大家好!这一讲我们一起来看一下语法在大学英语四级考试中的考查特点和应对策略。
英语是一个重结构的语言,要求句子必须符合句法结构的要求。用来规定句法结构的一些原则也就是我们常说的语法。英语中的语法条文比较多,总的来说可分为两大类,即词法和句法。具体说来,有情态动词的用法,形容词和副词的比较级用法,非谓语动词的用法,时态和语态,定语从句,状语从句,虚拟语气,名词性从句,倒装,强调与并列,主谓一致等。经过统计,95年1月到2000年6月,仅词汇和句法部分对语法的考查就有190题,占52.8%,其中以非谓语动词、虚拟语气、时态/语态、状语从句和定语从句考查最多。今天这一讲我们重点讲时态/语态、虚拟语气和各种从句,下一讲重点讲非谓语动词等。
一、时态和语态
英语中共有16个时态,最常用的是一般现在时、一般过去时、一般将来时、现在和过去进行时、现在完成时、过去完成时。但从95年以来的考题统计来看,15个时态考题中将来完成最多,占3题,时态考查的次序依次为将来完成时--- 过去完成时 --- 现在完成进行时 --- 现在完成时 --- 一般将来 --- 一般过去。先看以下各题:
Test Yourself:
1) My train arrives in New York at eight o'clock tonight. The plane I would like to take from there ___ by then.(1999.1)
A. would leave B. will have left C. has left D. had left
2) She ought to stop work; she has a headache because she ____ too long.(2000.1)
A. has been reading B. had read C. is reading D. read
3) "May I speak to your manager Mr. Williams at five o'clock tonight?"(2000.6)
"I'm sorry. Mr. Williams ____ to a conference long before then."
A. will have gone B. had gone C. would have gone D. has gone
4) Great as Newton was, many of his ideas _____today and are being modified by the work of scientists of our time.(1997.1)
A. are to challenge B. may be challenged C. have been challenged D. are challenged
5) Before the first non-stop flight made in 1949, it ____ necessary for all planes to land for refueling. (1996.6)
A. would be B. has been C. had been D. would have been
6) He came back late, ____ which time all the guest had already eft.(1999.6)
A. after B. by C. at D. during
7) Until then, his family ______from him for six months. (1997.1)
A. didn't hear B. hasn't been hearing C. hasn't heard D. hadn't heard
Explanation and Expansion
A:参考答案:1)B 2)A 3)A 4)C 5)C 6)B 7)D
B:评析:
1) 以上各题都与完成时有关,完成时态用来表示到某一个时间为止已经完成的动作或某个状态/动作一直持续到某个时间。如果时间为过去,则用过去完成时,即表示过去的过去,如5)和7)。
2) 如果表示到将来某个时间为止已经完成的动作,则用将来完成时,如1)和3),再如:
It's reported that by the end of the month the output of cement in the factory ____ about 10%.
A. will have risen B. has risen
C. will be rising D. has been rising
3) 而现在完成时表示到目前为止某个动作已经结束,对现在有影响,如4)。从下文中的"正在修改"可以判断人们已经对牛顿的观点提出挑战,而不是将要提出挑战或者可能提出挑战,由此可以判断应该用现在完成时。
4) 与现在完成时不同,现在完成进行时则表示某个动作从过去持续到现在,并且仍在进行,如2)。头疼的原因是看书时间太长。本题可以用现在完成时,但不会是过去完成时,选项B不对,一般现在时表示经常发生的动作,与这里的头疼不能构成直接的因果关系,由于时间状语表示的是一段时间,有不可能是现在进行时,所以这里只能用现在完成进行时。
C.完成时态使用注意事项
① 完成时的时间状语一般表示"到……为止",以"by"短语居多。如果句中的时间状语是由by引出的短语或从句,谓语动词一般是用完成时态,如:
By the time we got there, the fire had already been put out.
We'll have completed the task by the time you come back.
② 在完成时态中,终止性动词不能与表示一段时间的时间状语连用,而表示状态或动作持续的谓语动词必须与表示一段时间的状语连用。
The conference ____ a full week by the time it ends
A. must have lasted B. will have lasted
C. would last D. has lasted (1997.1)
It seems oil ___ form this pipe for some time. We'll have to take the machine apart to put it right.
A. had leaked B. is leaking C. leaked D. has been leaking (1997.6)
这两题中都有表示动作持续的一段时间,应该用完成时态。
但是,如果只表示状态已经存在,则不能用完成时态,如:
By then, he knew what he waned to be when he grew up.
③ 完成时可以用来表示量的积累。
④ 对于完成时的考查有两种,一种是时态本身的选择,另一种是根据时态选择时间状语,如6)。从句时态为过去完成时,表示等到他回来,客人都已经离开了,与完成时态连用的,表示"到……为止"的应该是介词by。
Test Yourself
刚才我们看了完成时态的考查,现在我们一块来看以下其它时态,请先试做以下各题:
1) Turn on the television or open a magazine and you _____ advertisements showing happy, balanced families.
A. are often seeing B. often see C. will often see D. have often seen (1995.6)
2) While people may refer to television for up-to-the-minute news, it is unlikely that television _____ the newspaper completely.
