10.25 現(xiàn)在分詞的構成和性質(zhì)
分詞也是一種非限定動詞。分詞有現(xiàn)在分詞和過去分詞兩種?,F(xiàn)在分詞由動詞原形加詞尾-ing構成,其具體構成法見本書6.3。表動作的現(xiàn)在分詞的邏輯主語一般可在句中找到。
現(xiàn)在分詞有時式和語態(tài)的變化:
主動語態(tài) 被動語態(tài)
一般式 doing being done
完成式 having done having been done
現(xiàn)在分詞既有動詞性質(zhì),又有形容詞性質(zhì)。
1)現(xiàn)在分詞的動詞性質(zhì)表現(xiàn)在可有狀語和賓語并組成現(xiàn)在分詞短語。如:
(1)Going down town I met a friend. 我到市區(qū)時遇到一個朋友。(現(xiàn)在分詞going有狀語down town)
(2)Do you know that man carrying a large umbrella? 你認識那個拿著一把大雨傘的人嗎?(現(xiàn)在分詞carrying有賓語a large umbrella)
現(xiàn)在分詞的形容詞性質(zhì)表現(xiàn)在可用作定語等。如:
(3)He is a modest, understanding man. 他是一個謙虛而能諒解的人。(現(xiàn)在分詞understanding用作定語)
10.26 現(xiàn)在分詞的功用
現(xiàn)在分詞在句中可用作表語、定語、狀語、補語等。
1)用作表語,可有比較形式,亦可被very等副詞所修飾。如:
(1)This story is very interesting. 這個故事是很有趣。
(2)This film is more exciting than any that I’ve ever seen. 這部影片比我所看過的都更令人激動。
2)用作定語,多置于它所修飾的名詞之前。如:
(3)He is an attacking player. 他是一個攻擊型的運動員。
(4)He asked an embarrassing question. 他提了一個令人難堪的問題。
現(xiàn)在分詞有時也置于它所修飾的名詞之后。這種現(xiàn)在分詞往往相當于一個定語從句,表一時一事。如:
(5)This is Mr. Smith speaking. 我是史密斯先生。(電話用語)
(6)Oh, it’s the cake burning. 噢,糕點燒焦了。
有些現(xiàn)在分詞作為定語則必須置于它所修飾的名詞之后,它已與其前的名詞構成一種固定的搭配。如:
(7)This is nothing doing. 不行!(nothing doing是一固定詞組,表示拒絕)
(8)Let’s drop the subject for the time being. 讓我們現(xiàn)在不再談這個話題了吧。(for the time being是一固定詞組)
(9)They’ve had rich harvests for three years running. 他們已連續(xù)三年獲得豐收。(running常置于表示時間的名詞之后表示“連續(xù)的”)
用作定語的現(xiàn)在分詞有兩種。一種已轉(zhuǎn)化為形容詞,已無動詞性質(zhì),不但可被副詞very所修飾,而且可有比較的變化。另一種則仍有動詞性質(zhì),不可被副詞very所修飾,也沒有比較的變化。試比較:
a promising man 一個有為的青年(已轉(zhuǎn)化為形容詞promising,無動詞性質(zhì))
a leading comrade 領導同志(未轉(zhuǎn)化為形容詞,仍有動詞性質(zhì))
常見的已轉(zhuǎn)化為形容詞的現(xiàn)在分詞有alarming,amusing,astonishing,charming,daring,demanding,encouraging,confusing,disappointing,discouraging,exciting,grasping,interesting,inviting,misleading,pleasing,promising,refreshing,revealing,shocking,striking,surprising等。
但多數(shù)現(xiàn)在分詞并未轉(zhuǎn)化為形容詞:
a knowing smile 會意的微笑
developing countries 發(fā)展中國家
working people 勞動人民
running water 自來水
welcoming speeches 歡迎辭
a changing world 不斷變化的世界
those stirring years 那些激動人心的歲月
a crushing blow 沉重一擊
the neighbouring states 鄰國
a standing committee 常務委員會
guiding principles 指導原則
有的現(xiàn)在分詞和與其同根的形容詞皆可用作定語。如:
differing systems 相異的制度 / different systems 不同的制度
