有关英语状语从句的若干使用方法习惯
1. 不可将汉语的“由于…所以…”直译为because…so。如:
由于下雨,所以大家呆在家。
误:Because it was raining, so we stayed at home.
正:Because it was raining, we stayed at home. / It was raining, so we stayed at home.
2. 不可将汉语的“虽然…但…”直译为 though…but。如:
虽然非常危险,但我要试一试。
误:Although it is dangerous, but I will try.
正:Although it is dangerous, I will try. / It is dangerous, but I will try.
注:尽管英语不说although…but,但有时出现but although或but… although却是可能的。如:
But I didn’t know that then, although I learned it later. 但我当时的确不了解此事,尽管后来我还是了解了。
此句既用了并列连词 but,又用了从属连词 although,但它并未导致错误,缘由是此句与上面所讨论的情形有所不同,即此句 but 用于 although 之前,but 在此仅起到与上文转折有哪些用途,but 后的 I didn’t know that then, although I learned it later.仍为一个复合句。
I tried doing the accounts, but although I knew some maths I found it very difficult. 我试着算这类账,但尽管我懂点数学,仍感到非常困难。
此句将 but 与 although 用在一块,但此句也没错误。该句从总体来看,它是一个以并列连词 but 连接的并列句,而在该并列句的后面一句又是一个包括让步状语从句 although I knew some maths 的复合句——这种句型就是所谓的并列复合句。此句也可改写为 I tried doing the accounts, but I found it very difficult although I knew some maths.