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seclusive 2007-11-16 09:15

　　英语的情态动词（modal verbs）可以协助主动词，表达一句话的语气；有时，不同的情态动词还会多少扭转一句话的含意。例如“Shall I come in?”和“May I come in?”这两句话的含意一样吗？答案是否定的。

　　用“May”提问，目的在请求对方同意某事，是种客气方式，意思是：“我想进来，不知你允许吗？”

　　用“Shall”提问，目的在探听对方要不要我进来，有点像“Do you want me to come in?”而“你要我进来，我就进来，你不要我进来，我就不进来。”

　　现在再比较下列各组，看看语意有何差别：


(1)　a. Shall I read this book now?

（你现在要我看这本书吗？）

　　 b. May I read this book now?

（我现在可以看这本书吗？）


(2)　a. Shall I buy the stamps for you?

（你要我替你买邮票吗？）

　 b. Can I buy the stamps for you?

（我可以替你买邮票吗？）


(3)　a. Shall I write the annual report?

（你要我写年终报告吗？）

　b. Might/May/Can I write the annual report?（我可以写年终报告了吗？）


　　最后，再看看另外两句的差别何在？

(4)　Our basketball team has gone to Malaysia.


(5)　Our basketball team has been to Malaysia.


　　第4句里用“gone”；5里用“been”。一字不同，意思有别。

　　前句的含义是：这支队伍现在已不在这儿，到马来西亚去了。后句的意思是：这支队伍曾经去过马来西亚，但现在已在这儿。


　　同样的，第6句和第7句的含义差别也和4及5一样：

(6)　Jade has gone to China.

(7)　Jade has been to China.


　　由此可见，“have gone to”和“have been to”尽管样貌相似，用的都是现在完成时态，但含意并不相同。

　　通过上述例句的对比，可以知道“今天早上，海伦去看过牙医了”的英译句应该是8或9：

(8) 　Helen has been to the dentist.

(9)　Helen went to see the dentist this morning.

不能说：

(10)　Helen has gone to the dentist this morning.


　　还有，针对“Where have you been before?”这句问话，正确的答案是11不是12：

(11)　I have been to London.

(12)　I have gone to London.

　　因为人还在说话，怎么可以在伦敦？


　　在结束本文之前，请比较13a和13b，以确定其语意：

(13)　a. The security guard is used to watch the bank.

　　 b. The security guard is used to watching the bank.


　　13a. 是被动句，意思是：“保安人员被用来看守银行。”主动句是：“Someone uses the security guard to watch the bank.”


　　13b. 是“接系动词＋used to + 宾语”

（linking verb + used to + object），意思是：

“保安人员习惯于看守银行。”

其他例子：


(14)　Are you used to living in a cold counrty?（你习惯住在寒冷国家吗？）

(15)　 I am quite used to cold weather.

　　 （我相当适应冷天气。）

seclusive 2007-11-17 13:21

　　新加坡中教会1993年举办的中英互译比赛中，中学组的作品也是“中译英”比“英译中”好。同学们似乎对英文的运用比较得心应手；对中文的处理就不太熟练，以致有较多语意、语法和词汇的错误，错别字也普遍起来。

　　下面是几个很好的例子：

　　(1)“the region's highest standards of living”（本区域最高的生活水平）

　　(a) 东南亚中最高的生活素质。

　　(b) 最高级的生活享受。

　　(c) 这个区域最高素质的生活水准。

　　(2)“... actively seeking an acceleration in the pace of economic growth.”（积极寻求办法增加经济成长的速度）

　　(a) ……没停止寻求经济发展的加速。

　　(b) ……在积极地求快速的经济成长。

　　(c) ……在经济发展上寻求更快的增长。

　　(d) ……寻求经济增长步伐的加速。

　　(3)“... the predominantly urban character of this population”（这里的人口带有显著的城市特征。）

　　(a) 新加坡人口惯于市区生活的性质。

　　(b) 新加坡的人民有着以城市性格为首的特征。

　　(c) 多数国人居住在城市里的倾向。

　　(4)“It is also different from the other countries of Southeast Asia in many other aspects--in the structure of its economy, with a growing emphasis on industrialization as an important adjunct to its entrepot functions, in contrast to the primarily agri-cultural nature of the economies of its neighbours; in the nature and composition of its multi-racial population (mainly of immigrant origin and three-quarter Chinese); and in the predominantly urban character of this population.” （新加坡也在其他许多方面和东南亚其他国家有所不同。第一，在经济结构方面，新加坡不断强调以工业化来辅助转口贸易的活动；这点和主要靠农业经济为生的邻国形成对照。另一个不同点来自新加坡人口的特性和多元种族的结构，其中主要是移民而来的，而且四分之三是华人。最后一个不同点是新加坡人口带有显著的城市特征。）

　　(a) 新加坡与其他东南亚国家的不同之处如下：经济的结构，越来越重视工业化以成为出入口贸易的重要关键；新加坡多元种族的人口（多数属移民根源与四分之三是华人）；人口独特的现代化。

　　(b) 新加坡和别的东南亚国家在其他方面也有不同之处：新加坡的经济结构日渐朝向工业化，而邻国的经济却着重于农业方面；新加坡是个多元种族社会（大多是早期移民过来的华人）；此外，新加坡的人民大多数住在市区内。

　　中学组的“中译英”虽然好些，但也有两三处出现困难，就是：

　　(1) “望着母亲慢慢远去的背影，不禁令我感慨万千”(Gazing at Mother's slowly receding figure, I could not refrain from all sorts of feelings welled up in my heart.)

　　(a) Staring after mother's diminishing figure, mixed feelings surged into my mind.

　　(b) I cannot help but feel immensely touched yet remorseful as I gaze at her diminishing figure as she walks away.

　　(c) I looked at her disappearing image and at that moment, thoughts over-whelmed my thinking.

　　(d) Watching my mother walk away slowly, I was touched to the core.

　　(e) Watching the back of my mother diminishing into the horizon, remorse and sympathy welled from my heart.

　　(2)“母亲虽然没有受过正规的教育，但是她以丰富的人生经验，教导我们做人的道理。”(Although Mother has not gone through any formal education, she uses her vast life experience to teach us how to conduct ourselves in society.)

　　(a) Although mother did not receive a proper education, she still taught us the ways to behave ourselves with her numerous life experiences.

　　(b) Though mother had never received any proper education, her vast experiences in life taught us the moral values of life.

　　(c) She would still quote to us the teachings gained from her history of working experience and educate us, though she received no form of education.

　　(3) 母亲十分重视生活教育和人格的培养，她不像有些庸俗的母亲养儿育女，为了防老。(Mother lays great stress on life education and character development. She is not like some vulgar mothers of others who bring up their children as a safe guard against old age.)

　　(a) Mother emphasized greatly the education of life and the nurturing of desirable characteristics, unlike those conventional mothers who bring up and educate their young in order to have someone to rely upon in their later life.

　　(b) She is very serious about general education and personal character. Unlike other old-fashioned mothers who want their children to help them and take good care of them when they are old.

　　(c) My mother was very particular about the teachings of life and the development of one's character. She was unlike some mothers whose sole purpose in raising their children was to obtain a security against old age.

　　和小学及中学组一样，初院组也是“中译英”比“英译中”好，虽然中文原文比英文原文长，内容也比英文原文复杂。由此可见，同学们一般上都是英文比中文好、比中文稳。现在举两个例子证明。

　　(1) Such excuses should have no place in the vocabulary of Singaporeans who take pride in being efficient and capable of competing with the best in the world. （这样的借口不应该在新加坡人的词汇里出现，原因是新加坡人常以快速的工作效率，以及有能力与世上最好的人竞争而感到自豪。）

　　(a) 这些借口在办事效率高和能干的新加坡人的词汇里是不存在的。

　　(b) 这种借口不应该出现在效率高，尽量争取世界第一的新加坡人的字典里。

　　(c) 在新加坡这个以效率与样样第一为荣的国家里，不应该听到这些字句。

　　(2) ... this year sees the second national attempt to drum into citizens that being punctual is not gauche but a social grace.（今年我国再次尝试把守时的概念灌输给国民，让他们知道守时并不是粗鲁的行为，而是社交上的优雅作风。）

　　(a) 政府为了改正这种不良的行为、品德已经在今年举办第二次“准时活动”。

　　(b) 政府不得不再次发起‘守时运动’，重新呼吁国民养成守时的习惯。守时并不是一种浪费时间的做法，它是国民都该认同与实践的良好习惯。

　　(c) 今年是第二次的全国性的运动以向民众灌输守时乃是一种社交礼节，而并非守旧的意识。

　　(d) 政府将在今年第二次发起全国运动，以教育人民守时不是愚笨、老土的行为，而是一种社交上的礼貌及美德。


　　初院组的“中译英”虽然不错，但也有几处需要商榷，例子如下：

　　(1) 其实，不但是欧美，连日本永不裁员的神话也已破灭。(In fact, besides Europe and America, Japan's “non-retrenchment” myth has also been shattered.)

　　(a) Besides the European countries and America which have started retrenching people. Japan also has to resort to this solution.

　　(b) In fact, not only the European countries, even the Japanese companies have to reduce the size of their labour force.

　　(c) In fact, it is not only in Europe and America, even the tale of never to retrench in Japan is being destroyed.


　　(2) 凭常理来说，日本公司裁员肯定不是好事，至少反映出公司业务转坏，需要实行紧缩政策，可能不敢太过放胆加重亚太投资，以及尽量减少派驻海外员工的人数。(Generally speaking, it does not augur well for the retrenchment in Japanese companies. At least, it reflects the fact that the businesses of the companies concerned have turned bad, that they have to implement an austerity policy, that they may not be bold enough to increase their investments in Asian-Pacific region, and that they will make an effort to cut down the number of staff abroad.)

　　(a) Logically speaking, it is definitely not a pleasant issue to discussed about, as this will depict the availability of room for improvement and upgrading of policies.

　　(b) Rationally, it reflects the falling of business, the need for the amendment of policies, the possible fear of further investment in other parts of Asia, and the refraining of sending its skilled labour abroad.

　　(c) According to normal reasoning, Japan's retrenchment of workers is bad news. It reflects that the company's business is going down the drain and there is a need for strict government regulator. Japan may be afraid to increase the investment in Asean countries and also cut down the employment of foreign workers.

　　从上面这些翻译的错误实例看来，翻译工作的确是看来容易做来难，要做得好，更是难上难。翻译工作者不但必须彻底理解原文的内容，而且还要掌握原文的句子和词语的意思，才能一丝不苟地把译文处理好，可以直译的地方，尽量直译；不能直译时，便要采用适当的技巧，把原意表达出来。这样的翻译才能既“忠实”又“流畅”，这样的翻译，才算是好的翻译。

　　（摘自1993年《中教学报》）

seclusive 2007-11-17 13:33
　　我们之前曾举出了17个有动物的惯用语。这个星期再继续举出些例子，供大家参考。

　　(1) Top dog：处支配地位者

In the present world, why should a country, often a super power, sometimes act as top dog over other countries?


　　(2) Go to the dogs：堕落；（经济）衰退

No matter a business or a country, if it is not properly managed, it is sure to go to the dogs one day.


　　(3) Do the donkey work：呆板的例常工作

Jack is not a person to work with. He will just sit back and let you do the donkey work.


　　(4) A sitting duck：容易被打击的对象

Out in the open, the hunter is a sitting duck for unseen wild animals.


　　(5) A cold fish：冷漠无情的人

Among the guests at the same table was Dr Wee's wife, who looked unfeeling and was a real cold fish to me .


　　(6) A fish out of water：如鱼离水；不适应

Qi never likes to go to a party, without friends, as he will feel like a fish out of water there.


　　(7) Have other fish to fry：另有更重要的事要干

As I had other fish to fry yesterday, I was forced to decline David's invitation to a dinner.


　　(8) There are plenty more fish in the sea：可供选择的人或事还很多

Since Andrew had gone off with another girl friend, Laura couldn't care less, knowing that there were plenty more fish in the sea.


　　(9) Cannot say boo to a goose：羞怯

When foreign students first came here, they could not say boo to a goose, but there is now no shortage of eloquent speakers and outspoken thinkers.


　　(10) A wild-goose chase：徒劳的搜索

To look for a pin in the sea? Isn't it tantamount to a wild-goose chase?


　　(11) A guinea pig：被当实验的人或物

Whenever there is a research or something innovative, someone or something will be used as a guinea pig.


　　(12) Back the wrong horse：支持失败的一方

Many spectators backed the wrong horse by favouring the British team, which lost to the German team.


　　(13) A dark horse：实力难测的竞争者

No one expected Jimmy to win, but he did win. He was a dark horse.


　　(14) Change horses in mid-stream：半途改变主张，或支持另一方

If you support a person, do so from the beginning to the end; don't change horses in mid-stream.


　　(15) The lion's share of...：最大最好的部分

When the old man died, the eldest son took the lion's share of the inheritance.


　　(16) The rat race：激烈的竞争

In the rat race of today's world, only the fittest survives.


　　(17) A snake in the grass：潜伏的敌人

There has often been something suspicious about William's behaviour and he has really turned out to be a snake in the grass.

seclusive 2007-11-17 13:45
生老病死是人生必经之路，是迟早的事。

看看英语惯用语里有些什么反映。


(1) A chip off the old block：与父亲一模一样的儿子　Ben is as obstinate as his father; he is really a chip off the old block.

(2) For old times' sake：为了缅怀过去　I am sure older people would like to revisit old places, simply for old times' sake.

(3) An old fogey：思想狭窄的过时人　Don't act like an old fogey, but don't be misguided by young people, either.

(4) An old hand at...：……的老手　I want to write a letter of apology. Can you help me, Bob?

　"Why not ask John, who is an old hand at letter-writing?"

(5) Look like your old self：恢复原来的你　Glad to see you looking like your old self after a period of illness.