varying prices 各不相同的價格 / various prices 各種(不同)的價格
由上面的兩例可以看出,現(xiàn)在分詞用作定語時有動詞性質(zhì),具有能動性,而形容詞則只表一種品質(zhì)或性質(zhì)。有時二者的意義則完全不同。如:loving 鐘愛的 / lovely 可愛的
現(xiàn)在分詞短語一般皆須置于其所修飾的名詞之后,相當于一個定語從句,但較從句簡潔,故多用于筆語中。如:
(10)A little child learning to walk often falls. 學走路的小孩常常跌跤。
(11)Houseplants requiring constant attention are not suitable for working couples with little spare time. 業(yè)余時間不多的雙職工不宜養(yǎng)育經(jīng)常需要護理的家種植物。
以上所舉的現(xiàn)在分詞及其短語皆是限制性定語?,F(xiàn)在分詞及其短語亦可用作非限制性定語。如:
(12)There I met a friend, fishing. 我在那里遇見一個朋友,他在釣魚。
(13)He was a great realist, writing about ordinary men and women in their misfortunes. 他是一個偉大寫實主義者,寫了許多平凡的不幸中的人。
現(xiàn)在分詞短語用作定語時,其所表的時間一般應與句中的謂語動詞所表的時間相同。以上諸例皆是如此。但有時二者所表的時間亦可不同,尤其當現(xiàn)在分詞表示經(jīng)?;蛩查g動作的時候。如:
(14)A young man writing novels came to speak to us yesterday. 一位寫小說的青年昨天來向我們作報告。(現(xiàn)在分詞writing=who write)
(15)Do you know the number of people coming to the party? 你知道來參加晚會的人數(shù)嗎?(現(xiàn)在分詞coming=who will come)
3)用作狀語,表時間、原因、結果、條件、讓步、方式或伴隨情況。表時間時其動作可能發(fā)生于謂語動詞的動作之前或其后,亦可能與謂語動詞同時發(fā)生?,F(xiàn)在分詞用作狀語時可置于句首,亦可置于句末,但表結果時常置于句末;表條件時則置于謂語之前或其后。如:
(16)Stepping carelessly off the pavement, he was knocked down by the bus. 他不小心離開了人行道,被公共汽車撞倒了。(表時間,發(fā)生于謂語動作之前,置于句首)
(17)He went out shutting the door behind him. 他出去后將門隨手關上。(表時間,發(fā)生于謂語動作之后,置于句末)
(18)She broke her looking glass, dressing to go out. 她在外出前穿著時把鏡子打破了。(二者同時發(fā)生,置于句末)
(19)While flying over the Channel, the pilot saw what he thought to be a meteorite. 飛過英吉利海峽時,駕駛員認為他看見了一顆隕星。(強調(diào)動作同時發(fā)生時,現(xiàn)在分詞前可用when或while)
(20)Being sick I stayed at home. 我因病待在家中。(現(xiàn)在分詞being常表原因)
(21)Seeing that it was raining, George put on his mackintosh. 鑒于下雨,喬治穿上了雨衣。(seeing that是一表原因的固定說法)
(22)Robert used the phone to cancel his lunch date with Basil, having suddenly remembered a previous engagement. 羅伯特打電話取消了他與巴茲爾吃午餐的約會,因為他突然想起已另有他約。(置于句末的現(xiàn)在分詞完成式常表原因)
(23)According to this theory, a large meteor hitting the moon would melt the surface rock by the force of the collision. 根據(jù)此理論,一顆大流星落在月球上所產(chǎn)生的碰撞力就會使月球表面上的巖石熔化。(表條件,置于謂語之前)
(24)Sit down, Emma. You will only make yourself more tired, keeping on your feet. 坐下吧,埃瑪。你老站著,只會弄得你更累。(表條件,置于謂語之后)
(25)Knowing all this, they made me pay for the damage. 他們盡管了解這一切,還是要我賠償損失。(表讓步,置于句首)
