合适的词放在合理的位置

  一个单词位置的改变成以影响到句子的核心句意。我们来看个例子:

  ◆ ALL the children are covered in mud.

  ◆ The children are ALL covered in mud.

 

  上面的句子改变了all位置将句意从数量上的全部儿童变成了儿童整个人。我们再看另外一个例子:

  ◆ ONLY the council votes on Thursdays.

  ◆ The council votes ONLY on Thursdays.

 

  第一句的意思表示只有council在周四的时候会投票,(也许像董事会会在周一和周五投票)。第二个句子表示council只有周四时会投票其他时间不会考虑。所以我们在比较选项的时候特别要关注这种改变位置的词,特别是短的词,像only、all这种,对数量及其他方面限制的词。

  有的时候你还需要注意整体语序。虽然单词都认得但整体句意却很含糊、罗嗦。

  ◆ The council granted the right to make legal petitions TO CITY OFFICIALS

 

  TO CITY OFFICIALS指什么?市政官员有权进行法律的请愿吗?或其他人有权提出法律请求?无论哪种方式,正确的选项一定要解决这种歧义:

  ◆ The council granted CITY OFFICIALS the right to make legal petitions.

  ◆ The right to make legal petitions TO CITY OFFICIALS was granted by the council.

 

  如果句子的意思仍然混乱,那就检查整体词序。英语通常把主语放在动词的前面,所以就尽量保持这个顺序。

  ◆ Awkward: A referendum is a general public vote through which IS PASSED A LAW OR OTHER PROPOSAL.

  ◆ Better: A referendum is a general public vote through which A LAW OR OTHER PROPOSAL IS PASSED.

完成阅读