A. replaced B. have replaced C. replace D. will replace (1995.6)
3) I'm sorry I can't see you immediately; but if you'd like to take a seat, I'll be with you ____.
A. for a moment B. in a moment C. for the moment D. at the moment (1999.1)
4) If she doesn't tell him the truth now, he'll simply keep on asking her until she _____.
A. does B. has done C. will do D. would do (1998.6)
Explanation and Expansion
A. 参考答案: 1)C 2) D 3) B 4) A
B. 评析
从以上各题可以看到,在解时态考题时应注意一下几点:
① 结合形容词选择时态,如2)。从unlikely一词可以看出从句表示的是将来不大可能发生的事情,自然用一般将来时。类似的形容词还有possible, probable, impossible等。
② 根据时态判断时间状语。如3)。谓语动词为将来时态,说明时间应该是in a moment,表示我一会就去见你。for a moment同样可以与将来时态连用,但表示的是"与某人一块待一小会",这样就与上文的I can't see you immediately意思上冲突。
③ 注意句型对时态的要求,如1)。该句型中祈使句表示一种条件,第二个分句中一般要用will表示在这种条件下可能发生的事情。但是,本题中often的使用可能会造成一定的迷惑。这就要求考生对各种时态的表达方式,以及其作用了解清楚。Will可以表示习惯。
④ 注意时间、条件和让步状语从句中时态的运用。
一般在时间、条件和让步状语从句中用一般现在时表示一般将来,用一般过去时表示过去将来,用现在完成时表示将来完成,用过去完成时表示过去将来完成。如4)。在如:
He promised to send me an email as soon as he got there.
No one is to leave the room until he has done the task.
但注意特殊句型中的时态,如:
hardly/scarcely …when…
no sooner… than…
Hardly had I put down the receiver when the telephone rang again.
No sooner had they got to know the news than they went to the bar to enjoy a drink.
Test Yourself
刚才我们一起分析了时态的考查特点和答题时应该注意的事项,现在我们一起来看一下语态的考查。语态的考查一般都与时态的考查相结合。在解语态题的同时必须考虑时态的因素。请同学们先做以下下列各题:
1) The last half of the nineteenth century ____ the steady improvement in the means of travel.(1998.6)
A. has witnessed B. was witnessed C. witnessed D. is witnessed
2) The grey building is where the workers live, and the white one is where the spare parts ____.(19995.1)
A. are producing B. are produced C. produced D. being produced
3) This kind of glasses manufactured by experienced craftsmen ____ comfortably.
A. is worn B. wears C. wearing D. are worn (2000.1)
4) The fifth generation computers, with artificial intelligence, ____ and perfected now.(1996.1)
A. developed B. have developed C. are being developed D. will have been developed
5) Sir Denis, who is 78, has made it that much of his collection ____ to the nation.(1996.6)
A. has left B. is to leave C. leaves D. is to be left
6) As teachers we should concern ourselves with what is said, not what we think ____.(1997.6)
A. ought to be said B. must say C. have to be said D. need to say
7) Once environment damage ____, it takes many years for the system to recover.(1997.6)
A. has done B. is to do C. does D. is done
Explanation and Expansion
A. 参考答案:1)C 2) B 3) B 4) C 5) D 6) A 7)D
B. 评析
① 是否可用被动语态主要看谓语动词与句子主语之间的关系,如果是动宾关系自然用被动语态。
② 注意被动语态的各种时态构成,但四级考试中没有正误结构的判断,考生只需要根据上下文判断出该用什么时态即可。
③ 不及物动词不可能有被动语态,但及物动词也未必有被动语态,主要是看句子侧重表达的概念,如3题中wear表示眼镜的特点,不可用被动语态。在如:
This kind of software sells well.
It being too cold, the car wouldn't start.