(26)Finally we appealed to a famous doctor knowing it was very improper to ask him to work on a dog. 最后我們向一位名醫(yī)呼救,雖然我們知道請他給一條狗治病是很不適宜的。(表讓步,置于句末)
(27)The child fell, striking his head against the door and cutting it. 那孩子跌倒了,頭碰在門上碰破了。(表結果,置于句末)
(28)He said that the leaves of his jasmine plant had turned yellow. He thought that it was due to a water shortage so he applied more water, only making things worse. 他說他的茉莉花的葉子變黃了。他想是缺水所致,于是多澆了水,結果反而更糟。(表結果,與only連用)
(29)He died a glorious death fighting the bandits for us. 他為我們與匪徒戰(zhàn)斗,光榮犧牲了。(表方式)
(30)He sat in the armchair, reading the newspaper. 他坐在扶手椅上讀報紙。(表伴隨情況)
[注]有少數(shù)現(xiàn)在分詞常放在某些形容詞之前,起一種相當于副詞的功用,往往意謂“極”或“非常”。如:freezing(biting,piercing) cold 極冷;burning(steaming,scorching) hot 極熱;raving mad 瘋狂;soaking wet 濕透
4)用作賓語補語,與其前的賓語構成復合賓語。具有這種復合賓語的謂語動詞多為表示感覺的動詞。如:
(31)I saw the naughty boy hitting the dog. 我看見那個頑皮的孩子打狗。
(32)I felt the house shaking. 我覺得房子在搖晃。
這樣的動詞還有find,hear,smell,observe,watch,notice,look at,listen to等。另外,有些使役動詞如have,set,get,catch,keep,leave等亦可后接含有現(xiàn)在分詞的復合賓語。如:
(33)We’ll soon have you walking about again. 我們將很快地使你能再走動。
(34)Can you get the clock going again? 你能使這鐘再走嗎?
作為賓語補語的現(xiàn)在分詞有時其前可有as,前面的動詞多用regard,consider,describe,quote,picture,see,think of等。如:
(35)We consider this sentence pattern as being useful. 我們認為這種句型是有用的。(being可省去)
(36)They regarded the contract as having been broken. 他們認為合同已被破壞。
[注]有人認為上述句子中as后不是現(xiàn)在分詞而是動名詞。
5)用作主語補語,多用于被動結構,與主語構成復合主語。如:
(37)He was seen going upstairs. 有人看見他上樓的。
(38)She was heard singing all the time. 人們聽到她一直在唱。
10.27 現(xiàn)在分詞的獨立結構
現(xiàn)在分詞可有其獨立的邏輯主語。這種主語常常是名詞或代詞主格,置于現(xiàn)在分詞之前,二者構成一種分詞獨立結構?,F(xiàn)在分詞獨立結構常用作狀語,置于句首或句末,偶爾也置于句中。現(xiàn)在分詞獨立結構多用在書面語中。
1)表時間。如:
(1)The dark clouds having dispersed, the sun shone again. 烏云已散去,太陽又普照大地了。
(2)The question being settled, we went home. 問題解決之后,我們就回家了。
2)表原因。如:
(3)The monitor being ill we’d better put the meeting off. 班長病了,我們最好還是延期開會吧。
(4)The river having risen in the night, the crossing was impossible. 夜里河水上漲,渡河不可能了。
3)表條件。如:
(5)Weather permitting, we’ll have the match tomorrow. 天氣允許的話,我們將于明天進行比賽。
(6)Other things being equal, I would buy the black dress not the white one. 其它方面如皆相同,我將買那件黑的衣服,不買那件白的。
4)表方式或伴隨情況。如:
(7)Their room was on the third floor, it’s window overlooking the sports ground. 他們的房間在三層樓上,窗戶俯視著操場。