(6) Settle an old score：报旧仇　Is it often necessary to settle an old score? Why can't one be magnanimous so as to forgive and forget and let bygones be bygones?

(7) Dead against...：极力反对……　Mr Goh is dead against travelling abroad; he can never sleep well in an unfamiliar place.

(8) Cut...dead：完全不理睬……　What's wrong with Christine, who cut her boss dead at a restaurant?

(9) Dead ahead/in front (of) ：就在前头　They arrived at the Changi Airport and found the taxi-stand dead ahead of them.　　

(10) Dead and buried：成为过去的　Don't raise that unpleasant issue again. It's all dead and buried now.

(11) A dead end：死胡同　Don't enter there! It's a dead end leading to nowhere.

(12) A dead silence：沉寂无声　When the guest of honour arrived, there was a dead silence in the auditorium.

(13) Flog a dead horse：白费气力　The computer programmer is teaching some old people how to use the computers, but it is like flogging the dead horse, as no one can follow the instructions properly.

(14) Make a dead set at...：猛烈攻击　What problem exists between the two colleagues, who have just made a dead set at each other?

(15) Reach a dead end：完全停止　Quarrels arose from the closed-door meeting, which was forced to reach a dead end.

(16) More dead than alive：身体情况非常疲弱　When the fishermen were rescued from the stormy sea, they looked more dead than alive.

(17) A dead loss：完全无用的　The free gift looked good, but it turned out to be a dead loss.

(18) Dead wood：无用之人或物　The problem with some companies is that they have kept too much dead wood there.

　 There is quite a lot of dead wood in your thesis; you had better remove it.

seclusive 2007-11-18 12:22

　　所谓句子转换，就是将一种句式变成另外一种句式，或者用不同的方法表达相同的语意，使句型多样化，借以提升写作的效果。例如形容词和副词可以有不同程度的比较而仍然保持原意。

　　下面的第一句是原级，可以变成第二句：比较级：

　　(1) Nancy is not so great as lrene.

　　(2) Irene is greater than Nancy.

　　同样的，主动语态可以变成被动语态而原意犹存。例如(3)是主动语态，(4)是被动语态，两句语意不变，只是重点改变。

　　(3) Mr Lin gave the good student a prize.

　　(4) The good student was given a prize by Mr Lin.

　　还有，一种词类也可以变成另一种词类并保留原意。例如：

　　(5) a. The customer examined the jewels very carefully.

　　 b. The customer examined the jewels with great care.

　　(6) a. She tried to sing her song in an interesting way.

　　 b. She tried to sing her song interestingly.

　　此外，一种句子也可变成另一种句子：

　　1. 简单句变成并列句
　　　（Simple Sentence → Compound Sentence）

　　(1) I must work very hard to achieve something. → I must work very hard and then achieve something.

　　(2) In spite of illness, Jason came to office as usual. → Jason was ill but he came to office as usual.

　　2. 简单句变成复杂句
　　　（Simple Sentence → Complex Sentence）.

　　(3) The accused man confessed his guilt. → The accused man confessed that he was guilty.

　　(4) Walking along the road, Tony ran into an old friend. → While Tony was walking along the road, he ran into an old friend.

　　(5) Do you know the gentleman with a long hair? → Do you know the gentleman who has a long hair?

　　(6) In case of an emergency, ring the bell on the door. → If there is an emergency, ring the bell on the door.

　　3. 复杂句变成简单句
　　　（Complex Sentence → Simple Sentence)

　　(7) We visited a hut where a hermit lived. → We visited a hermit's hut.

　　(8) Jim was so surprised that he could not utter a word. → Jim was too sunprised to utter a word.

　　4. 并列句变成复杂句
　　　（Compound Sentence → Complex Sentence)

　　(9) The dogs were wounded but they went on fighting. → Although the dogs were wounded, they went on fighting.

　　(10) The couple went to Johor Baru (新山) and the maid looked after their residence. → When the couple went to Johor Baru, the maid looked after their residence.

　　从观察发现，不是人人都擅于运用各种句式自由自在的表达思想。读了这篇短文之后，大家可以反思一下，看看在句法上有什么可以改进之处。

seclusive 2007-11-18 12:38
　　Study the VERB MEANINGS in the list, and then fill in each blank with a suitable answer in the correct form.

　　(1)distrust　(2)ascertain　(3)howl　(4)cherish
　　(5)signal　(6)subject　(7)terminate　(8)pervade
　　(9)stir　(10)release　(11)stream　(12)pave
　　(13)scatter (14)endure　(15)decay　(16)sneak
　　(17)resound　(18)indulge　(19)mingle　(20)crumble　
　　(21)relish　(22)dash　(23)flutter　(24)cling　(25)prowl

　　(1) All the new products are ____________ to rigorous inspection or testing.

　　(2) Contracts can be renewed or ____________ , depending on workers' performance.

　　(3) Put the food in the fridge, as it will ____________ in hot weather.

　　(4) I admire those who ____________ pain without making any complaint.

　　(5) On hearing the bad news, tears ____________ from the poor girl's eyes.

　　(6) No matter where you keep the durians, their strong odour will still ____________ the air.

　　(7) The desperate woman still ____________ the hope that her husband will return safe and sound.

　　(8) We did not believe Tony. In fact, we ____________ him in all matters.

　　(9) Have you ever heard a dog ____________ late at night?

　　(10) When found not guilty, the suspect was immediately ____________ .

　　(11) Jason's constant efforts ____________ the way for his ultimate success.

　　(12) The children in the field ____________ when rain suddenly came.

　　(13) I ____________ the sugar in the coffee with a silver spoon.

　　(14) She got on the taxi, said good-bye to her friend, and ____________ her to go home.

　　(15) Can you ____________ that some secret agents were around when the Opposition leader spoke?

　　(16) Don't ____________ yourself with alcoholic drink or your health will suffer.

　　(17) The loud noise of argument last night ____________ through the whole building.

　　(18) Trying not to be seen, the naughty boy ____________ out of the house through the back door.

　　(19) In the earthquake, houses ____________ and killed a large number of residents.

　　(20) To learn a language, one has to ____________ with those who speak the language well.

　　(21) As Tony was late for class, he ____________ to the bus stop without having breakfast.

　　(22) Oriental people don't often ____________ eating western food.

　　(23) It is interesting to see the window curtains ____________ in the breeze.

　　(24) On crossing the road, the boy ____________ to his mother's hand.

　　(25) You can hide behind a big tree and see animals ____________ in the forest.

　　ANSWERS: (1)subjected　(2)terminated　(3)decay　(4)endure　(5)streamed　(6)pervade　(7)cherishes　(8)distrusted　(9)howling　(10)released　(11)paved　(12)scattered　(13)stirred　(14)signalled　(15)ascertain (16)indulge　(17)resounded　(18)sneaked　(19)crumbled　(20)mingle　(21)dashed　(22)relish　(23)fluttering　(24)clung　(25)prowling.

seclusive 2007-11-18 12:44
　　Diogenes（估计生于公元前400年，卒于公元前325年）以桶为居所，生活极端简朴，被视为像狗一样的生活，乃有Cynic（犬儒）之称。犬儒派反文明、反社会，对世俗生活冷讽热嘲，因此英语中的Cynic有讥讽、挖苦、冷淡、嫉世之意。

　　一个人难以与人相处，近于乖僻，我们说：He is a cynical person，又常以副词如bitterly或者deeply强调之。John is a bitterly cynical person，阿尊是非常乖僻的人。作形容词用的cynical，有讥嘲乖僻，漠不关心以及怀疑的意思。例如：The people are cynical of everything that are promised them。政府说的话全不兑现，人民对政府许诺的每一事物都怀疑了。

　　To be cynical of something常用以表示对某事怀疑，不相信（也许从而有冷淡、讥嘲的意思）。我们说：John was cynical about Jean's prospects of success。阿尊对阿珍的成功之望颇为怀疑也。我们以名词cynicism表示不信感，to display cynicism。公众对政客的不信任：Public cynicism toward politicians。对所谓改革的不信：cynicism towards so-called reforms。

seclusive 2007-11-19 08:39
　　Study the meaning of each CONFUSING WORD and then fill in each blank with the correct answer.

1. remember: keep in mind

2. remind: make someone remember

　　(1)“Thank you for your kind advice. I am sure I will _________ it.”

　　(2) Can you still ________ your students' names a few years later?

　　(3) If I forget to call up our new partner, would you please _________ me of it?

　　(4) Mr Ho, our English language teacher, _________ us to hand in our compositions tomorrow.

　　(5) After driving the car out of the gate, Janet suddenly _________ that she had not turned off the light in the bedroom.

　　(6) By accident, I found some old photographs in the drawer, the sight of which _________ me of my earlier teaching days.

3. ask: (a) question someone; (b) state a wish

4. request: ask for something politely

　　(7) Don't _______ me. I don't know the answer to it.

　　(8) Why did you _______ such silly questions? Were you not afraid of people laughing at you?

　　(9) Many poor countries have no choice but to _______ for international aids.

　　(10) All the staff are _______ to attend the monthly staff meeting on the last Monday of the month.

　　(11) May I _______ that those who have special duties at the party tomorrow come earlier?

5. fairly: to a certain extent (with a favourable meaning)　　

6. rather: to a certain extent (with an unfavourable meaning)

　　(12) How are you today? Fine! I am ________ cheerful today.

　　(13) How do you like Sam? Very much. He is ________ smart.

　　(14) Jack drove ________ fast in the town. For safety's sake, he should slow down.

　　(15) We feel ________ tired after working five hours at a stretch.

7. ill: (a) not in good health; (b) badly, not enough

8. sick: (a) not feeling well; (b) about to vomit

　　(16) The small boy looks _______ today. Why?

　　(17) Laina is _______ today and has to see the doctor, so she will be on medical leave for one day.

　　(18) I will feel _______ when I travel by sea, even in a big steamship.

　　(19) If there is evidence that a maid is _______ -treated, she may sue the culprit.

　　(20) Since John was _______ -suited for such a job, why should it be offered to him in the first place?

*************

(1)remember (2)remember (3)remind (4)reminded (5)remembered (6)reminded (7)ask (8)ask (9)request (10)requested (11)request (12)fairly (13)fairly (14)rather(15)rather (16)sick (17)ill (18)sick (19)ill (20)ill

seclusive 2007-11-19 09:06
　　The words in the list can be used both as verbs and as nouns, known as CONVERTED WORDS. Study each of the sentences and then fill in the blank with a suitable word in the correct verb or noun form.


damage　dream　demand　doubt　drop　drink　kick　defeat　end　escape　fear　fish　flood　dress　tip


　　(1) The workers'_____________for better fringe benefits is being considered.

　　(2) You must be ____________ when you think that you will be a minister.

　　(3) As the storm caused great _____________to the crops, the farmers were in hot water.

　　(4) it is sad to learn that a lot of villagers' huts were __________ in the earthquake.

　　(5) Tom thought that June loved him, but it occurred only in a ____________.

　　(6) Every member of the company ___________ to know its future development.

　　(7) Since your team was badly organised, it was finally ___________in the match.

　　(8) The area near Mr Liaw's house often _____________ whenever there is heavy rain.

　　(9) Have you ever gone ____________ at the weekend?

　　(10)Some prisoners tried to _____________, but to no avail.

　　(11) Economic experts _____________ that there may be another recession.

　　(12) Very soon, the concert will come to a successful ____________.

　　(13) Leaves of trees turned yellow and _____________in winter.

　　(14) Would you care for another cup of cold ___________?

　　(15) In an opera, actors and actresses often wear the ____________ of ancient style.

　　(16) There is no _____________ that Jason will be promoted soon.

　　(17) The opposition party has suffered a serious _____________ in the election.

　　(18) Some roads were closed to traffic because of the ______________.

　　(19) To keep fit, please eat more ____________than meat.

　　(20) The thief jumped out of the prison window and made his _____________.

　　(21) The enemy surrendered for _____________ of being killed.

　　(22) She ___________ her letter with good wishes to the recipient.

　　(23) There is a ____________ in food prices because of bad business.

　　(24) Being thirsty, the boy _____________ a big glass of water like a fish.

　　(25) Please _____________ yourself properly before going to the wedding dinner.

　　(26) All _____________ whether the two leaders will come to a compromise.

　　(27) The rude boy _____________ on the door and entered.

　　(28) A veteran general has been ___________ as the next Minister for Defence.

　　(29) Is it a custom in this hotel to give ___________ to waiters and waitresses.

　　(30) To open the rusty iron gate, you may have to give it a ______________.

**********

(1)demand   (2)dreaming   (3)damage   (4)damaged   (5)dream   (6)demands   (7)defeated   (8)floods   (9)fishing   (10)escape   (11)fear   (12)end   (13)dropped   (14)drink   (15)dresses   (16)doubt   (17)defeat   (18)flood   (19)fish   (20)escape   (21)fear   (22)ended   (23)drop   (24)drank   (25)dress   (26)doubt   (27)kicked   (28)tipped   (29)tips   (30)kick

seclusive 2007-11-19 09:11
● 阿五

　　啡友P说月前参加一个宴会，同席有位可以说是“假洋鬼子”的客人，说一口英语，谈的全是上流社会活动情况。啡友P座旁的客人是中学英语教员，悄悄评道：He talks with a plum in his mouth! 嘴中含着一颗李子说话，啡友P说正是一句颇为形象化的，带mouth的明喻，不是说其人说话含糊不清，而是喻其人发音装腔作势，作上流人说话腔调。

　　Have a plum in one's mouth亦作：Have marbles in one's mouth。嘴中含着多颗石弹（粤语说的“波子”）讲话，装腔作势，一如含着一颗李子也。此君说话常以：Take my word for it，保证自己说的是实话（等於说：You can trust me and accept my word as a guarantee of truth。）更加强其威风也。啡友P说have（或者keep）marbles（或者a plum）in one's mouth是揶揄一个人装作上流社会人士说话腔调，令人讨厌，因此他座旁那位客人又说：Maybe I should put my finger in my mouth。此言出於明喻put one's finger in one's mouth and make an obscene noise，伸指入嘴作个放屁之声，表示揶揄的动作也。

seclusive 2007-11-20 13:30
　　英语有些惯用语中含“长”或“短”这两个形容词，可以分别来学来记。

　　(1) At long last：最后；终于

Jimmy has been expecting a letter from his parents. At long last, it came.