won't wouldn't表示"拒绝"谓语动词不用被动形式。
④ 注意含有情态动词的被动语态的结构,以及类似的结构,如have to be done, used to be done, be said to be done, be to be done。把握各种结构表示的意思。然后就是根据具体的上下文选择适当的情态动词或时态的问题。
二、虚拟语气
英语中的虚拟语气有4种,一种是条件句中的虚拟语气,一种是含蓄条件句中的虚拟语气,一种是名词性从句中的虚拟语气,还有一种是状语从句中的虚拟语气。其中虚拟时态的运用很大程度上和其所处的句型有关。95年以来,对虚拟语气的考查有28题之多,占词汇/语法总数的15.2%。下面我们也分四部分来看一下四级考试中虚拟语气的运用。
1.条件句中的虚拟语气
Test yourself
在我们分析虚拟语气的考查特点也应对策略之前,还上请同学们先做做一下以下各题:
1) If I hadn't stood under the ladder to catch you when you fell, you ____ now. (1999.1)
A. wouldn't be smiling B. couldn't have smiled C. won't smile D. didn't smile
2) ____ for my illness I would have lent him a helping hand. (19995.1)
A. Not being B. Had it not been C. Without being D. Not having been
3) ______before we depart the day after tomorrow, we should have a wonderful dinner party. (1997.1)
A. Had they arrived B. Would they arrive C. Were they arriving D. Were they to arrive
4) Jean doesn't want to work right away because she thinks that if she ____ a job she probably wouldn't be able to see her friends very often.(1996.1)
A. has to get B. were to get C. had got D. could have got
5) _____ right now, she would get there on Sunday.(1996.6)
A. Would she leave B. If she leaves C. Were she to leave D. If she had left
6) Had he worked harder, he ____ the exams.(1997.6)
A. must have got through B. would have got through C. would get through D. could get through
7) If the whole operation _____ beforehand, a great deal of time and money would have been lost. (1999.6)
A. was not planned B. has not been planned C. had not been planned D. were not planned
Explanation and Expansion
A. 参考答案:1) A 2) B 3) D 4) C 5) C 6) B 7) C
B. 评析
① 对于虚拟条件句中时态的运用,首先应该区分主从句的不同。从句中用过去时,过去完成时,或were to/should +原形动词,而主句中用would/could/might/should + 原形动词或动词的完成形式。
② 虚拟条件句有单一条件句,也有混合虚拟条件句,所以不能只根据从句与某一事实相反来判断主句就与该事实相反,同样,也不能想当然地认为主句与某一事实相反,从句也就与该事实相反。
如1)从句与过去事实相反,而主句与现在事实相反。再如:
If he weren't such a kind man, he wouldn't lent a hand to such people as you the other day. (从句与现在事实相反,主句与过去事实相反。)
Were my friends not to come tomorrow, I wouldn't have bought so many foods. (从句与将来事实相反,主句与过去事实相反。)
③ 熟记主从句动词与不同事实相反时的时态运用规则。解题时根据句子所表达的时间概念确定与什么事实相反,然后采用相应的时态。
如果与过去事实相反,从句中用过去完成时,主句中用would/should/could/might + have done的形式,如2)6)和7)。
如果与现在事实相反,从句中用一般过去时,主句中用would/could/might/should + 原形动词,表示与正在进行的事实相反用would/might/could/should + be doing的结构,如1)。
如果表示将来不可能实现的事情,从句中用过去时,或were to / should + 原形动词,以上3) 4) 5)表示的都属于这种情况。
④ if引导条件状语从句时,可以将were/had/should提至句首,省略if。考试时经常是将省略if的与含有if的选项并列,在这种情况下,应注意分清从句的时态,尽管多数情况下都是倒装的结构为正确选项。如2)3)5)。
⑤ If it weren't/hadn't been for …以及其倒装结构were it not for/had it not been for表示"如果不是……的话"
⑥ 正如真实条件从句中不用will一样,虚拟条件从句中也不可使用would,应特别注意。
2.含蓄条件句中的虚拟语气
Test Yourself
首先还是请同学们先做一下下面两题。
1) Some women ____a good salary in a job instead of staying home, but they decided not to work for the sake of the family.
A. must make B. should have made
C. would make D. could have made (2000.1)
2) We didn't know his telephone number, otherwise we ___ him.
A. would have telephoned B. must have telephoned
C. would telephone D. had telephoned (1995.6)
Explanation and Expansion
A.参考答案 1)D 2)A
B.评析
含蓄虚拟条件句指没有明确的条件从句的虚拟条件句,一般是条件用介词短语、分词短语或并列句的方式表达,这时主句的时态要求与含有条件从句的主句要求相同。四级测试中常考的含蓄虚拟条件句句型有:
① But for/Without, 主句
But for/Without your help, we wouldn't have accomplished the task on time.
② ……, otherwise/or ……
He hadn't had food for two days, or/otherwise he wouldn't have fainted out at work.
上面2)题就属于该句型,表达的是与过去事实相反的情况,所以用would have telephoned的结构。
③ 分词/不定式,主句
Having been born ten years earlier, you could have witnessed the disaster.
Given more time, we could have done the work much better.
You would be foolish to make friends with such people.
④ ……,thought/but ……
Einstein cared little for money, though he could have been very rich.
He could have got the job, but he didn't apply for it.
