段生榮
Think是英語中使用頻率較高的動詞,也是中學(xué)英語中的重點詞匯之一,其用法與suppose, imagine, expect等詞有許多相似之處,現(xiàn)將其特殊用法歸納如下:
1. 動詞時態(tài)
上述動詞作“認為”解時,屬于表示人的心理活動的靜態(tài)動詞,故不能用于進行時態(tài)。但當(dāng)think表示“想、考慮、思考”,expect表示“期待、預(yù)料”等意義時,則另當(dāng)別論。請比較:
(1) I think the driver is to blame for the accident. 我認為司機應(yīng)該為這起事故負責(zé)。
(2)I was thinking about the situation whenthe telephone rang. 我正在考慮當(dāng)時的情景,電話突然響了。
有時為了使語氣更委婉或更帶有試探性,可用一般過去時或過去進行時(但并不表示過去意義)。如:I thought you might like something to read. 我想你也許想要點什么讀物。
2. 否定轉(zhuǎn)移
think表示“認為”,一般現(xiàn)在時,且主語是第一人稱(I, we)時,如果其后跟一個表示否定意義的賓語從句時,通常將否定轉(zhuǎn)移到主句謂語動詞之前。如:
(1) I dont think shes really fit for the job. 我認為她并不真正適合這份工作。
(2) We dont believe that Jim is getting along well with his classmates. 我們認為吉姆和他的同學(xué)相處得不夠融洽。
注:否定不轉(zhuǎn)移的情形:
(1)若將否定放在從句中,則否定意義較強,且語氣生硬不委婉。
I think that it doesnt make any difference. 我認為那沒任何作用。
(2) 當(dāng)本意是要否定主句時,尤其是不表示“認為”時。
We didnt think we would lose the game. 我們沒想到會輸?shù)舯荣悺?/p>
We cant believe that he makes a living by begging. 我們無法相信他是通過乞討謀生的。
(3)當(dāng) think前有副詞修飾語時。
I really think you neednt worry about his safety. 我真的以為你沒必要擔(dān)心他的安全。
(4)當(dāng) think前有助動詞do 表強調(diào)時。
I do think that you should not let your teachers down. 我的確認為你不應(yīng)該讓老師們失望。
(5)當(dāng)think與其他動詞并列使用時。
I think and hope Im not disturbing you too much. 我認為同時也希望我沒有太打擾你。
(6)當(dāng)think用在疑問句中時。
Why do you think I cant change your note? 你為什么認為我破不開這張鈔票呢?
(7)當(dāng)think與情態(tài)動詞連用時。
We must think the talk between the two countries wont come to an agreement. 我們肯定認為兩國之間的對話不會達成任何協(xié)議。
(8)當(dāng)賓語從句有no, never, hardly等否定詞時。
I believe John never tells a lie. 我相信約翰從來都不撒謊。
(9)當(dāng)從句的否定構(gòu)成某種特殊句式時。
I think that you cannot do the work well enough. 我認為這項工作你干得越出色越好。
3. 附加問句
如主句的主語為第一人稱(I, we),在think等動詞后接有賓語從句時,疑問的重心應(yīng)是賓語從句,所以,反意疑問句的主語應(yīng)與賓語從句的主語和助動詞保持一致;但當(dāng)主句的主語是第二或第三人稱時,反意疑問句則與主句的主語和助動詞保持一致。如:
(1)I think that you will make it, wont you? 我認為你會成功的,對嗎?
(2)I dont think it is possible to master a foreign language without much memory work, is it? 我覺得不花大量的工夫來記憶要想掌握一門外語是不可能的,是嗎?
(3)They believe its a waste of time to try to persuade him to change his mind, dont they ? 他們認為讓他回心轉(zhuǎn)意純屬浪費時間,是這樣嗎?
(4)Kate didnt think that her parents would leave her alone, did she? 凱特沒想到她父母會把她單獨留下,是不是?
4. 雙重問句
當(dāng)do you think / suppose接what, who, why, how等連接代詞或連接副詞引導(dǎo)的賓語從句時,do you think /suppose要放在連接代詞或連接副詞之后。注意:賓語從句中必須使用陳述句語序。如:
(1)What do you think we should do to solve the problem? 你認為我們怎樣才能解決這個問題?
(2)Why do you think he is not an honest man? 你為什么認為他不誠實?
(3)How long do you think they will stay here? 你認為他們在這里會呆多久?
(4) 你料想她會上哪兒去呢?
正:Where do you supposeshe has gone?
誤:Where do you supposehas she gone?
(5) 你認為誰是最佳選手?
正:Who do you think is the best player?
誤:Do you think who is the best player?
誤:Whom do you think is the best player?
5. 事與愿違
用于過去完成時態(tài),表示過去未曾實現(xiàn)的愿望、預(yù)料和打算,可譯為“原以為”“本來認為”,類似的動詞還有hope, plan, want, mean, intend等。如:
(1) I had thought that he would lend us a hand. 我原以為他會助我們一臂之力的。
(2)I hadnt expected that I should get the first prize.我沒想到自己會拿一等獎。
(3)The scientist had hoped that his son would become a spaceman.科學(xué)家原希望他的兒子能成為一名航天員。
6. 簡單答語
在口語中,think, hope, expect, suppose, imagine, believe 等后面的賓語從句在上下文指代明確的情況下,常用代詞so 代替前文已講到的內(nèi)容,其否定式用 not 或 not ... so,如:
(1)---Its been announced that the plane takes off on time. 據(jù)廣播通知,飛機將按點起飛。
---I hope so. 但愿如此。
(2)Its a small world. Dont you think so? 這世界真小。難道你不這樣認為嗎?
(3)---Do you think the computer will take the place of humans? 你認為電腦會取代人腦嗎?
---Yes, I think so. 是的,我想會。
No, I think not.=I dont think so. 不,我想不會。
但是,hope的否定形式通常只有一種,即:I hope not. 我希望情況不是這樣。
責(zé)任編輯 蔣小青