　　(2) Go a long way towards....：对……很有帮助

The extra income will go a long way towards paying the housing loan for him.

　　(3) In the long run：终于

As long as a person works hard; he will succeed in the long run.

　　(4) Too long drawn out：太冗长缓慢

“What did you think of the professor's talk?” “Not bad, but too long drawn out.”

　　(5) The long and the short of it：概括起来

Mr Hancock has given some reasons against employing Betty, but the long and short of it is that he does not like to work with such a young lady.

　　(6) Before long：不久以后

Jason's new book will come out before long.

　　(7) A short cut：捷径

Don't go along the main road. There is a short cut to your destination.

　　(8) At short notice：临时通知

No one can expect others to do a good job at short notice.

　　(9) Short with...：对……暴躁无礼

(i) Sorry for being short with you on the phone this morning.

(ii) Have l done anything wrong? Why are you short with me?

　　(10) Short of...：缺乏，除了……之外

(i) Is our country short of manpower?

(ii) Don't provoke the rascal who will do anything short of murder.

　　(11) Cut...short：中止……

As something urgent cropped up, they had to cut the meeting short.

　　(12) Fall short of one's expectations：令人失望

The short-listed candidates were good but their experience fell short of our expectations.

　　(13) For short：缩写体

He is William, but we can call him Bill for short.

　　(14) Have a short temper：脾气暴躁

I have a short temper, especially when speaking to someone devoid of common sense.

　　(15) In short：简言之

The hotel accommodation was good, the food was wonderful, and the staff were friendly. In short, we had a good time.

　　(16) In short supply：供应不足

Dedicated office staff seem to be in short supply nowadays. Very few have worked until they retire.

　　(17) Nothing short of...：简直就是……

What you have just said is nothing short of a threat.

　　(18) Make short work of...：迅速处理……

Since these letters of inquiry have to go out by tomorrow, we will have to make short work of them.

　　(19) Give short shrift of...：对……漠不关心

Tony looked disappointed when the commitee gave short shrift of his proposal.

　　(20) Pull... up short：使......中止正在做的事

The sight of the intruder pulled all the shop assistants up short.

seclusive 2007-11-20 13:47
Study the meaning of each CONFUSING WORD and then fill in each blank with the correct answer.

　　①calm: (a)free from excitement or movement; (b)not windy; (c)made calm

　　 ②quiet: (a)have little noise; (b)calm

　　 ③still: (a)not moving; (b)quiet, calm

　　(1) Sam is a ________ man; he seldom talks much in public.

　　(2) ________ often comes after a storm. Don't you think so?

　　(3) All must remain ________ in the face of an unexpected event.

　　(4) We all like to go to the library because of the ________ there.

　　(5) I am glad to let you know that my apartment is located in a very ________ area.

　　(6) The situation after the student mob is fairly ________ now.

　　(7) Please stand ________ while the national anthem is being sung.

　　(8) ________ waters run deep. Do you know the meaning of this proverb?

　　(9) The mother ________ the baby by giving him some milk to drink.

　　 ④quick: fast, done in a short time

　　 ⑤hasty: too quick in the act, done in a hurry

　　(10) As my friend had been waiting outside, I had a ________ lunch.

　　(11) I think you will regret your ________ decision on such an important matter.

　　(12) Are you a ________ worker or a slow one?

　　(13) Generally speaking, Jason is ________ in doing things.

　　(14) Some women are ________ with household work,while others are not.

　　(15) I have no time for a full meal, as I am in a hurry and can only have a ________ drink.

　　 ⑥chase: run after in order to catch, drive away

　　 ⑦follow: go after, happen because of..., understand

　　(16) The cat ________ the mouse, which immediately ran into a hole in the wall.

　　(17) A famous singer walked past, ________ by a few reporters.

　　(18) On TV, one can easily watch a thrilling car ________ in the movie.

　　(19) The wanted man was arrested after a long ________ .

　　(20) Most of the audience could not ________ what the speaker was saying.

　　(21) Political unrest and social ills often ________ war.

　　(22) The dog ran into the garden and ________ the sparrows away.

**************

(1)quiet (2)calm (3)calm (4)calm (5)quiet (6)quiet/calm (7)still (8)still (9)calmed (10)hasty (11)hasty (12)quick (13)quick (14)quick (15)quick (16)chased (17)followed (18)chase (19)chase (20)follow (21)follow (22)chased

seclusive 2007-11-20 13:50
　　Promise作名词用的常用表现之二，表示有希望、有前途。啡友L说不久前听朋友七岁的女娃娃弹琴，颇有天才。那位钢琴老师说：She has high promise of a pianist，大有希望成为钢琴家也。称某人大有前途，除high promise外，常以bright, brilliant或者great等词形容。朋友的男孩子能说善辩，朋友说他：He has a great future to be a statesman。虽然做父亲的对政治毫无兴趣。

　　连日阴雨，忽见天空云随风散，可知明日将会转晴：The sky gives promise of fine weather tomorrow。经济低迷，前者未可乐观，但是有经济专家在会议中提出报告，指出“明天”会转好：The report gives promise of a better tomorrow。这样的giving promises，即使难免hollow，啡友们都说可以使希望常在。活着有希望，总是好事。

　　Promise作动词用，也有“希望”和“约束”两意。例如The sky gives promise of fine weather tomorrow.可以更简单地说成：The sky promises a fine weather tomorrow。

seclusive 2007-11-21 08:25
　　曾经有朋友问我：“I look forward to hear from you soon” 对，还是“I look forward to hearing from you soon” 对。我说后者对，前者错。他说，为什么“to”后面的动词可以有“-ing”呢？

　　这问题很有意思，相信其他人也会这样问。

　　这问题就是今天的话题了。

　　大家知道，“to”是不定式动词（Infinitives）的标志，如：to come, to go, to eat, to sleep, to play, to work, to sing, to take等等。

　　不定式动词是英语三种无限定动词（Non-finite verbs）中的一种。它的主要功能包括协助组成动词句型。例如：

　　1. 主语＋动词＋不定式动词／短语

　　(1) Helen likes to sing.

　　(2) The man wants to see you.

　　2. 主语＋动词＋宾语＋不定式动词/短语

　　(3) Jack advised me to come.

　　(4) She asked the boy to go out with his brother.

　　3. 主语＋动词＋宾语＋不带“to”不定式动词／短语

　　(5) We all heard them laugh.

　　(6) They saw the leaves fall down.

　　(7) Did you notice the old man rush to the bus stop?

　　(5)-(7)里的”langh, fall, rush”都是不带“to”的不定式动词或短语。

　　此外，当不定式动词在助动词或情态动词后面时，也是不带”to”的。例如：

　　(8) John will come soon.

　　(9) Shall I go with them?

　　(10) You may quit whenever you wish.

　　(11) We must not eat too much meat.

　　(12) Tony wished his friends could help him.

　　不管带“to”与否，不定式动词的性质是不变的。

　　“To”的另一个功能是当介词，性质和“at, in, on, for, with”等一样，只是形式和不定式动词的标志一样而已。正因为样貌相似，介词“to”在某些句式中常被误以为是不定式动词中的“to”而引起用法上的错讹。文章开头提到的“hear”和“hearing”之争，便是最好的例子。

　　须知“look forward to” 是个片语动词，这里的“to”是个介词，后面要带宾语（object）（即名词、代词或动名词），如“I look forward to your reply. / ... it. / ... hearing from you.”

　　下面这句情况一样，所以(13) a 错，(13) b对：

　　(13) a. Are you used to live in a hot country like Singapore?

　　(13) b. Are you used to living in a hot country like Singapore?

　　根据这原理，下列这些惯用语中的“to” 都是介词，不是不定式动词的标志。既然是介词，就要有宾语：

　　(14) Do you object to（反对）picnicking on every weekend?

　　(15) Many people learn English with a view to（目的是）getting a good job.

　　(16) A good government often devotes itself to（致力于） giving the people a good life.

　　(17) You must not confine yourself to（局限于）talking about your own achievements.

　　(18) Jason prefers working hard to（喜欢） doing nothing.

　　(19) Kelvin is addicted to（沉溺于） smoking.

　　(20) Qi is much given to（热衷）playing outdoor games.

seclusive 2007-11-21 08:46
　　Study the following OPPOSITE WORDS. First, pair them up. Then, complete each sentence with a suitable word from the list.

　　1. blessing　　 a. awake

　　2. abundance　　 b. sorrow

　　3. knowledge　　 c. curse

　　4. appoint　　 d. delicate

　　5. robust　　 e. discord

　　6. harmony　　 f. spendthrift

　　7. miser　　 g. intoxicated

　　8. sober　　 h. scarcity　

　　9. asleep　　 i. igorance

　　10. joy　　 j. dismiss



(1) If you earn a lot but use a little only, you may be called a_________.


(2) Though small, Singapore is a country where people live in_________.


(3) A motorist is advised not to drive if_________.


(4) Tom expressed deep_________for having done something silly.


(5) After years of illness , John’s father is now in_________health.


(6) It is hoped that all of us will live together in peace and_________.


(7) Those whose performance is below average may be_________sooner or later.


(8) It is the government's intention to make all and sundry_________and rugged.


(9) I consider it impossible for a drug-taker to remain_________.


(10) A thing of beauty is a _________for ever.


(11) How can the couple get along when they are constantly in_________.


(12) A person spending money like dirt is none other than a_________.


(13) Some people say that_________is a _________. Do you agree?


(14) _________is power.


(15) Because of the _________of manpower, we have to employ many foreign workers.

****************

Ans: 1-c　2-h　3-i　4-j　5-d　6-e　7-f　8-g　9-a　10-b
(1)miser　　(2)abundance　　(3)intoxicated　　(4)sorrow　　(5)delicate　　(6)harmony　　(7)dismissed　　(8)robust　　(9)sober　　(10)joy　　　(11)discord　　(12)spendthrift 　　(13) ignorance, blessing　　(14)knowledge　(15)scarcity

seclusive 2007-11-21 08:50
　　经济新闻评政府税收有：Though it sounds negligible, the tax is a case of allowing the camel's nose into the tent之论，评政府拟加收一项税目，其数听来微不足道，却是“让骆驼鼻子伸进帐篷”的事例。

　　To allow (the) camel's nose into the tent 或者 to get (the) camel's nose into the tent 是“为达到最终目的做安排布置”。

　　政府拟定税目虽然非常低微，但它是为全面加税做的布署。这个骆驼鼻子，令人想到口语中常说的 to poke one's nose into something，指好管闲事。He is always poking his nose into other people's business。他总是好管他人的事，好管闲事者也。此语中之poke，又作stick，或者put，thrust以及shove。

　　劝朋友不要去管不相干的事情：Do not stick your nose into things that do not concern you! 简单的说法作：Keep your nose out of things that do not concern you。以keep one's nose out of something 表示不要牵涉某事之中。

　　朋友对你过度关心，事事都要替你出主意，如果你感到烦，不妨说：I'll thank you to keep your nose out of my affairs。

seclusive 2007-11-22 08:22
　　Read the following written exercise carefully. Amend the imperfections in meaning expression, vocabulary usage or sentence construction so as to make the language not only correct and comprehensible but also good and effective. Refer to the REVISED VERSION only after you have made the necessary amendments to the ORIGINAL TEXT.

*************

Why I prefer to live in a city

　　Different people have different choices. Some people like living in a city and some people like living in a village. For me, I prefer to live in a city. The reason is not only that I grew up in a city but also that there are definitely many advantages of living in a city.

　　Firstly, it is very convenient in daily life. There are many shops and supermarkets in a city. I can buy everything I need easily in these places. When I am sick, I can easily see a doctor in any clinic or hospital. Transport services are good in a city. When I want to go somewhere, I can take a bus or train or something else. There are also many kinds of entertainment in a city. Public buildings (such as libraries) and parks can easily be found in a city, too.

　　Secondly, living conditions can be very good in a city. Usually, housing in a city has good facilities - tap water and electricity, for example. It is more comfortable to live in such well-equipped houses.

　　Thirdly, it is good for my own development. Obviously, the standard of education in an urban school is usually higher than that in a rural school. I can receive better education in a city. When I finish my studies and want to find a job, there will be more opportunities in a city. There will also be more room for me to develop. In addition, I can see more new things and make more new friends in a city. As we know, the world is changing every second. I want to keep up with the times, so I have to keep learning new technology and get new information. That can only be done in a modern city. Besides, there are many different people with different ages, different jobs and different nationalities in a city. Making friends with different kinds of people can expand my view of life and make me know more about the society and the world.

　　Maybe there are also some disadvantages of living in a city, but I think they are less important. I feel convenient, comfortable.

*********************

(REVISED VERSION)

Why I prefer a city life

　　Different people have different likes and dislikes. Some like to live in a city; others like to live in a village. As for me, I prefer a city life. The reason is not only that I have grown up in a city but also that there are many advantages of living in an urban area. The following are two of them.

　　First, it is convenient and comfortable to live in a city. To begin with, there is good housing in a city, as all the houses and flats are well-equipped with good facilities and surrounded by modern amenities such as places of entertainment, public libraries and parks.

　　Second, it is easy for a town-dweller to upgrade himself in various aspects. For one thing, the standard of education in an urban area is usually better than that in a rural area.

　　When I live in a city, I can have a better education. When I finish my study, it is easier to get a job. Besides, there are other opportunities and room for personal development. In addition, I can keep up with the times by learning new technology, getting the latest information and making friends with people of different backgrounds and nationalities so as to broaden my vision and contact.