上面的1)题就属于该句型,表示他本来可以做那份工作弄到一份很不错的薪水。
3.名词性从句中的虚拟语气
Test yourself
与上述虚拟语气不同,名词性从句的虚拟语气大都与谓语动词有关,用法也比较简单,请同学们先做一下几题,然后我们一起总结以下都有哪些规律可以遵循。
1) Wouldn't you rather your child _____ to bed early?(2000.1)
A.go B.went C.would go D.goes
2) Mike's uncle insists ____ in this hotel.(2000.1)
A.staying not B.not to stay
C.that he would not stay D.that he not stay
3) Sometimes I wish I ____ in a different time and a different place.(2000.1)
A.be living B.were living C.would live D.would have lived
4) It is essential that these application forms ____ back as early as possible.(2000.1)
A.must be sent B.will be sent C.are sent D.be sent
5) It is recommended that the project _____ until all the
preparations have been made. (1995.6)
A.is not started B.will not be started C.not be started D.is not to be started
6) We are all for your proposal that the discussion ____.(1998.6)
A.be put off B.was put off C.should put off D.is to be out off
7) The suggestion that the mayor ________the prizes was accepted by everyone.(2000.6)
A.would present B.present C.presents D.ought to present
8) It's already 5 o'clock now.Don't you think it is about time ____? (1996.6)
A.we are going home B.we go home C.we went home D.we can go home
9) As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, I have directed that
all measures ____ for our defense.(1999.6)
A.had been taken B.would be taken C.be taken D.to be taken
10) It is vital that enough money __________to fund the project. (1997.1)
A.be collected B.must be collected C.is collected D.can be collected
11) I don't think it advisable that Tim ____ to the job since he has no experience.(1997.6)
A.is assigned B.will be assigned C.be assigned D.has been assigned
12) If only the committee ______the regulations and put them into
effect as possible.(1997.1)
A.approve B.will approve C.can approve D.would approve
Explanation and Expansion
A.参考答案:1)B 2) D 3)B 4)D 5)C 6)A
7)B 8)C 9)C 10)A 11)C 12) D
B.评析
与以上两种虚拟语气句式不同,这里虚拟语气中时态的变化比较少,主要依据所处的句型。考生所需要的是了解在哪些情况下用这种句式,测试中考生只需从四个选项中辨认答案即可。该部分所包含的句型有:
① 表示"命令""建议"或"要求"的动词后面的宾语从句中用should + 原形动词,should可以省略。常用于该句型的动词有direct, order, command, require, ask, request, demand, insist, suggest, recommend等。
这里句型的考题中,一般都会有would, must等干扰项,正确选项以省略should者居多,并且常是not do something, 或be的形,尤其是 not be done的形式。如2)5)和9)。
另外这类考题还常借助于动词本身的句法结构设干扰项。如insist后可接doing something, being done或 on doing something的结构,suggest后也可接动名词。另外,这两个单词也有不用虚拟语气的句式,如insist 表示"坚持认为",suggest表示"说明""表明"时,从句中就不用虚拟语气,考生应注意分别。
② 表示"命令""建议"或"要求"的名词后面的同位语或表语从句中同样是用should + 原形动词,should可以省略。
与上面一条相同,表示这些概念的名词如suggestion, order, proposal等后面的that从句中虚拟语气使用规则相同,如6)7)中都是that同位语从句中使用should + 原形动词,should省略的结构。
③ It is + 表示重要,有必要,吃惊,难以相信的名词或形容词,或表示"命令""建议""要求"的过去分词 + that 从句中用should + 原形动词,should可以省略。
这一句型可分解为
It is important/necessary/vital/advisable/essential ...that …(should)
It is strange/surprising/unbelievable … that …(should)
It is a surprise/wonder ..that …(should) …
It is suggested/requested/recommended … that …(should)…
这些句型一律使用should + 原形动词的结构,should可以省略,如4)5)10)题。
注意It is strange/surprising/unbelievable … that …(should)句型中如果表示过去的事情可以用should have done 的形式,如:
It is strange that he should have failed in the election.
④ wish
wish 后面的从句时态可以有以下几种情况
表示与现在事实相反用一般过去时:
How I wish I had a memory as good as yours.
表示与现在正在进行的事情相反可用过去进行时,如3)。
表示与过去事实相反的情况用过去完成时,也可以用could have done 的形式,如:
I wish I ____ longer this morning, but I had to get up and come to class.
A.could have slept B.slept
C.might have slept D.have slept (1995.6)
由于might表示"也许",与这里的意思不合,只能用A。
表示将来不可能实现的情况用would/might + 原形动词。
How I wish you would be able to come here for another visit.
⑤ If only 表示愿望时与wish用法相同。再如:
If only that photograph weren't missing.
If only the letter had arrived in time.
⑥ would rather
would rather的虚拟语气形式在这几年考查是最多的,有7道题,但would rather从句的时态规则并不复杂。
如果表示与过去事实相反的情况用过去完成时,否则用一般过去时。在如以下各题:
1) The manager would rather his daughter _____ in the same office.
A.had not worked B.not to work
C.does not work D.did not work (2000.6)
2) To be frank, I'd rather you ____ in the case. (1995.1)
A.will not be involved B.not involved
C.not to be involved D.were not involved
3) You don't have to be in such a hurry.I would rather you ____ on
business first. (1998.1)
A.would go B.will go C.went D.have gone
4) Frankly speaking, I'd rather you ___ anything about it for the time being.(1999.1)
A.didn't do B.haven't done C.don't do D.have done
5) I'd rather you ____ make any comment on the issue for the time
being.(1998.6)
A.don't B.wouldn't C.didn't D.shouldn't
答案为: 1) D 2) D 3) C 4) A 5) C)
⑦ It's (about/high) time that …
该句型中一律用一般过去时,再如:
"You are very selfish.It's high time you ____ that you are not the most important person in the world," Edgar said to his boss angrily.(1999.1)
A.realized B.have realized C.realize D.should realize
4.状语从句中的虚拟语气
Test yourself
状语从句中的虚拟语气主要指as if/though从句中的虚拟语气,首先请同学们做一下下面三道题:
1) He walked past the pole and soldiers as if they ______.
A.didn't exist B.don't exist C.hadn't existed D.were not existing
2) He operates the new computer as if he _____ special training in it.
