中的使用沒有在英語中廣泛,以下面兩個句子為例:
下車的時候,他看到了那個女孩。
譯文:When he was getting off the bus, he saw the girl.
他輕輕地把手放在她肩膀上,好像表示安慰。
譯文:He put his hand lightly on her shoulder as if to comfort her.
通過比較以上兩組句子的中文和英文,我們發(fā)現(xiàn)漢語句子中代詞的使用頻率確實不及英語,物主代詞一般都會省略,但在英語中,這樣的物主代詞必須保留。這直接導致中國學生在寫英文句子的時候忽略必要的代詞。如:
中文:每個學生都得做家庭作業(yè)。
錯誤譯文:Every student is supposed to do homework.
這個漢語句子中沒有代詞,所以不少中國學生在翻譯這句話的時候,會漏掉代詞,正確譯文如下:
Every student is supposed to do his homework.
(3)漢語通過重復來實現(xiàn)連貫性
英語追求簡練,所以用省略來實現(xiàn)連貫,而漢語則更傾向于通過重復來實現(xiàn)連貫。這一差異使中國學生在將中文句子翻譯為英文時,將中文中重復的詞或短語原封不動地翻譯為相應的英文。如:
中文:想說就說,想做就做,不要在乎別人的看法。
譯文:Talk as you like and do as you like. Don't care others' views.
這個譯文將漢語中重復的詞全都一一翻譯出來,雖然沒有語法錯誤,可是不符合英語的簡練原則,可改為:
Talk and do as you like. Don't care others' views.
(4)漢語句子沒有主謂和人稱一致
漢語是一種沒有曲折變化的語言,所以沒有主謂一致原則。漢語的這一特點直接導致中國學生英文寫作中出現(xiàn)主謂不一致的問題,他們要么在復數(shù)主語后使用單數(shù)動詞,或者在單數(shù)主語后使用復數(shù)動詞。如:
He hate playing games with them.(錯誤)
He hates playing games with them.(正確)
They hates playing games with him.(錯誤)
They hate playing games with him.(正確)
關于人稱的一致性問題,雖然漢語中也有男“他”,女“她”及無性代詞“它”之分,也注重代詞與其先行詞在人稱和性方面的一致性,但是這三個代詞在漢語中發(fā)音相同,均為“ta”。也就是說,只有當學生需要寫的時候,他們才會考慮該用哪一個“ta”,其他情況下,他們只需要發(fā)“ta”的音即可。這就使得中國學生在英語寫作中會忽略人稱代詞與其先行詞的一致性問題,寫出如下錯誤句子:
His daughter is 5 years old and he is very cute.
應改為:
His daughter is 5 years old and she is very cute.
此外,在漢語中,如果用一個句子去修飾一個詞,那么對這個句子是沒有語法要求的,也不需要用關系代詞,這就使得中國學生在寫英文句子時,忽略關系代詞與其謂語的一致性問題。比如,中國學生可能會寫出如下句子:
This doctor suggests that we do some sports which is good to our health, like swimming and jogging.
這個句子中的定語從句修飾的是“sports”,關系代詞指的就是這個復數(shù)名詞,所以謂語動詞也應該用復數(shù),應改為:
This doctor suggests that we do some sports which are good to our health, like swimming and jogging.