　　There are surely disadvantages of living in a city, too, but they are less important and tend to be de-emphasized. For the sake of the advantages mentioned above, I prefer to live in a city.

seclusive 2007-11-22 08:47
　　In the CONTEXTUAL VOCABULARY below, first read each sentence to understand the meaning of the underlined word and then choose the correct answer to match it.

　　(1) Peter and Tom tried to get rid of the imbroglio caused by the fighting between their two children.

　　A. legal issue
　　B. debt
　　C. bitterness
　　D. embarrassing situation

　　(2) Overwhelmed with despair, our basketball team returned home without saying anything.

　　A. completely filled
　　B. greatly angered
　　C. successfully avoided
　　D. badly beaten

　　(3) According to psychologists, phobia could be serious for a person poorly prepared to do something important.

　　A. misunderstanding
　　B. failure
　　C. fear
　　D. helplessness

　　(4) Many ladies pay attention to their outward looks and use a lot of make-up.

　　A. costumes
　　B. lotion
　　C. cosmetics
　　D. diet

　　(5) The company's callous attitude towards the welfare of its working people made it very unpopular.

　　A. restrictive
　　B. indifferent
　　C. irregular
　　D. over-demanding

　　(6) Sailors travelled a lot and some circumnavigated the entire world during their sailing days.

　　A. sailed round
　　B. travelled long
　　C. studied navigation
　　D. visited cities

　　(7) Many roads leading to the business area are congested during peak hours.

　　A. open to pedestrains
　　B. blocked to traffic
　　C. free from accidents
　　D. crowded with traffic

　　(8) Comparing the performance between two different categories of people is invidious.

　　A. pleasant
　　B. absurd
　　C. clearly demonstrated
　　D. causing ill-will

　　(9) There have been some alterations to the proposal submitted by the committee.

　　A. marks
　　B. changes
　　C. defects
　　D. complaints

　　(10) There is a conspicuous skyscrapper near the harbour overseeing the Straits of Johore.

　　A. noticeable
　　B. breath-taking
　　C. artistic
　　D. knowledge-based

　　(11) A small country is vulnerable to foreign invasion. Don't you think so?

　　A. desperate
　　B. submissive
　　C. susceptible
　　D. addicted

　　(12) Nurses know ways and means of resuscitation.

　　A. preventing damage
　　B. growth
　　C. bringing back to life
　　D. submission

(1) D　　(2) A　　(3) C　　(4) C

(5) B　　(6) A　　(7) D　　(8) D　　

(9) B　　(10) A 　(11) C 　(12) C

seclusive 2007-11-22 08:50
　　啡友Y的住所不大，多年前置业，六百多英尺面积。当时他自称蜗居，但啡友S说现在也算相当宽敞了。啡友Y说日前听啡友M文绉绉地提到：The toilet has the need of repairing，自然地想到“蜗居”的浴厕也该修理了。他说：My toilet is also in need of repairing。啡友S说to have the need of... 和to be in need of... 意思一样，都是“需要……”或者“有……之必要”，前者是较旧的说法，显得文雅而有婉曲之感。后者比较“现代化”，现在普遍通用。啡友M说to have... 和to be... 在许多表现方式中用以表现相同意思，但以to be... 较为通用。

　　啡友Y属于凡事爱“自助”之辈。他和太太两人亲自动手修理toilet，称之为redecoration（装修）。啡友Y平日爱敲敲打打，修理一点小东小西；但是电器用具等不敢乱动，要由太太处理。他有handy man之称，太太和他一样手巧，handy person也。这一对没有受过专业训练的handy persons，由于曾经在相当艰难的环境中生活过，凡事非但要自己动手，还要研究怎样动手。啡友Y说由于有需要，乃有发明——发明怎样去做的方法。

seclusive 2007-11-23 09:27
　　In each of the following sentences, choose the item that is best for WORD COLLOCATION.


(1) My encouragement has (raised, aroused, lifted, ascended) David to serious action.


(2) From experience we know that one can sell more through the (announcement, advertisement, broadcasting, publication) in the mass media.


(3) Napoleon should be regarded as a (great, huge, gigantic, splendid) figure, though he did not win all the battles.


(4) The police went to the drug-takers' hiding place and (grasped, snatched, seized, arrested) many smuggled goods there.


(5) Since you have been in a tropical country for a few years, are you certain of the constant change of (temperature, weather, tempest, forecast) there?


(6) It is believed that ancient Egyptians were the first to (invent, create, explore, discover) South America, isn't it?


(7) Why are they so noisy over there? Could you ask them to keep (calm, still, quiet, serene)?


(8) When we returned to the old city 20 years later, we could not (acknowledge, recognise, realise, distinguish) it any more.


(9) Although we feel sympathetic towards you, it is not within our (power, strength, force, energy) to assist you.


(10) It has been reported that our birthrate has been (reducing, diminishing, withdrawing, lessening). Why is it so?


(11) Something has gone wrong with his car (machine, machinery, engine, apparatus). Please get a mechanic to look into it.


(12) Please keep this matter secret. It should not be (indicated, exhibited, revealed, displayed) at this moment.


(13) The boy stood on the river bank, throwing (bits, fragments, particles, atoms) and pieces of bread to the fish.


(14) It seems that Jason (alone, only, merely, lonely) can perform that difficult task.


(15) The scientist has come out with a good theory many researchers are keen on (adapting, attaching, adopting, modelling)


(16) A person's skin is good for (defending, guarding, safeguarding, protecting) his body from different sorts of danger.


(17) At first, we thought his story was true, but later, it was found that we had been (tricked, deceived, frustrated, ill-treated).


(18) Don't let the enemy cross the border and (conquer, vanish, occupy, invade) our fortress.

(1)aroused (2)advertisement (3)great (4)seized (5)weather (6)discover (7)quiet (8)recognise (9)power (10)diminishing (11)engine (12)revealed (13)bits (14)alone (15)adopting (16)protecting (17)deceived (18)occupy

seclusive 2007-11-23 09:30
　　从事翻译工作的朋友谈起作“祝酒”解的toast，说举杯祝酒常用raise作动词。例如宴会中主人举杯祝酒时说：I would like to raise a toast to our guests。由于toast亦作烤面包片解，曾有个笑话说有人将raise a toast译作“举起一块面包片”。原文说：Mary raised a toast to her guests，竟译成了：玛莉向客人们举起一块面包片。

　　英国人早餐，将不到一公分厚的切片方面包，放进烤面包的toaster中烤，make a toast in a toaster，有烤得干脆可口者，称为Melba toast亦即crisp toast。十六世纪中期，人们祝酒干杯，喝的是葡萄酒。当时习俗先将一片烤面包放入杯中，据说可以增加酒的美味并吸去所含杂质。祝酒时干杯，只留下杯中剩下的那片toast，因此toast便成了祝酒干杯的同义词了。此词又引伸作“祝词”解，宴会中举杯祝词者称为toast master，又引伸作司仪解。此外Toast又作“名人”解：Joan's new book has made her the toast of the city。阿琼的新作令她成为本市名人。烤面包片的toast音译作吐司，土斯或者多士。

seclusive 2007-11-23 09:34
Dr Tan,

　　(1)　Some of them are of the view that readers of Chinese-language newspapers are over-reacting to groundless worry.

　　(2)　I am of any use for you.

　　① 请详细解说以上两种 of +宾语的结构。

　　② 第一句为何不用some of them have the view而用of the view?

　　③ 第二句为何不是I am useful to you?

　　④ 如何学好介词？


Sanstone

**********

Sanstone,

　　介词的用途之一就是协助名词组成介词短语(Prepositional phrases)。

　　你所举的便是其中两个惯用法。

　　(1) of use = useful

　　(2) of the opinion/view that...= think/believe that...

　　这两个短语的普通说法你已经提出来了：

　　(1) If I am of any use to you...= If I am useful to you.../If I have any use to you...

　　(2) Some of them are of the opinion/view that...= Some of them have the opinion that.../ Some of them think(believe)that...


陈清霖复

***********
　
敬爱的陈清霖先生：

　　新加坡人大多数会用 I just came back来表示他刚回来，但标准文法应是I have just come back...或是I have just returned from...不知 just came back在文法上是对的吗？请指教，谢谢。


读者李慧敬上

***********

李慧：

　　你把”just”和现在完成时态”have...come back/have...returned home”连用很正确，很好，但在美式英语里，”just”可以和简单过去时态在一起，所以“I just came back”也没错。


陈清霖复

seclusive 2007-11-24 12:27
Study the meaning of each CONFUSING WORD and then fill in each blank with the correct answer.


　　1. easy: a. not difficult; b. no worry or discomfort

　　2. simple: a. easy to do or understand; b. plain, undecorated

(1) Let me show you a _______ way of mopping the wooden floor.

(2) A language is quite _______ to learn if you need it. This means that no language is really difficult.

(3) Can an evil person sleep well with an _______ mind? I definitely refuse to think so.

(4) Who says David is _______ to please?

(5) Though quite well-to-do, Jason chose to live a _______ life.

(6) Jack was advised to take things _______ and not to work too hard.

(7) With a steady income and without big expenses, the couple can now lead an _______ life.

　　3. expect: think that something will happen

　　4. hope: desire and expect

　　5. wish: expect for something less possible

(8) Tony likes learning and _______ to go abroad for further studies.

(9) As a good government, it is _______ to do more for the people, especially the underprivileged.

(10) We all _______ that Tom will pass the driving test this time.

(11) I sincerely _______ that you will come to see us when you visit this country next month.

(12) Time is running short and yet Dr Liaw has more and more to do, so he _______ he was 10 years younger.

(13) All _______ you to come and enjoy the party together.

(14) How I _______ that you would accept our invitation to be our language consultant.

(15) The whole world shared the sincere _______ for peaceful coexistence.

(16) Is there any _______ for Diana to win the much-coveted scholarship?

(17) The political situation in the neighbourhood looks bad, but don't give up _______ . Things will change for the better.

　　6. need: want very much

　　7. lack: not have

(18) One _______ great patience to do needlework and things like that.

(19) Plants and flowers die for _______ of water.

(20) There is a _______ for stricter traffic control so as to cut down road accidents.

(21) The company _______ more money to invest in new projects.

(22) There is an obvious _______ of support for some unpleasant policy changes.

(23) Our new department head seems to _______ confidence in whatever he has done.

(1)simple (2)easy (3)easy (4)easy (5)simple (6)easy (7)easy (8)hopes (9)expected (10)hope (11)hope (12)wishes (13)expect (14)wish (15)wish (16)hope (17)hope (18)needs (19)lack (20)need (21)needs (22)lack (23)lack

seclusive 2007-11-24 12:34
　　朋友说我们以fool作骂人之词：That guy is a fool! 那家伙是个蠢蛋！这个fool当然不是“自得其乐”，像儿童一样，不是：Children and fools have merry lives之谚中所说的fools了。

　　朋友说他们该是圣经箴言第二十章第三节中说的fool。他曾见从前此节英译作：Every fool will be meddling。其中meddle指mingle in fight或者engage in conflict，后来的英译，此节全文作：It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from a strife; but every fool will be quarrelling.（远离纷争，是人的尊荣，愚妄人都爱争闹。）

　　不过引用圣经金句成语者一般仍用：Every fool will be meddling。朋友说愚妄人所以都爱争闹，原因在总以“愚见”为正确的看法。事物的发展结果如何，可以改变他的看法；是以西谚有：Fools are wise after the event。我们所说的“事后诸葛亮”也。愚妄者事后成了诸葛亮，自以为聪明了，因此：Fools will still be fools了。西谚又说：Fools are (held) wise as long as (they are) silent. 不说话，人家会说他聪明。不说话，当然也没有meddling或者quarrelling了。

seclusive 2007-11-24 12:49
　　香港英文电视台选购的外国节目十之八九是美国节目。但美式足球在香港不受欢迎，所以电视台甚少播映。还是英式足球比较有亲切感，尤其是谈世界级的英格兰顶级球星，大家比较有兴趣吧？

　　香港英文台播映的《世界杯点将录》剪辑了几场重要赛事，并隆而重之的以这段话介绍了英格兰队长贝克汉姆：

　　This man has become one of the most famous people in the world, the icon. That is David Beckham.

　　“Icon”指偶像，可说是大家早已懂得的“idol”的同义词（synonym）。

　　比方你想用英文表达“他最崇拜的政坛人物是克林顿”，用地道英语可以说His political idol was Bill Clinton。

　　英国足球评论员还这么介绍这位“万人迷”：

　　England's current captain was first capped in Glen Hoddle's first match as head coach of England - a World Cup qualifier against Cordoba in '96.

　　由于电视画面剪接的节奏明快，球来球往，十分急速，而且这一段英语旁白（voice over narration）讲得很快，加上讲辞浓缩，所以我采用解析的方法，并且阐释单词的妙用，大家会更易明白。

　　这是旁述的第二段，意思是“贝克汉姆这位英国队长第一次入选成为国家队队员，是在贺度任英格兰队总教练的第一场球赛，也就是1996年争夺世界杯出线权迎战科尔多瓦队的一役”。

　　句中的cap用作名词（noun）时解作“帽子”，大家一定都知道了，现在用作动词，在句中有什么特别意思呢？

　　相信现在还在念高小的小读者都知道cap用作名词时指“帽子”。

　　England's current captain was first capped...