A.has received B.had received C.would receive D.received
3) They talked in such an uneasy manner as if something terrible
______soon.
A.had happened B.happened C.would happen D.has happened
Explanation and Expansion
A.参考答案 1)A 2)B 3) C
B.评析
谓语动词要求使用虚拟语气的状语从句一般是由as if/as though引导。该从句中时态的选择原则是:
① 如果从句中谓语动词与主句谓语动词同时进行,用过去进行时;
② 如果从句中谓语动词表示与主句谓语动词同时存在的状态,用一般过去时,如1)。
③ 如果从句中谓语动词表示先于主句谓语动词的动作或状态,用过去完成时,如2)。
④ 如果从句中谓语动词后于主句谓语动词发生,用would/might + 原形动词。
三、定语从句
定语从句在四级英语测试中占有一定的比重,大约在词汇语法题的7.4%,平均每次都有一题,实际测试中有时多达三道题,如1996年6月,98年6月和2000年6月都有三倒考查定语从句的题。在我们讲四级英语测试对定语从句的考查之前,先让我们看以下几题:
Test yourself
1) Living in the central Australian desert has its problems, ____
obtaining water is not the least.(1998.1)
A.for which B.to which C.of which D.in which
2) A survey was carried out on the death rate of new-born babies in that region, ____were surprising. (1999.1)
A.as results B.which results C.the results of it D.the results of which
3) We need a chairman ____.(1998.6)
A.for whom everyone has confidence B.in whom everyone has confidence
C.who everyone has confidence of D.whom everyone has confidence on
4) The British are not so familiar with different cultures and other ways of doing things, ___ is often the case in other countries.(1998.6)
A.as B.what C.so D.that
5) The course normally attracts 20 students per year, ____ up to half will be from overseas.(1998.6)
A.in which B.for which C.with which D.of whom
6) Beer is the most popular drink among male drinkers, ____overall
consumption is significantly higher than that of women.(2000.6)
A.whose B.which C.that D.what
7) We were struck by the extent ____ which teacher's decisions served the interests of the school rather than those of the children.(1996.6)
A.to B.for C.in D.with
8) Melted iron is poured into the mixer much ____ tea is poured into a cup from a teapot. (1996.6)
A.in the same way like B.in the same way which
C.in the same way D.in the same way as
9) I've never been to Beijing, but it is the place ____.(1999.6)
A.where I'd like to visit B.in which I'd like to visit
C.I most want to visit D.that I want to visit it most
10) ___ might be expected, the response to the question was very
mixed.(1996.6)
A.As B.That C.It D.What
xplanation and Expansion
A. 参考答案: 1) C 2) D 3) B 4) A 5) D 6) A 7) A
8) D 9) C 10) A
B. 评析
从以上各题可以看出,定语从句的考查还是集中在关系词的选择,与1,2,3级不同,四级考试中的定语从句虽然也有关系词最一般的用法,但更多的是对特殊关系词的考查。总的说来有以下几点需要注意
① 关系词的使用一看先行词,二看关系词在从句中的作用,在此基础上熟记几个常用的固定句式,如:
the same … as
such … as
当看到先行词前有the same 或such修饰时,可直接从选项中找as,选择就变得比较简单,如8。在这种情况下,考生用不着考虑先行词是人还是物。如
Our company won't employ such graduates as you recommend.
I'm determined to buy such a flat as you are now living in.
② 上面有两道题涉及到关系词在句中做定语。同学们应该熟悉关系词做定语时的各种变体。
做定语的关系词可有以下变体,试比较:
the office whose windows are broken
the office the windows of which are broken
the office of which the windows are broken
上面的2)题就属于the windows of which这种形式。
先行词是人时,同样也可有这三种形式,如:
the professor whose car was stolen
the professor the car of whom was stolen
the professor of whom the car was stolen
当然考试中也有最一般形式的考查,如上面的6),只要能够看出关系词做定语修饰overall consumption就不难判断答案为whose。
③ 注意"介词 + which/whom"的结构做关系词
从四级考试对定语从句的测试来看,主要考查的是介词的选择。"介词 + which/whom"主要有以下几种情况
A. 介词是句中短语搭配的一部分,如3)。表示"信任某人"要用have confidence in somebody,所以做定语,应该用a chairman in whom … has confidence。
B. "部分 + of + 整体名词"的结构,该结构,做关系词也就是 "部分名词 + of which/whom"的结构。
该结构的使用应注意两点,一是注意定语从句与并列句的分别,如:
He invited two scientists to his birthday party, many of _____ were
his old classmates.
A.whom B.them C.which D.that
这里很自然地会有many of whom 与many of them的选择。
二是注意该结构可以有变体,即"of whom/which + 部分名词",上面的5)题就是一例,可以写成up to half of whom。
C. 另一种介词是表示最高级范围的介词,四级考题中已经有两个这种考题,如上面的1)题,其实该句表示的是obtaining water is not the least of its problems, 所以用of which,2000年6月又有一道与此基本完全相同的题:
Living in the western part of the country has its problems, ____ obtaining fresh water is not the least.
A.with which B.for which C.of which D.which (2000.6)
D. 更多的是看关系词与先行词之间的关系,如:
He has composed many pieces of music popular with young people, of which this is an example.