　　Cap加了ped变成被动式动词（passive verb）又作何解呢？

　　这一旁述说的是纯英式英语，所以我们得用英国惯用法阐释。

　　我试用两个较浅的例句，协助大家了解，同时收举一反三之效：He's been capped ten times for playing in British teams.（他十次获选入英国队参加球赛）

　　用英式英语惯用法来诠释，cap用作动词时指那个人戴上了授予的队员帽——被选入运动队伍的标志。

　　句中的主语（subject）是captain，而capped的前三个字母与之相同，但切勿把capped误解为“被选为队长”。

　　To be capped只是指“被选为国家队队员”。

　　再举一例：Owen has two caps for playing football for England。

　　在英国英语的用法中，caps用作名词还可解作“队员帽”，引述为被选入国家队的标志，所以以上的例句是说：奥云两次代表英国国家队参加足球比赛。

　　英文电视台播映的《世界杯点将录》对英格兰队队长贝克汉姆（David Beckham）似乎特别宠爱，评述员甚至说他可能代表英国队捧得本届世界杯。（注：英格兰杀入8强，却不敌巴西，已和世界杯说再见。）

　　最后一段如下：

　　His elevation from teenage prodigy to England captain via countless honours may tee him up for the greatest prize of all - the World Cup.

　　这一段有几个单字，大家可以研习以增强词汇。

　　1. elevation (n) 升级、提升，

　　2. prodigy (n) 奇才（尤指神童），

　　3. countless (adj) 无数的，

　　4. honour (n) 荣誉、光荣。

　　除了上述几个单词，还有一个源自高尔夫球（golf）的片语动词（phrasal verb）tee someone up。这是高尔夫球术语，意思是把球放置在球座上，但在这组旁白（voice over narration）中用作口语，意思引伸为：准备、安排。

seclusive 2007-11-25 11:55
　　In each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with a suitable PHRASAL VERB from the list. Be sure to use the correct verb form.

come across 　die out 　leave out 　talk over 　pick out 　turn on 　stand up 　die down 　wait on 　run into 　pull through 　stand by 　take up　go over　turn off

(1) Why did you omit the tomato sauce from the fish?

I _______ it _______ because the fish was already well spiced.


(2) Who selected the clothes for you?

Helen _______ all the wearing things I wanted.


(3) Where did you meet your old classmate?

I _______ him in front of a cinema.


(4) Do you know the waiter serving the Chen family?

Don't you really know the man _______ the Chens?


(5) Is it necessary to extinguish the lights before we go out?

If you don't _______ the lights, you have to pay more for your electricity.


(6) Why are the rooms so dark?

Well, have you _______ the lights?


(7) When are we going to discuss our development plan?

Let's _______ it sometime next week.


(8) When did the strong wind stop?

I think it _______ shortly after midnight.


(9) Where did you happen to see David?

I _______ him when I came out of a shop.


(10) What have you decided to study after your A-Level examination?

Most probably something about science. If possible, I will _______ medicine.


(11) Will that injured man live?

According to the doctor, he will _______ .


(12) How long have you been waiting here?

I have been _______ since 9p.m.


(13) Why did that type of animals disappear from the earth?

It _______ because it was unable to adapt to the changing environment.


(14) Have you revised your lessons for the coming test?

Yes, I have _______ them already.


(15) How long did your last car last?

It _______ for more than ten years.

*********

(1) Left..out(2) picked out(3) came across(4) waiting on (5) turn off (6) turned on (7) talk over(8) died down(9) ran into(10) take up(11) pull through(12) standing by(13) died out(14) gone over(15) stood up

seclusive 2007-11-25 12:00
　　一个句子可能合乎语法，有逻辑，清晰易懂，但却不一定能发挥良好效果。一个有效益的句法，不但可以清楚地表达某个事实或概念，而且可以有系统地把不同的概念或事实，表露无遗。此外，有效益的句法不一定冗长或深奥，但一定有凝固性、紧凑性和内容重点。

　　有效益的句法怎样写呢？

　　首先，要懂得各种句子的写法。其次，要知道合成句的方法。最后，要会用优良的句式，如对句法，以及善于处理句子的重心点。

　　这里谈谈句子合成法问题。

　　句子的合成，基本上分三类：

一、把两个或两个以上的简单句(Simple Sentence)合成一个长些的简单句。

二、把两个或两个以上的简单句，透过并列连词(Coordinating Conjunction)，连成并列句(Compound Sentence)。并列连词包括“and, or, but, so, for”；并列句中的每个分句，地位平等。

三、把两个或两个以上的简单句由从属连词(Subordinating conjunction)“when, it, because, although, that”等连接成复杂句(Complex Sentence)。复杂句有个主句(Main Clause)和至少一个从句；从句依功能之不同，又再分为名词从句(Noun Clause)；副词从句(Adverb Clause)和形容词从句(Adjective Clause)。

　　副词从句性质不同，可再分为“时间、原因、条件、让步、目的、结果、方法、程度、比较”九种。形容词从句有限制性的(Restrictive)和非限制性的(Non-restrictive) 两种。

　　知道了合成句的类别之后，接着要知道怎样运用不同的技术，适当地处理句子，使之发挥效力。

　　下列三点值得注意：

　　１、避免用并列连词把地位不平等或没有直接关系的句子结合起来。例如：

　　“My friend is a soccer player”和“He lived here in 1980”这两件事并不平等，就不该用并列句形式，而应该用复杂句，如：

　　(1) My friend who moved here in 1980 is a soccer player. (主句＋形容词从句)

　　２、避免把主要意思变成短语或从句。例如：

　　“Susan practised the piano well, winning the contest.”里的“练习弹钢琴”这意思不能比“比赛胜利”重要，因此后者要改为主句，才比较有效益：

　　(2) As Susan practised the piano well, she won the contest.（原因副词从句＋主句）

　　３、避免过于依赖简单句，以免句子里的关系疏远。例如：

　　(3) He stood on a road corner. The wind was blowing. He was looking into the darkness. He was a foreign tourist. He was aware of losing his way.

　　这五个简单句，每句都有个清楚的意思，但是念起来却单调乏味。

　　把这些简单句贯串成一个较长的简单句，味道就不同了，效益也好多了：

　　(4) Standing on a windy road corner and looking into the darkness, the foreign tourist was aware of losing his way.

　　　（现在分词短语＋现在分词短语＋主句）

　　不然，连成复杂并列的句式也不错：

　　(5) While the wind was blowing, the foreign tourist stood on a road corner to look into the darkness and was aware of losing his way.

　　　（时间副词从句＋主句1＋主句2）

seclusive 2007-11-25 12:20
　　英文电视台播映的《高校风云》(Boston Public)是写实长篇电视剧集。在其中一集中，一位宅心仁厚的教师接见女生苏珊的家长。她说：Susan is a very clever girl. Her only problem is a lack of self-confidence. I think the best thing to do is to buck her up. If you take her to the woodshed every time she flunks a test, it's very possible that you'll destroy this promising child.

　　请大家先读两遍，看看能不能理解整段内容。

　　相信读友十之八九不知道to buck somebody up是什么意思。只要懂得这句习语（idiom, 习语包括口语(colloquialism)、俚语(slang)、谚语(proverb)、片语(phrase)），三个句子都可以迎刃而解。大家看下去就会同意我的讲法。

　　To buck somebody up指“鼓励某人，使之振奋”。

　　怎样活学活用这习语呢？比方你听到好消息，想说：“这消息使我欢欣鼓舞。”

　　你可以活用这句习语表达：

　　The news has bucked me up.

　　相信各位读者现在都明白电视片集中那位教师讲的话了：苏珊是个很聪明的女孩子，她唯一的问题是欠缺自信，我认为最好的做法是鼓励她。

　　教师的下半段对白是：If you take her to the woodshed every time she flunks a test, it's very possible that you'll destroy this promising child.

　　只要懂得take somebody to the woodshed与flunk a test，这组对白也很容易理解。

　　我先讲个有趣的故事给大家听，大家试用“影像联想法”，把故事化作黑白电视画面，就很容易把这个colloquialism牢记了。

　　在美国人烧柴取暖的时代，许多人家怕柴湿了不好烧，于是在房子附近盖一所小木屋（woodshed）放木柴，以免风霜雪雨把木柴弄湿。这种柴屋对某些家庭来说另有用途，惩罚犯了错的孩子时把孩子带到woodshed里去。去干什么呢？去打屁股嘛！

　　今天，美国社会已经有显著的变化，舆论反对体罚，然而to take somebody to the woodshed这口语留存至今。我记得前美国总统克林顿在电视发表演说时就用过。 　　

　　这段对话的第二个口语是flunk a test。flunk是fail的口语，抓到的话，全句的意思就懂了吧：

　　苏珊是个很聪明的女孩子。她唯一的问题是欠缺自信。我认为最好的做法是鼓励她。如果她每次测验不及格，你们都要惩罚她，你们很可能毁了这个很有前途的孩子了。

　　好了！相信大家现在都完全看得懂了。下次看英文电视台的片集时，试试不看片上中文字幕，看看听解力有没有进步，好吗？

seclusive 2007-11-26 08:36
　　There are MULTIPLE MEANINGS for each of the given words. Decide on the meaning of each word in the sentence and then check the answer at the end.


AFFECT

(1) The increase of income tax has adversely affected the annual income of every family.

(2) Soft-hearted people are easily affected by sad life stories seen or heard about.

(3) Many people were affected by the current epidemic spread here from abroad.

(4) The aggravation of world-wide inflation will certainly affect people from all walks of life.

(5) Immature writers tend to affect long and difficult words and expressions.

(6) There was a serious quarrel between the manager and his secretary, but the staff just affected ignorance.

(7) Even callous audience found the stage performance affecting.

(8) Do you like to see people talking with affected manners?

(9) I don't like reading articles written in an affected style.


BALANCE

(1) Have you ever used a balance?

(2) The boy walking on a rope lost his balance and fell down.

(3) It seems good for superpowers to have a good balance of power among them.

(4) Tony's recent failure threw him off his balance.

(5) Some people found jobs easily, but others are still unemployed. The employment opportunities are, on balance, not good at all.

(6) You must balance the pros and cons of the controversial matter before coming to a decision.

(7) To be fair, the punishment must balance with the offence.


BANK

(1) There are children playing on the bank of the river when the weather is fine.

(2) I think it is safer to put your extra money in the bank than keep it at home.

(3) The blood bank in the general hospital is running out of blood, so it needs blood donation from members of the public.

(4) How much do you bank every month?

(5) Is it a good way to bank up the river to prevent water from overflowing?


BAR

(1) You may get ill if you eat a long bar of chocolate.

(2) Once a criminal is arrested, he or she will be put behind prison bars.

(3) Road repairers have put a bar on the road to prevent vehicles from passing.

(4) Don't go to the bar! It is not a place for students.

(5)If you have a law degree, you can be called to the bar.

(6) Don't forget to bar all the doors before you go out.

(7) A bully barred the entrance to make fun of the girls.

(8) It is necessary to bar all the bad films from entering this country.

Affect: (1)影响 (2)感动 (3)感染 (4)影响 (5)爱好 (6)假装 (7)感人的 (8)造作的 (9)不自然的 Balance: (1)天平 (2)平衡 (3)平衡 (4)失去常态 (5)考虑一切情形 (6)权衡 (7)相称 Bank: (1)河岸 (2)银行 (3)血库 (4)存款于银行 (5)筑堤防 Bar: (1)棒／条 (2)入狱 (3)障碍物 (4)酒吧 (5)律师业 (6)闩门 (7)阻止 (8)禁止

seclusive 2007-11-26 08:43
　　野鸭经饲养而成为现在的家鸭。野鸭之mallard一词源于作雄性解的male，成为家鸭，是domestic duck，却是雌鸭。西谚：Prate is prate; but it is the duck that lays the eggs. 空谈是空谈；但生蛋的总是鸭子。可知duck原来是母鸭。此谚意思是空谈无用，成功还是要采取能成功的手段。

　　母鸭是duck，公鸭是drake，小鸭是duckling。英国人看鸭子的动作，觉得可爱；于是称可爱的人儿为duck，以ducky形容可爱；美国人觉得鸭子动作笨拙，称可笑的人为duck。跛脚鸭之lame duck，用以称落选而任期未满之议员，不能再竞选连任的总统，引伸指不能履行财政债务之股票投机者。A dead duck在美语中指命定失败的人或事物。When the tax office has found Mr. Wang cheated on taxes, his company is a dead duck。税务局发现王君报税作弊，他的公司完蛋了。口语：Not till the ducks have eaten up the dirt，用以强调：Never! 鸭子吃东西时尾部翘动，样子不好看。因此我们以“鸭子吃食”形容一个人吃相难看。鸭尾短，我们以“鸭子放账”喻放账连本钱都蚀掉。

seclusive 2007-11-26 08:55
　　曾获奥斯卡金像奖最佳电影（The English Patient）中，一个英国伤兵躺在医院谈到一位同胞时说He bought it。意思就是：他阵亡了。

　　Robert Chapman（罗伯特查普曼）编的New Dictionary of American指出buy it是第二次世界大战开始用的俚语，解作“死亡”，尤指“阵亡”或“战争期间死亡”。

　　英语易学难精，原因之一是英美都有很多习语（idioms）、俚语（slang）、片语（phrases），这些expressions十之八九不可以按字面直解。这三语的词汇积累不够，就会看不懂听不懂。

　　好，现在为大家揭晓另一句的解法。

　　He bought the farm in Afghanistan.

　　这句可不要直解为“他在阿富汗买了个农场”。

　　To buy the farm也是美国俚语，也解作“阵亡”。

　　Buy这个显浅、常用的动词在惯用法（idiomatic expression）上还有其他和买东西无关的解释。

　　比方外籍同事对你说：They don't buy your story。

　　可不要解作：他们不买你的故事。

　　所以，你用不着想：我没有写什么故事打算卖给什么人嘛。

　　这句话的真正涵义是“他们不相信你说的话”。

　　这句中的buy指“相信”。

　　外籍同事接着说：Okay, I'll buy you a drink.

　　意思就是：

　　好吧，我请你喝杯酒。

　　在喝酒聊天时，你提出一个计划，外籍同事想一想，点头说道：

　　If that's the plan I'll buy it.（如果计划是那样的，我同意。）

　　这句话中的buy解作：赞同、同意。

　　读者须记得英文单词片语大多一词多义（polysemous），理解时须留心上下文，否则易引起误会。

seclusive 2007-11-27 08:55
　　Read the following written exercise carefully. Amend the imperfections in meaning expression, vocabulary usage or sentence construction so as to make the language not only correct and comprehensible but also good and effective. Refer to the REVISED VERSION only after you have made the necessary amendments to the ORIGINAL TEXT.
　　学习语文除了文法正确，还须向更佳的境界挑战。《习作健身房》今天起“开业”，请大家细看以下这则文章，看哪里可以改进。

Social Issues Reflected in“Oliver Twist”
　　
The movie“Oliver Twist”shows us a graphic picture of England in Victorian times. The people, the society and so on were quite different from now. There were some typical social issues existing at that time.
　　
We can see that, in the first part of the movie, Oliver Twist worked in a factory called“Panish Workhouse”. There were also many other boys who were almost as young as he. They worked together. As we know, because of the industrial revolution, the industry developed very fast at that time. The competitions among the factories were acute. Every owner of a factory wanted to get as many profits as he could, so he had to reduce the costs of production as much as possible. Employing child workers was one of the best ways. Most of the child workers were orphans or came from poor families. In the factories, they were treated badly. The food, the living conditions and so on were really terrible. They were also paid little. Through this way, the capitalists got more and more money. Actually, in today's society, child workers still exist in some parts of the world. However, it is illegal to employ child workers in most of the countries. People have already realized that making children work is very cruel. After all, they are so small and young that they cannot afford heavy work. In addition, children are the future of a country. they have to receive good education instead of being made to work.

In the movie, we also notice that there were so many thieves at that time. Now, We still have the same social problem. I think, firstly, we should be more careful so that the thieves cannot have chances to steal our belongings, Secondly, we should not be quiet when the thieves steal from us. Otherwise, they may think that nobody dares to prevent them from doing that. Thirdly, we should try our best to help the police or other people to chase the thieves so that the thieves can be sentenced for what they have done.

These are two of the social issues reflected in the movie“Oliver Twist”.

************

REVISED VERSION

Social Issues Reflected in“Oliver Twist”
　　
The movie “Oliver Twist” shows us a clear picture of England in the Victorian times. The people, the society and other aspects of life were quite different from now and there are typical social issues, including the following two.

In the first part of the movie, Oliver Twist worked in a factory together with other young boys. Because of the Industrial Revolution, the industry at that time developed rapidly, resulting in acute competition among factory owners who wanted to get as many profits as they could so as to cut down on the production cost. Employing child workers was a good way out. Most of the child workers were orphans or from poor families who were badly treated with low pay and terrible food and living conditions.

Child workers are still illegally employed in some countries though people realise that it is cruel to make small children do heavy work. In addition, as future leaders of a country, children have to have good education instead of being made cheap labourers.

In the movie, one also notices many thieves at that time. The same problem exists today and must therefore be dealt with. First, we should be more careful so that no thief can steal our belongings. Second, we should not let the thieves off lightly or they may think that nobody will curb their acts. Third, we should try our best to arrest the thieves so that they can be punished for their wrongdoing.

In short, the employment of child workers and the prevalence of thieves are two common social issues reflected in the movie “Oliver Twist”.

seclusive 2007-11-27 09:07
　　大家都知道动词加介词、动词加副词、动词加副词加介词都可以构成片语动词(phrasal verb)。

　　英国学者Professor Paul McVay接受电视访问时说：

　　If you really want to sound like a native-speaker, I'm afraid you can't do without phrasal verbs!（你真的想讲得像个以英语为母语的人，恐怕不能不用片语动词了！）

　　And besides, even if you yourself never use them, native speakers and writers use them all the time, so you have no chance of understanding what they say or write.（况且，纵然你从不用片语动词，以英语为母语的讲者与作者总是用片语动词，所以你就没法明白他们讲什么写什么了。）

　　可见要把英语学好，除了研习文法、多记生字，广积片语动词也很重要。

　　那么，何谓“片语动词”呢？

　　请看以下四个例句：

　　1. Let's eat in the garden.

　　2. Let's eat on the terrace.

　　3. I go to the bank on Friday.

　　4. You can come out now.

　　句子中有eat in, eat on, go to, come out。这些动词加介词、动词加副词的组合算不算是“片语动词”呢？

　　现在先分析前两句。

　　1. Let's eat in the garden.（我们在花园里吃吧。）

　　2. Let's eat on the terrace.（我们在阳台上吃吧。）

　　大家不要一看到eat in、eat on就以为是片语动词。上述两例句中in和on都与动词eat没有“特殊关系”，而且eat in和eat on是“非固定组合”，因此不算是片语动词。

　　In the garden 与 on the terrace 是“空间状语”(adverb phrase of space)。

　　David Crystal在其著作中说空间状语通常回应“where”的问题。

　　我们继续研究另外两句。

　　3. I go to the bank on Fridays.（我逢星期五到银行去。）

　　4. You can come out now.（你现在可以出来了。）

　　大家见go to是动词加介词，come out是动词加副词，可能想这两个组合该算是“片语动词”了吧？

　　这两组合并非“片语动词”。

　　另一位文法大师L G Alexander在其著作中把这两个句子用的动词加介词、动词加副词列为“非片语动词”(non-phrasal)，原因是介词／副词前面的动词可被替代。

　　那么，何谓“片语动词”呢？

　　英国文法大师 L G Alexander在其巨著Advanced Grammar里，鼓励学习英语的人多用片语动词 (phrasal verb)。

　　他在另一部著作The Essential English Grammar中举了一个很有趣的实例。

　　屋里的人听到有人敲门时绝对不会说“Enter”。

　　同学们试别往下看，想想在这个情景中该用哪个片语动词。

　　我相信大家一定都猜中了！

　　对啦，该说：Come in。

　　喜欢看电影学英语的同学还会说：Come on in 。

　　由于香港进口的美国片与英国片是96比4，所以，我们在西片中听到Come on in （美式讲法）比Come in （英式讲法）多得多。

　　说Come in也好，Come on in 也好，两者都是片语动词，也是英美两国人脱口而出的常用语。

　　Alexander是英国学者，所以他说：“有人敲门时，我们常说‘Come in’而不说‘enter’。”

　　片语动词可分四类：

　　1. 动词＋介词：

　　Listen to this!（听听这个！）

　　2. 动词＋副词质词（adverb particle）：

　　Take off your hat!（脱掉帽子！）

　　3. 动词＋副词质词（不带受词）

　　Hurry up !

　　4. 动词＋副词质词＋介词：

　　Keep up with the Joneses（和左邻右舍比排场比阔气。）

　　第四类的例句Keep up with the Joneses是个idiom（习语），而且有典故的。

　　Keeping up with the Joneses原来是在美国报章连载了32年的漫画专栏的标题。由于这个专栏广受欢迎，Keep up with the Joneses成了美国人的日常用语，意思指在物质生活上务求达到左邻右舍的标准，是句讽刺的话。

　　多年后，那位专栏画家Arthur Momand 写了篇文章，说明辟那个专栏的动机。

　　原来他23岁时找了份工作，周薪是125美元。在20世纪初期，那是相当可观的收入。他婚后搬到纽约城外的长岛（Long Island）住。那是个有钱人居住的地区。他见邻居都是乡村俱乐部成员，自己也加入。见人家骑马，他又去买马。见邻居雇用仆人，他又照做。要和左邻右舍比排场比阔气，结果债台高筑，债主临门，只得搬出长岛富豪区，远离浮华世界。

　　怎样活学活用呢？比方你想说：那家伙老是想与邻居比阔气，可说：

　　That guy, he always tries to keep up with the Joneses.

seclusive 2007-11-27 09:12
　　朋友对yellow pad很有兴趣，但是他说何以要用黄色的纸作拍纸本呢？他说提起yellow，首先会想到口语中：You are yellow，指其人胆小（往往作yellow-bellied。肚皮作黄色者为何胆怯，朋友说：莫名其妙。）其次会想到煽情、夸大、失实的新闻报刊，有yellow journalism之称。（源于当年美国的New York World，以煽情见称。纽约世界报当时刊出的连环漫画Yellow Kid，颇受欢迎，于是人们以“黄色小子”作为该报的特征，而有了yellow journalism之名。）

　　美国劳工运动史中有所谓Yellow-dog contract，也是有贬意的yellow。工人受雇用时，资方要他签约不得参加工会。这个合约称为“黄犬合约”，早已被视为违法。至于为何以黄犬名，朋友说“待考”。研究语源的朋友说，光谱中的红、橙、黄、绿、蓝中，yellow和red是old English words，无源可溯。不过黄色易与其他颜色混合，是“胆小”的颜色。

seclusive 2007-11-28 09:11
Study each of the VERB MEANINGS in the list, then fill in each blank with a suitable answer, Be sure to use the correct verb form.

sketch　trot　improvise　swagger　scoff esteem derive habituate succumb incapacitate furnish sprinkle　thrive　entreat　trample　impede　shrug convict　dissuade　cling　stray　straggle　prompt ostracise　devastate　remedy


　　(1) Mosquitoes and insects __________ in warm climate and damp areas.

　　(2) The farmers scolded the children __________ on the crops in the farm.

　　(3) I strongly __________ my friends from going to an insecure place.

　　(4) The accused man __________ the court not to punish him for stealing.

　　(5) Conservative ideas and serious indecision may __________ a person's progress.

　　(6) Once a person is __________ for sedition, he will be severely punished or even killed.

　　(7) A minister must be healthy and strong, as bad health will __________ him for good work.

　　(8) Is it always possible to __________ benefits from every situation?

　　(9) Over the years, many foreigners have become __________ to living in a tropical country.

　　(10) Ethical professionals will be highly __________ .

　　(11) An applicant should __________ the interviewers with all the necessary details.

　　(12) It Is not uncommon for a ship to __________ into a wrong harbour.

　　(13) If you keep __________ , you will be late for the meeting.

　　(14) Helen __________ some perfume on her clothes for fragrance.

　　(15) It is impolite to __________ at others' careless mistakes.

　　(16) The child was __________ along the path beside his mother.

　　(17) Don't __________ simply because you have got a fast promotion.

　　(18) When the poet forgot a line in the poem, he __________ one and won the applause.

　　(19) Many artists rapidly __________ the appealing scenery after the rain.

　　(20) On crossing the street, the boy __________ to his mother's hand.

　　(21) The suspect's evasive reply __________ the policeman to be suspicious of him.

　　(22) It is normally easy for an ordinary person to __________ to temptation.

　　(23) Those refusing to support the strike have been __________ by the strikers.

　　(24) Tony did not care about others' problems and __________ his shoulders when he heard about others' misfortunes.

　　(25) There was a big flood last week and a number of wooden huts were _________ .

　　(26) A good night's sleep will be a natural __________ for your slight headache caused by tiredness.

(1)thrive (2)trampling (3)dissuaded   (4)entreated (5)impede (6)convicted   (7)incapacitate (8)derive (9)habituated   (10)esteemed (11)furnish (12)stray   (13)straggling (14)sprinkled (15)scoff   (16)trolling (17)swagger (18)improvised   (19)sketched (20)clung (21)prompted   (22)succumb (23)ostracised   (24)shrugged (25)devastated (26)remedy

seclusive 2007-11-28 09:17
陈博士：

　　您好！我有些关于“时间”的问题弄不明白，在此敬请指导：

　　例如：“in five hours' time”其中的“in”表示“在……之后”，即“5小时之后”，

　　那么“在……之内”的时间应怎么表达？可否用within或next？另外表示“在……之前”的时间又怎样？

　　例如：我会在3分钟之内赶来。／你必须在半个钟头前完成这项工作。

方敏

方敏：

　　“In five hours' time”就是“在五小时内”，也可用“in five hours”或“within five hours”。在“……之前”用“Before...”；在“……之后”应用“After...”。

　　你的两个中文例句，可译成：

　　① I will be here in three minutes' time/ in three minutes.

　　② You must get this job done before half an hour/ in less than 30 minutes.


陈清霖
　
敬爱的陈博士：

　　您好！小弟从马来西亚到这里当酒店厨师，只受过几年教育。现在有几个关于学习英文的问题想向您请教。请问：

　　① “Don't takes things for granted.”是什么意思？我的经理每次都这样说。

　　② “拜神只是精神上的一种寄托”——请问英文怎样说？

　　小弟在此向您表示万分的谢意。

林荣贵敬上

荣贵：

　　你当了名厨师之后，还能在百忙之中抽空学英文，真是难得；请别小看自己程度不好，须知：活到老、学到老，日积月累，进展肯定可观。

　　“Don't take things for granted”的意思是：

　　“不是每件事都理当如此”或“不是凡事都想当然尔”。

　　“拜神只是精神上的一种寄托”约等于这句英文：

　　“Worshiping Buddha is none other than a kind of spiritual sustenance.”


陈清霖复

seclusive 2007-11-28 09:21
　　啡友T说他平日在街上步行，最怕后面有人讲手机。有一次他低头走路，正在想到哪里去“叹”下午茶时，忽然身后传来一声三字经，吓了一跳。后面那个大汉，看来是个粗汉，拿着相当袖珍的手机，大声谈话，每句话都要由diu带出。啡友T说这是an abuse of the mobile phone。

　　滥用手机者很多，啡友T说医生在动手术时讲手机，也是abuse。他对那次的新闻以及后来各方面对此事的评论，特别是医界人士的看法很感兴趣，说这其实属于医德问题。

　　医界中有所谓“希波克拉底誓言”（Hippocratic oath），是保证遵守医德的誓言。传说这誓言出于有“医学之父”之称的希波克拉底（Hippocrates，传生于公元前460年，元前377年去世，古希腊医师）。誓言内容如何，啡友T说可以从希波克拉底说过的一句话中见到。他说：Wherever a doctor cannot do good, he must be kept from doing harm. 此句中以to keep away from something表示“避开”。医生做不好的任何地方，必须避开造成伤害。自己治不了的病，不可乱来，以免造成伤害，是最基本的医德原则。

seclusive 2007-11-29 08:45
　　In the CONTEXTUAL VOCABULARY below, first read each sentence to understand the meaning of the underlined word and then choose the correct answer A, B, C or D to match it.