这里用of which因为,正常的结构是an example of the music。
E. 有时介词与先行词构成短语,如7)题,to which源于to … extent的短语搭配。1997年1月也有一道题考查该短语搭配。
It is useful to be able to predict the extent ________which a price
change will affect supply and demand.
A.from B.with C.to D.for (1997.1)
④ 注意as引导的非限制性定语从句的用法
as引导非限制性定语从句时,可置于句首,也可置于句尾,表示"正如……"。如上面的4)和10)两题。
一般as引导定语从句时,其先行词为整个主句。which引导非限制性定语从句,其先行词也可以是主句或主句中的一部分。但,as从句表示的行为经常是在主句行为之前,而which引导的定语从句表示的却在主句之后,表示连续发生的事情或结果等。如:
He promised to help me, which he did.
He was often late for work, which cost him his job.
⑤ 注意先行词为时间、地点或原因时,关系词的选用。如果用when, where 或why,关系词在从句中应该是做状语,否则的话则应该用which/that等。如上面9)中,先行词在从句中visit的宾语,关系词不能用where,而只能是that/which。再如:
I will never forget the days that I spent with my friends in the country.
⑥ 关系词做代替的成分在从句中不能再次出现。
⑦ 注意定语从句与同位语从句的区别。如:
There are signs ____ restaurants are becoming more popular with families.
A.that B.which C.in which D.whose (2000.6)
由于signs与后面的restaurants没有修饰和被修饰关系,所以whose不对,如果是定语从句,关系词代替signs,而从句中不需要该词。所以这里不是定语从句而是同位语从句,从句表示sign的内容。
⑧ 适当注意that和which的不同,什么情况下只能用that,什么情况下只能用which。
⑨ 注意从句与其它成分的区别,如下题:
As _________announced in today's papers, the Shanghai Export Commoditier Fair is also open on Sundays.
A.being B.is C.to be D.been (1997.1)
这里涉及到从句与非谓语动词的区别,如果是非谓语动词的话,则是保留了连词的非谓语动词做状语,根据announce与句子主语之间的关系,应该什么都不填,这里还是定语从句。答案为B。
Self-practice
上面他们一起分析了四级英语测试中对定语从句的考查特点和重点,也清楚了应该注意的一些事项和可用的一些方法技巧。
四、状语从句
状语从句也是四级词汇和句法部分考查的重点之一,95年至2000年6月共设考题20题,占10%强。就状语从句而言,主要是根据主从句的关系判断连词的使用。因此,在准备状语从句时,主要任务是弄清楚各种状语从句的连词。
1.时间状语从句的连词
表示时间的连词有when, while, as, by the time, before, after, since, till/until, as soon as,有些名词短语也可以引导时间状语从句,如the moment, the instant, each time,有些是固定句型如:no sooner … than hardly/scarcely …when。在这些连词的使用中应注意
① as强调同时,也表示"一边……,一边……",while表示主句动作发生在从句的过程之中,要求从句谓语动词为状态动词或持续性动词,when的使用则比较简单,相当于汉语的"当……时候"。如:
Doing your homework is a sure way to improve your test scores, and this is especially true ____ it comes to classroom tests.
A.when B.since C.before D.after (1996.1)
四个选项都表示时间,但根据主从句间的关系可以判断答案 为A。
② 注意when的特殊句型
下列句型中when连接的不是时间状语从句,但考试中却常与其它时间状语从句的连词一块出题。
were/was doing something when …
were/was about to do something when …
had just done something when …
四级考题中不乏对上述结构的考查,如:
I had just started back for the house to change my clothes ___ I heard voices.
A.as B.when C.after D.while (1997.6)
I felt somewhat disappointed and was about to leave ___ something occurred which attracted my attention.
A.unless B.until C.when D.while (1996.1)
这类考题比较简单,只要同学们清楚这一句型,答案则自然可得。
③ 注意no sooner … than ….和hardly/scarcely …when句中的时态。
④ 注意not … until 中时间状语可以提前。如
____ quite recently, most mothers in Britain did not take paid work outside the home.
A.Before B.Until C.From D.Since (1995.6)
但只要同学们能够辨认not … until 的句法结构,答案也就显而易见。
比较常见的提前方式是将not until….提至句首,后面用肯定形式,主谓倒装。本题可以改成,Not until quite recently did most mothers in Britain take paid work outside the home.这时,句子采用主谓倒装结构,应注意。
⑤ 在对名词短语做连词引导时间状语从句时,常与名词构成的其它短语相区别。如:
You see the lightening ___ it happens, but you hear the thunder later.
A.the instant B.for an instant C.on the instant D.in an instant
(1997.1)
能够引导时间状语从句的是名词the instant,而不是由其构成的介词短语。
⑥ 注意含有时间状语从句的固定句型,如It won't be long before … 和It is …since两类句型。It won't be long before可以有三个变体,即:It was (not) + 一段时间 + before,It won't be + 一段时间+ before。如95年6月就有对此的考查:
Scientists say it may be five or ten years ____ it is possible to test this medicine on human patients.