1. As a methodical administrator, David has done his work in an organised and logical way.

　 A. dull　B. straightforward

　 C. factual　D. orderly

2. My elder brother's phobia about long-distance journey is that he will feel giddy if he travels by air.

　 A. virtue　B. headache

　 C. concern　D. fear

3. A worker may be ostricised by his colleagues for refusing to support their movement.

　 A. expelled　B. criticised

　 C. excluded　D. exported

4. It is learnt that chronic illness forced the actress to retire from acting at an early life.

　 A. severe　B. constant

　 C. deadly　D. irregular

5. Two chemical elements can often be synthesized to produce another effective product.

　 A. created　B. controlled

　 C. combined　D. realised

6. I find it strange to see my friend's mania for eating unconventional animal meat.

　 A. special entertainment　B. odd behaviour

　 C. extreme excitement　D. great cheerfulness　

7. When a country is badly run, it will be thrown into an anarchic condition.

　 A. lawless　B. frozen

　 C. amazing　D. stringent

8. The implementation of strict law and order is the best guarantee against illegal activities.

　 A. effective practice　B. proposal

　 C. system　D. ideal slogan

9. Politicians may be idealistic and ambitious, but it is important that they adopt a pragmatic approach to problems.

　 A. productive　B. practical

　 C. individualistic　D. systematic

10. Some countries have been in trouble; can their goverments find a panacea for their multiple problems?

　 A. magic　B. saviour

　 C. formula　D. cure-all

11. It is not wrong to think that every leader is afraid of being usurped the role of leadership.

　 A. bullied　B. denied

　 C. seized　D. suspected

12. Pupils are often advised not to repeat their misdemeanour, which should be pointed out and corrected, if any.

　 A. minor wrongdoing　B. misunderstanding

　 C. dishonesty　D. strange behaviour

　　ANSWERS: 1. D　 2. D　 3. C　 4. B　 5. C　 6. C　 7. A　 8. A　 9. B　 10. D　 11. C　 12. A

seclusive 2007-11-29 08:50
　　不久前听几位啡友谈“梦”，啡友G说他常有这样的梦：独自背着背包去旅行，进入一个山谷，天黑了，勉强摸黑前行，越走越害怕，终于惊醒过来。他心想这样的黑暗中行走，walking in darkness，也许有它的意义；但是他不相信弗洛伊特式的解说，因为他对性爱并无兴趣。

　　啡友S说，walking in darkness之语，见于圣经新约约翰福音第十二篇第三十五节：He that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes。（那在黑里行走的，不知道往何处去。）由此推论，他认为啡友G所以常有黑夜行山之梦，可能由于自己常常觉得生活没有目标，随遇而安，感到没有什么成就。

　　英国幽默作家萧伯纳（George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950；1925年获诺贝尔文学奖）在“安德罗克里斯和狮子”(Androcles and the Lion)中有这样一段话：Our faith makes life far stronger and more wonderful in us than when we walked in darkness and had nothing to live for。信念令人感到生活比在黑暗中行走，不知为何而生时远为坚强，更加美妙。啡友K说，在黑里行走的人恐怕不少。

seclusive 2007-11-29 08:55
　　上个星期玩的游戏是猜以下这句话的意思：Beat the bushes. Find that man。

　　这句话我也是在英文电视台的警匪片集中听到的。

　　Beat the bushes与beat around the bush比较容易混淆，原因是前者少了一个around，而bush变成复数的bushes。

　　这两个习语的意思截然不同，但典故同出一辙，都是指用棍子击打树丛，俾能搜出躲藏在里面的猎物。

　　记得去年应邀在光华新闻文化中心主持讲座，一位中年来宾很客气，拿着拙著找我签名留念。他当时问我beat the bushes是什么意思，原因是收到外国朋友的信，信里有这习语，翻了几部英汉辞典都查不到。

　　当时我看了上述电视剧不久，印象犹深，所以引警长说的话给他解释。

　　那句话正是Beat the bushes. Find that man。意思是：“四处搜索，找出那人”。

　　片中警长率领警员追捕疑凶时说了这句话。

　　Beat the bushes喻指“到处寻觅”、“四处搜查”。

　　这是美国习语(American idiom)，怪不得在牛津高阶辞典查不到。

　　习语beat the bushes比beat around the bush深一点，相信读友懂得后者的多，懂得前者的少。

　　Beat the bushes乃美国习语(American idiom)，故一般英国出版的辞典不列入。除了用“影像联想法”之外，还有什么方法可以帮助记忆呢？

　　谨提供另外一些方法给大家参考。一、查英文注解；二、造句。

　　美国的习语辞典给beat the bushes的释义如下：

　　It was originally a term for hunting, meaning to beat the bushes to drive the games out. It now means to search for something.

　　上句中games指“猎物”，不是“游戏”。记住英文单词片语习语多是一词多义的(polysemous)，理解时必须留意上下文。

　　你可以用这个习语造一两个句子加深记忆：

　　She is beating the bushes to find a new job.（她正在到处找寻新工作。）

　　你也试造一句，看看会不会历久不忘。那么，beat the bushes与beat the air又有什么不同呢？

　　如果用想像力猜一猜习语beat the air，相信大家都可以想到拍打空气即“白费力气”、“徒劳无功”。这习语出自新约圣经哥林多前书。大家先用影像联想法，想像自己拍打空气，再用造句法，双管齐下，当可轻易牢记。

　　比方你想说“和他辩论无异于白费力气”，你可以用这习语来表达：To argue with him is like beating the air。

seclusive 2007-11-30 08:44
　　There are MULTIPLE MEANINGS for each of the given words. Decide on the meaning of each word in the sentence and then check the answer at the end.

AIR

　　(1) Which is more indispensable to animals, air or rest?

　　(2) There are misgivings among some committee members, so a special meeting was held to clear the air.

　　(3) There is a cheerful air on his face.

　　(4) Do you know that man who has an air of mystery?

　　(5) I am tired of seeing him putting on airs.

　　(6) The rich are apt to give themselves airs.

　　(7) Your wet clothes need to be aired.

　　(8) Please open all the windows to air the rooms.

　　(9) All are welcome to air their opinions in public.

　　(10) William likes to air his knowledge in front of people.

　　(11) You must give your fur blanket a thorough airing.

　　(12) Sometimes, it is necessary to take the children for an airing.

ARM

　　(1) Everybody has two arms, one on the left, the other one on the right.

　　(2) An old friend visited us and was received with open arms.

　　(3) No soldiers can fight without arms and ammunition.

　　(4) Armed with answers to all likely questions, the candidates entered the examination hall with confidence.

　　(5) All the planes in the war were armed with modern equipment.

　　(6) There was an armed robbery in the bank last night.

BLOCK

　　(1) The statue was carved from a block of stone.

　　(2) The railway station is six blocks from here.

　　(3) English prepositions are the stumbling block to many English learners.

　　(4) The water was stopped by a block in the pipe.

　　(5) Some discourteous people occupied a block of seats in the middle of the auditorium.

　　(6) During the peak hours, all the roads to the city were blocked by cars.

　　(7) The government has tried ways and means to block the spread of drugs.

AIR (1) 空气　(2) 气氛　　(3) 神情　 (4) 态度　(5) 装腔作势　(6) 摆架子 (7) 晾　　(8) 通风　　(9) 表示　 (10) 夸示　(11) 晒干　(12) 散步

ARM (1) 手臂　(2) 手臂　(3) 武器 (4) 准备　(5) 装备　(6) 配带武器的

BLOCK (1) 一大块　(2) 街区　(3) 障碍物 (4) 堵塞物　(5) 一列（座位） (6) 堵塞　　(7) 阻止

seclusive 2007-11-30 08:47
　　咖啡小憩时有人谈到“一条龙”学校教育，涉及所谓名校教育问题。

　　啡友N说曾听从事教学工作的前辈说，送子女进学校，要记得宁做坏学校的好学生，勿做好学校的坏学生。一心一意要孩子进名校，可是孩子功课赶不上，要留班，增加不必要的自卑感，并无好处。相反，学校并非名校，没有心理负担，孩子学业见到一定成绩，反能鼓励子女更加积极用功。

　　啡友C说根本问题恐怕在对一个人的教育的看法。美国作家马克吐温说过一句话：I have never let schooling interfere with my education。他说的schooling指进学校读书，是学校教育，而他说的my education 指的是人生的教育，在人生途中不断学得的事物，也是学校教育中不一定学得到的事物。

　　马克吐温从人生中学到的事物远胜于在学校中学到的东西，而且他知道schooling education对他的人生教育可能无益有碍，故有不让学校教育干扰他一生不断的自我教育之语。因此，我们何必要力争进入名校？正如卢梭（Jean Jacques Rousseau, 1712-1778）说的：Education begins at birth; before he can speak or hear, he is already learning。人一出世就在开始自我教育了。

seclusive 2007-11-30 09:01
　　台湾文法专家赖世雄教授在其著作说：“动状语是个很值得研究的主题，由于有这些动状语的介入，使得英语生色不少。有人说，我们若清楚明白动状语的用法，英语就懂了百分之九十，这样的说法一点也不为过。”

　　赖教授讲的“动状语”即non-finite verbs，香港多译为“非限定动词”，包括动名词（gerund）、分词（participle）与不定词（infinitive）。

　　为了协助大家提高研习文法的兴趣，增强分析句子的能力，我们再玩“趣味文法小测试”。

　　A句：Sleeping on the beach, you'll catch cold.

　　B句：Sleeping on the beach will make you sick.

　　怎样分辨以上两个句子中的sleeping呢？哪个是动名词（gerund），哪个是分词（participle）呢？

　　请别往下看，闭上眼睛先猜一猜好吗？

　　我向来希望家长找一两本袖珍文法书给念高小或初中的子女课余时自修，免得他们将来纵使在大学英文系毕业写英文求职信，也被批评文法错漏百出！

　　好，现在揭晓答案。

　　A句的sleeping是现在分词，用来修饰句子的主语you；B句的sleeping是动名词，用作句子的主语（subject）。

　　相信大家从上文已看出动名词（gerund）与分词（participle）的分别了。

　　我们循序渐进，下面用段落来分析。

　　采用段落分辨三种动状语前，我们先研究gerund有什么作用。

　　试用listening这个动名词举实例说明gerund在句中可以扮演的角色。

　　① 用作主语（subject）

　　例：Listening to music is my pleasure.

　　（听音乐是我的乐趣。）

　　注：句中的动名词listening有动词和名词的性质，担任句子的主语。

　　② 用作补语（complement）

　　例：My hobby is listening to music.

　　（我的嗜好是听音乐。）

　　注：句中的动名词listening变成连系动词（link verb）is 的补语了。

　　③ 用作受词（object）

　　例：I enjoy listening to music on Saturdays.

　　（我星期六喜欢听音乐。）

　　注：句中的动名词listening一变再变，这次用作及物动词（transitive verb）enjoy的受词。

　　④ 用作介词受词

　　例：She is fond of listening to modern music.

　　（她喜欢听现代音乐。）

　　注：句中的动名词listening又再变，变成介词（preposition）of 的受词。

　　英国当代文法家不用gerund这个术语，但我们不必削足适履，大可沿用传统文法的gerund用法。大家试造四个不同的句子，自能把动名词的用法铭记于心！

　　以下引述了美国名家散文的一小段，让大家用学过的动状词（verbals）分析。

　　Sending greeting cards is traditional in many countries throughout the world. Cards are designed to suit every occasion. Some are printed on recycled paper, although many cards are not. Hundreds of thousands of trees are felled every year to make paper to print cards.

　　我们现在就用三大动状词——动名词、分词、不定词分析这一段。

　　起笔的第一句Sending greeting cards在文法上是动名词片语(gerund phrase)，用作全句的主词(subject)，所以紧接的连系动词(link-verb)是单数的is，切勿因为见到cards是复数而误用are。

　　第二句的Cards are designed to suit every occasion紧接第一句主题句(topic sentence)。句中的designed是动词design的过去分词(past participle)，与前面的be动词are构成被动语态(passive voice)。

　　第三句的main clause是Some are printed on recycled paper。相信大家一眼就看出句中printed是动词print的过去分词，与are合并构成被动语态(passive voice)。但recycled虽然是recycle的过去分词(past participle)，在句中是定语(attribute)，修饰后面的名词paper。

　　最后一句是Hundreds of thousands of trees are felled every year to make paper to print cards.

　　句中的felled是fell(砍伐)的过去分词，与are合并构成被动语态(passive voice)。

　　同句的to make paper to print cards是不定词片语(infinitive phrase)，作副词用，表示砍伐树木的目的。

　　大家学会了句与段的分析后，理解英文的能力自会提升。

seclusive 2007-12-01 13:29
　　In the CONTEXTUAL VOCABULARY below, fill in each blank with the correct answer A, B, C or D.


(1) After an hour's lunch break, the workers ______ their work.

A.prolonged　B.acquired　C.activated　D.resumed


(2) If there are not enough people to ______ the products in the market, things will be cheaper.

A.consume　B.retain　C.secure　D.ponder


(3) Any act of danger will ______ a person's life.

A.decline　B.deprive　C.shrink　D.jeopardise


(4) Do you like to see people ______ their wealth or something others cannot easily possess?

A.subscribing　B.flaunting　C.obstructing　D.pondering


(5) More and more people ______ the possibility of becoming well-known.

A.strive　B.strengthen　C.explore　D.signify


(6) Many answers were ______; no wonder you failed in the test.

A.erroneous　B.unique　C.error-prone　D.sketchy


(7) The maid gathered the broken plates and ______ them completely.

A.forsook 　B.abandoned 　C.discarded 　D.betrayed


(8) As the birth rate is decreasing, our population has been ______.