A.since B.before C.after D.when
2.原因状语从句的连词
原因状语从句一般由because, since, as, now that, considering that, seeing that连接。对于表原因连词本身的区别考查相对较少,主要是与其它状语从句连词的对比。如:
① ____ you are leaving tomorrow, we can eat dinner together tonight.(1999.6)
A.For B.Since C.Before D.While
② ____ that my head had cleared, my brain was also beginning to work much better.(1997.6)
A.For B.Now C.Since D.Despite
1) 从以上两题可以看出,首先,同学们要根据主从句的语意关系,确定是什么状语从句,然后在进行选择。
2) 注意连词的结构,如2)为Now that的搭配。
3) 注意for, because, since/as的区别。一般说来,for不表示原因,其所连接的是并列句,是一种解释说明,尤其是当用结果来反证原因时。如:
He must have experienced something very unpleasant, for he looks so upset.
You must try to rid yourself of your carelessness, for it often leads to errors.
4) 注意引导原因状语从句的还可以是considering/seeing that,其用法与since/as相同。如:
Considering that he is only a beginner, it is understandable for him to make such mistakes.
Seeing that you have come, you may as well stay here for a few days.
3.条件状语从句的连词
涉及到条件状语从句的考查题很多,如时态,虚拟语气等。但从状语从句的概念来讲,这里我们所说的是条件状语从句性质的判断和连词的选择。要求同学们首先能理解主从句之间的关系,确定是条件状语从句,然后在根据各连词的特点进行选择。如:
① I am sure he is up to the job ____ he would give his mind to it.(1998.1)
A.if only B.in case C.until D.unless
② We'll visit Europe next year _____ we have enough money.(1999.1)
A.lest B.until C.unless D.provided
③ ____ he works hard, I don't mind when he finishes the experiment.(1998.1)
A.As soon as B.As well as C.As far as D.So long as
从以上考题来看,就条件状语从句而言,同学们应掌握以下几点:
1) unless与其它连词的差别,unless表示的是If …not …的意思。
2) if only或only if是一种强调的条件状语从句。根据if only 与unless肯定与否定条件的差别,可以判断①题答案为A。
3) provided (that)表示唯一的条件,相当于if and only if,on condition that,如②表示"明年只要有钱,我们就去欧洲。"
4) so/as long as表示条件时一般与其它类似短语一同考查,如③,四个短语都可以连接状语从句,但表达意思有别,考试的目的就是考查同学们对句子的理解能力。
5) 另外注意,引导条件状语从句的还可以是suppose/supposing, in case, once等。
4.让步状语从句的连词
引导让步状语从句的连词很多,但结构差别比较大,比较容易掌握,同学们只要能掌握各连词的结构和语义特点,准确把握主从句的关系,让步状语从句则就不过是一块巧克力。先看一下下列各题:
① I've already told you that I'm going to buy it, ___________.
A.however much it costs B.however does it cost much
C.how much does it cost D.no matter how it costs (1996.6)
② ____, he does get annoyed with her sometimes.(2000.6)
A.Although much he likes her B.Much although he likes her
C.As he likes her much D.Much as he likes her
③ ____ the calculation is right, scientists can never be sure that they have included all variables and modeled them accurately.(1999.1)
A.Even if B.As far as C.If only D.So long as
④ ____ their differences, the couple were developing an obvious and genuine affection for each other.(1998.1)
A.But for B.For all C.Above all D.Except for
从以上四级真题我们可以看到对让步状语从句的考查特点:一是让步状语从句与其它状语从句的对比,如③,另一种是让步状语从句连词自身的结构功能,如①②两题。下面我们就一起来看让步状语从句的连词功能:
1) although/though连接让步状语从句,表示"尽管",从句用直陈语序,与汉语的结构类似。
2) as引导的让步状语从句要求用倒装结构,如②题。可提至句首的有名词、原形动词、副词、形容词等。可数名词单数形式不用冠词。如:
Child as he is, he behaves like a grown-up.
Fail as he did, he was not disappointed at all.
Much as I tried, I failed to persuade him.
3) No matter + 疑问词和疑问词 + ever引导让步状语从句,表示"不论谁""不论什么时间/地点/方式"等等,从句用直陈语序。由此可以判断上面①题答案为A。
4) For all表示让步时后面可以接从句,也可以接名词短语,后接名词时常与其它类似短语比较,如④。注意接从句:
For all that he has a master's degree, I don't think he can outdo me in many aspects.
5) 其它用来引导让步状语从句的还有whether …or, even if, even though,和"动词 + 疑问词+主语+情态动词",如:
Say what you will, he will turn a deaf year.So it's better to keep silent.
Doubt whom you may, you shouldn't doubt me.
5.方式状语从句的连词
相比之下,方式状语从句则简单了许多,四级考试中还从未涉及此项。用来表示方式的主要是as 和as if/though。如:
I have made the change as you suggested.
I remember the whole thing as if it happened only yesterday.
6.结果状语从句的连词
尽管这几年,四级考试中并没有考题涉及结果状语,同学们还是应该了解以下结果状语从句的一些用法。首先让我们先来熟悉一下结果状语从句所在句式:
1) so … that…/ such ….that
该句式中重要考查的是so和such的区别。应注意以下可能出现的结构:
so nice a boy that…
such a nice boy that…
so beautiful/diligent/carefully … that…
such (fine weather/great improvement) that…
2) so that
Everyone lend a hand, so that the sowing was done in time.