A.deducting 　B.diminishing 　C.worsening 　D.sprouting


(9) Though Nancy seems to be very confident, she is actually not; appearances are sometimes ______.

A.imaginative 　B.objective 　C.deceptive 　D.deniable


(10) When a skill is ______, not many people can imitate it.

A.savage 　B.primitive 　C.adaptable 　D.novel


(11) Whenever there is a shortage of goods, people will be ______ into buying daily necessities in great quantities.

A.threatened 　B.spearheaded 　C.stamped　D.instigated


(12) This new model of personal computer is difficult to operate. Can you ______ for me.

A.crash　B.demonstrate　C.exemplify　D.expose


(13) Where did the birds sing? They did so after ______ on the tree branch.

A.perching　B.gesticulating　C.persisting　D.ascending


(14) It is good to ______ a person's virtues at an opportune time.

A.extol　B.inscribe　C.exhibit　D.prescribe


(15) Charles Darwin was noted for his study of the ______ of man.

A.exposition　B.evolution　C.exploration　D.extinction

*********

(1)D　(2)A　(3)D　(4)B　(5)C　(6)A　(7)C　(8)B　(9)C　(10)D　(11)D　　(12)B　(13)A　(14)A　(15)B

seclusive 2007-12-01 13:36
　　Family一词源自拉丁语famulus，是“家仆”之意，啡友K说所谓“住家男人”，有译作family man者，指爱做家务（chores, housework）之男性，正合famulus原来的意思。

　　住家男人又称house-husband，亦作：New man（啡友C说这大概是“新时代男人”之意。新时代男女平等，男人做家务理所当然）。Family又作“名门”解，例如：He is a man of family。指他系出名门，意思和He is a family man不同。英语有：It is a poor family that has neither (a) whore nor (a) thief. 家系中既无娼妓又无盗贼者是可悲的，意思说任何家系中都有为非作歹者，名门亦不例外。一个人干了坏事，因此谚归咎于家系，也是一种搬弄family skeletons的作法。

　　没有家人的单身汉，成语中以：His hat covers his family 喻之，全部家族都在他一顶帽子下面也。啡友K说有个朋友结婚多年尚无子女。不久前有人见到他妻子大腹便便：She appears to be in the family way。于是向那位朋友道贺。朋友告诉他说是“人工受孕”，啡友K说：He told me about their family skeleton! 这个faiily skeleton不能作家丑解了！

seclusive 2007-12-01 13:45
　　奥斯卡金像奖最佳导演史提芬索德伯格（Steven Soderbergh），在80年代离开英国，远赴好莱坞拍片，自编自导《性·谎言·录像带》（Sex, Lies and Videotape）一片而崭露头角，技惊欧美。

　　这位金像名导演才华横溢，写剧本也别具风格，我们今天就用他编的《性·谎言·录像带》研习实用的地道英语好吗？

　　片中姐姐安娜对名叫格雷的神秘男士有了好感，她的妹妹仙迪亚感到好奇，也想结识他，于是频频追问。

　　妹妹：So what's he look like?（那么，他的长相怎么样？）

　　（注：这句对白有问题，大家看得出错在什么地方吗？对了，有文法错误。金像导演刻意写错对白，是要让观众体会这位妹妹自幼不喜读书，学识浅薄，讲话不合文法，与知书识礼的姐姐安娜构成对比。）

　　Is与look两个动词不能并列句中，按文法应说：

　　What does he look like?（他的长相怎么样？）

　　然而这错句倒也很流行，受教育不多的外国人往往脱口这样讲，好像变了惯用法（idiomatic expression）。

　　句中look like是常用词组。比方你请朋友试穿衣物时，想说：“穿上试试，看看穿在你身上样子如何。”

　　用地道英语可以这样说：

　　”Try it on. Let's see what it looks like on you.”

　　好，我们现在继续研习经典名片《性·谎言·录像带》的姐妹对话：

　　姐姐：Why?（问来干吗？）

　　妹妹：I just want to know what he looks like, is all.
　　
　　（我只是想知道他的长相是怎样的，仅此而已。）

　　我们可千万不要以为英语国家的人说的英语就一定完全正确无误啊！

　　现在还有不少受教育程度较低的外国人讲的英语不合文法。

　　所以，编剧家要让观众感受到他们塑造的角色是没什么学识的人，一个办法就是让这个角色讲英语时频频有文法错误。

　　这句该这么说才算合文法：

　　I just want to know what he looks like. That's all.

　　第一句加上句号(full stop/period), 然后将is all改成That's all。

　　金像奖大导演史提芬索德伯格（Steven Soderbergh）刻意写两句文法有错的对白让饰演妹妹仙迪亚的女配角说，是要让观众知道她是个没有学识的豪放少女。

　　因此，我们看电影电视学地道英语时得留心分辨，切勿以为外国人说的必是标准英语。

　　这组对白正好给大家提供了反面教材。大家同意吗？

　　《性·谎言·录像带》这组姊妹对话，写得妙趣横生，可见史提芬索德伯格颇具才气，写剧本也是一流高手。

　　我们继续用这组对白来研习写实的地道英语。姐姐安娜搭腔问道：So you'll go after him?（那么，你就会追求他？）

　　注：我们华语的“追求”，英语也有对等的词：句中的片语动词go after。此外，还有chase after与follow after，都是verb+prep构成的phrasal verbs, 但句中用的go after最常见、最流行。

　　妹妹一向觉得姐姐是有才气的美人儿，但却有点守旧迂腐，老是一板一眼，于是回答说：Jesus, Ann, get a life. I just asked what he looked like.（老天，安，别那么无趣吧，我不过问他的长相如何罢了。）

　　注：英美两国流行的俚语get a life连收字最多的《英汉大词典》都来不及列入。英英词典中get a life释义是don't be so boring /change your life radically。你试造一两句就可以牢记了！

seclusive 2007-12-02 22:22
　The words in the list can be used both as verbs and as nouns, known as CONVERTED WORDS. Study each of the sentences and then fill in the blank with a suitable word in the correct verb or noun form.

cause　　cost　　crowd　　curse 　　cure 　curve
date　　 call　　cheer　　 cover　　 cry　　comb
climb　　cut　　delay


　　(1) Bad workmanship often ______________ tall buildings to look old and unattractive after a few years.

　　(2) To me, the main _____________ of road accidents is the recklessness of road users--motorists and pedestrians.

　　(3) Passers-by ___________ round the scene of an accident to see what had really happened.

　　(4) Some workers were sacked and they _____________ the boss for ruining their life.

　　(5) If you buy a thing more than neccessary, the shopkeeper may charge you less and you will save some_____________.

　　(6 )It ______________ a motorist quite a lot for using a car in this country.

　　(7) A man who knows magic was asked to put a ______________ on the evil man.

　　(8) Such a disease can be ___________ and stopped from worsening.

　　(9) There is a ____________ in the corner; drive slowly when you come to it.

　　(10) The old lady ___________ up the staircase with great difficulty.

　　(11) Your hair is dishevelled; it needs a good ____________, doesn't it ?

　　(12) A public figure may pay a high price for a rapid _____________to stardom.

　　(13) Some diseases are troublesome and have no known _____________.

　　(14) Tom's car almost skipped when the road suddenly_____________ to the left.

　　(15) The police ____________ the forest for the escaped prisoner, but in vain.

　　(16) Whenever there was a car accident, you could see ____________ of people gathering in the street.

　　(17) Walking past the path, we heard a loud _____________ for help.

　　(18) The crowd supporting our team _____________ when it scored a goal.

　　(19) Please remove the dust and dirt ____________ the furniture.

　　(20) The moment the woman heard the bad news, she ___________ with grief.

　　(21) There was a loud ___________ of pain when a motorcycle knocked down a pedestrian.

　　(22) All could hear the ____________ of the spectators in the national stadium.

　　(23) Have you heard the drowning boy ___________ for help?

　　(24) Before you sit on the sofa, please put a ____________ on it to prevent it from being dirty.

　　(25) How did you get that bad ____________ on your right shoulder?

　　(26) Don't forget to _____________ and sign your letter before posting it.

　　(27) He ____________ one of his fingers on a broken cup.

　　(28) May I know the exact _____________ for submitting the report?

　　(29) Because of an emergency in his company, Tom ___________ his annual leave.

　　(30) -When shall we begin the work?-Start it without further ___________.

(1)causes   (2)cause   (3)crowded   (4)cursed   (5)cost   (6)costs   (7)curse   (8)cured   (9)curve   (10)climbed   (11)comb   (12)climb   (13)cure   (14)curved   (15)combed   (16)crowds   (17)call   (18)cheered   (19)covering   (20)cried   (21)cry   (22)cheers   (23)calling   (24)cover   (25)cut   (26)date   (27)cut   (28)date   (29)delayed   (30)delay

seclusive 2007-12-02 22:25
　　一个人在遇到令他高兴的事时板着脸不笑，我们说他：He keeps a poker face，或者：He keeps a straight face。两句中的keep都可以说成：pull, wear, draw, 或者put on。

　　直脸 (straight face)指把脸拉着，因此直喻有pull a long face，指板着脸，而我们的口语中也有“拉长着脸”的说法。

　　一个人天生脸长，我们以“马面”喻之：She has a horse face，一般指女人长得不太好看。但是如果说：She has a long face，多数是指她拉长着脸。相当于：She pulls (或者draws) a long face.

　　直喻中又有have a face as long as a fiddle，说那张脸长到有如小提琴 (fiddle 即 violin，常见以play second fiddle之拉第二小提琴喻play a secondary role，做配角，演次要角色，当助理工作之意也。）

　　一个人脸如瓜子，偏拉长脸：His face is made of a fiddle，也用以喻其人老是板起面孔，自以为了不起。

　　表情严肃而忧郁，是 a Friday face，亦作Friday look，据说与耶稣基督在星期五那天受难有关。Friday is an unlucky day也。

seclusive 2007-12-02 22:35
　　还记得上星期我在拙栏引用美国《时代周刊》(Time)编辑写的倒装句(inverted sentence)吗？

　　Provding the voices for the characters is a cast that includes Mike Meyer, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow-all great comedy actors.

　　台湾英语界高手旋元佑说句型分析很重要：“……将来拿起笔来要做英文写作时，如果没有句型分析的能力，那么能够使用的句型构造将十分贫乏，一旦想有所变化就会出错。所以句型分析的能力是高级阅读以及写作的必备技巧。”

　　读友上星期藉图解句型分析后，对美国作家的写法有进一步的了解，希望对大家阅读与写作有点助益。

　　由于上述例句颇长，既妙用倒装句(inverted sentence)，本身又是复合句(complex sentence)，添枝加叶，还补上同位语(appositive)，因此我今天试试删枝去叶，把全句改写成简单陈述句(simple declarative sentence)，略作句型分析：A cast is providing the voices for the characters.（一群演员为那些角色配音）

　　希望读者知道的是：句中A cast是subject（主词）；陈述句都必须有动词 verb 。

　　相信读者都看出句中的is providing是动词。这动词的时态(tense)是现在进行式(present continuous/progressive tense)。

　　现在进行式由助动词am/are/is+现在分词构成，主要表示现阶段正进行的动作，强调其暂时性，所以往往与时间状语一起使用。且比较以下两个例句：

　　(i) My grandfather is living with us this month.

　　(ii) My grandfather lives with us.

seclusive 2007-12-03 09:33
　　In each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with the missing word from the PHRASAL VERB whose meaning is given in the brackets.


(1) The young should look up_________the old. Don't you think so? (respect)


(2) Is it right for the rich or the powerful to_________down on the poor or the weak? (despise)


(3) A person with a sense of justice will find it hard to put_________with unjust things. (tolerate)


(4) I hope you can come out_________a good idea soon. (suggest)


(5) I am going downtown this afternoon. Are you_________along with me? (accompany)


(6) If we cannot_________away with an old system, we have to improve on it. (abolish)


(7) I don't respect people who like to play_________to their boss to win favour. (flatter)


(8) It is hard to_________down to work after a long holiday. (be serious about)


(9) Looking back_________my early days, I feel that everything in life is temporary. (remember)


(10) We should try our best to stand up_________our principles. (support)


(11) Some people's wages cannot_________up with their required expenses. (maintain)


(12) Don't go_________on what you have promised. (fail to keep)


(13) Why did John and Jill_________out with each other last night? (quarrel)


(14) As a child, how can you talk_________to your grandmother like that? (answer rudely)


(15) We must all learn to_________up to our responsibilities, no matter how heavy they are. (accept)


(16) Jason has sent out an application form and is now looking_________to the reply. (expect)


(17) The deputy director will fill in_________the director when the latter goes on leave. (replace)


(18) It is good for a retiree to_________in for some outdoor activities. (join)


(19) When the weather clears_________, we will go swimming. (become fine)


(20) Irene was sad and all her colleagues tried to_________her up. (make happy)


(21) How much longer can our supplies_________out? (last)


(22) Turn off the gas or the cooker may blow_________. (explode)


(23) When you feel that you are living beyond your means, you must_________down your expenses. (reduce)


(24) The cost for the new project is vast. Have your figured it_________? (calculate)


(25) Have you noticed those suspicious-looking men who have been_________around here? (remain idle)


(26) That big house was handed_________from one generation to another. (leave behind)


(27) It has been raining for the whole morning. When will the rain_________up? (stop)


(28) Tony can often_________up a good excuse for his absence. (invent)


(29) Jason tried to play_________his role in this matter. (make less important)


(30) While we were watching the show on TV, an announcer_________in to make a special announcement. (interrupt)

(1)to (2)look (3)up (4)with (5)coming (6)do   (7)up (8)get   (9)on (10)for   (11)keep (12)back (13)fall (14)back (15)face (16)forward (17)for (18)go (19)up (20)cheer (21)hold (22)up (23)cut (24)out (25)hanging (26)down (27)let (28)think (29)down (30)cut


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