该句式中主要考查so that 与其它短语的区别,如:
I took no notice of him, ___ he flew into a rage.
A.for that B.so that C.in that D.but that
由于so that也可以引导目的状语从句,同学们应特别注意从句中时态的运用。
3) so much so that
该结构用于形容词或副词之后,表示"到如此程度以致于"。如:
He was very weak, so much so that he could not walk.
I long to visit Beijing, so much so that I dream about it every night.
4) 注意结构状语从句与too….to..enough to…, so… as to结构的不同。
7.目的状语从句的连词
目的状语从句是比较常用的,也是比较简单的状语从句。就目的状语从句而言,第一,同学们应该清楚的是引导目的状语从句各连词所表达的语义差别,对于个别的状语从句中的时态要求应有所了解。具体测试中,主要是根据主从句的语意逻辑关系来判断从句的属性。如:
① I was advised to arrange for insurance ___ I needed medical
treatment.
A.nevertheless B.although C.in case D.so that (1999.1)
② The man mad was put in the soft-padded cell lest he ___ himself.
A.injure B.had injured C.injured D.would injure (1998.1)
从这两题我们可以看出,
1) 在解答状语从句的试题时,首先是判断主从句的逻辑关系,意思确定了,答案也就有了。如第一题,安排保险的目的是以防自己有朝一日需要医务治疗,而能表达这种目的含义的只有选项C。
2) 注意状语从句中的时态,如lest后常用should + 原形动词,should可以省略,而第二题也正式对这一原则的考查。
3) 注意其它表目的连词的用法,如for fear that表示"恐怕""以免"等:
The workers never complain though they are badly treated for fear that they might lose their job.
8.地点状语从句
表示地点的自然是where或 wherever引导,要求同学们做到的就是在考试中能从上下文中看出从句表地点的特征。如:
① Although he knew little about the large amount of work done in the field, he succeeded ____ other more well-informed experimenters failed.(1998.1)
A.which B.that C.what D.where
② I have kept the portrait ___ I can see it every day, as it always reminds me of my university days in London.(1996.1)
A.which B.where C.whether D.when
这种地点状语从句一般是与定语从句相比较,如上面第一题,也可能与其它状语相比较,如第二题。
9.自我训练
上面我和同学们一起分析了四级考试中对状语从句的考查方式和解题的一些注意事项。
五、名词性从句
名词性从句包括主语从句、宾语从句、表语从句和同位语从句,在四级考试中所占比重不大,约4.7%。在讲解名词性从句的考试方式和答题要素前,让我们先看以下几题:
Test Yourself
1) Although Anne is happy with her success she wonders _____ will happen to her private life.(2000.1)
A.that B.what C.it D.this
2) We agreed to accept ____ they thought was not the best tourist guide.(2000.1)
A.whatever B.whomever C.whichever D.whoever
3) In some countries, ____ is called "equality" does not really mean
equal rights for all people.
A.which B.what C.that D.one (1995.6)
4) When I try to understand ____ that prevents so many Americans from being as one might expect,it seems to me that there are two causes.(1998.1)
A.why it does B.what it does C.what it is D.why it is
5) They are teachers and don't realize ____ to start and run a
company.(1995.1)
A.what it takes B.what takes it C.what they take D.what takes them
6) By success I don't mean ____ usually thought of when that word is used.(1996.6)
A.what is B.that we C.as you D.all is
7) The mere fact _____ most people believe nuclear war would be madness does not mean that it will not occur.(1997.6)
A.what B.which C.that vD.why
8) There are signs ____ restaurants are becoming more popular with families.(2000.6)
A.that B.which C.in which D.whose
Explanation and Expansion
A. 参考答案:1) B 2) D 3) B 4) C 5) A 6) A 7) C 8)A
B. 评析
1) 名词性从句的考查主要集中在两点,一是从句的语序为直陈语序,这一点在上面的5)题就有涉及。
2) 另一点则是名词性从句的连词的选择,而其中以what的使用最为广泛,涉及what连词的占5/8。
3) 连词what为缩合连词,相当于all that/ everything that等,而与之经常在同一题出现的which为疑问连词,表示"哪一个?"的概念,that做名词性从句的连词在从句中不做任何成分,也因此经常省略。在解这种题时一是看从句所表达的含义,最重要的是看连词在从句中是否做主语、宾语或表语。
4) 注意whoever 与who的差别。whoever相当于anyone who,而who为疑问连词。但从四级考试来看,更倾向于whoever 与whatever, whichever等的比较。也就是说,测试倾向于句子的理解,而不只是语法规则的记忆。
5) 除what以为,when, where, why也都可做缩合连词来用,考生也应引以注意,如:
I still remember when this used to be a small quiet village.
Is this where you and yours got robbed the other day?
6) 名词性从句考查设疑的另一点就是从句与非从句的比较,如1)中是否可以用it 或this,3)中是否可以用one等。
7) 同位语从句一般以that为连词者句多,如上面的7)8)两题。这类从句的特点是从句表示与其同位的名词的具体内容,连词that没有任何词汇意义,也没有任何句法功能。
本节我和同学们一起分析了四级词汇/语法测试中对时态、语态、虚拟语气和各种从句的用法特点和解题规律。