(8)He guiding her, they stumbled through the street. 他引著她,兩個人蹣跚穿過那條街。
(9)He, God willing, would be in the village before the second next month. 他,如果情況允許,將于下月2日前來到這個村莊。
有時這種現(xiàn)在分詞獨立結構具有一種解釋性的功能。如:
(10)We redoubled our efforts, each man working like two. 我們加倍努力,每一個人就像于兩個人的話。
(11)Only three fissile materials are known at present, these being uranium-235, uranium-233 and plutonium. 現(xiàn)在只知道三種可裂變物質(zhì),即鈾-235,鈾-233和钚。
現(xiàn)在分詞獨立結構之前可用介詞with。介詞with在此沒有什么意義,只是比較口語化。如:
(12)With Mr. Ade taking the lead, they decided to set up a trading company. 以艾德先生為首,他們決定成立一個貿(mào)易公司。(用作方式狀語)
(13)We went into a large waiting room with a large fan spinning overhead. 我們走進一個大候診室,頭上有一個大電扇運轉(zhuǎn)著。(用作定語)
(14)With the whole meeting in uproar, the chairman abandoned the attempt to take a vote. 整個會議吵作一團,于是主席放棄了投票的企圖。(用作原因狀語)
10.28 現(xiàn)在分詞的完成式
現(xiàn)在分詞完成式所表的動作發(fā)生在謂語動詞所表的動作之前,常用作狀語,表時間和原因。表時間常置于句首,表原因時常置于句末或句首。如:
(1)Having noted down our names and addresses, the policeman dismissed us. 那警察把我們的姓名和地址記下之后就讓我們走了。(表時間)
(2)I was unable to accept your invitation, having promised to accompany my mother to the concert. 我因已答應陪我母親赴音樂會而不能接受你的邀請。(表原因)
(3)Not having met him, I cannot tell you what he is like. 我沒有見過他,所以說不出他的模樣。(表原因)
現(xiàn)在分詞完成式一般不用定語,但也有例外。如:
(4)Any man having witnessed the attack is under suspicion. 任何目擊此次襲擊的人都有了嫌疑。
現(xiàn)在分詞完成式亦可用于分詞獨立結構。如:
(5)My turn having come round, I was ushered into the examining room. 輪到我時,我就被引入考試室。
現(xiàn)在分詞完成式有時可被現(xiàn)在分詞一般式所代替。如:
(6)Passing through the wall of mud, they found a cheerful company assembled. 穿過土墻,他們發(fā)現(xiàn)有一伙人歡聚在一起。(passing=having passed)
有時表已完成的動作,但二者的含義稍有不同;前者與謂語動詞無時隔,后者與謂語動詞則有時隔。試比較:
(7)Locking the door, she went out. 她鎖上門走了出去。(locking與went out無時隔)
(8)Having finished his pipe, he rose from the table. 他抽完了煙斗之后,從飯桌站了起來。(having finished與rose有時隔,以免唐突無禮)
10.29 現(xiàn)在分詞的被動式
現(xiàn)在分詞一般式和完成式皆有被動式。如:
(1)The house being built is a big project. 正在施工的那幢樓是一項很大的工程。(現(xiàn)在分詞一般式被動式,用作定語)
(2)This having been said. Let us return to our subject. 道完了此事,讓我們言歸正傳吧。(現(xiàn)在分詞完成式,用于獨立結構)
(3)Being surrounded, the enemy troops were forced to surrender. 敵軍被包圍了,結果被迫投降。(現(xiàn)在分詞一般式被動式,用作原因狀語)
(4)Did you see the boy being questioned by the police? 你看見那男孩受到警察審問了嗎?(現(xiàn)在分詞一般式被動式,用作賓語補語)
有時現(xiàn)在分詞的一般式的被動式與其完成式的被動式完全同義,皆表示已完成的動作,這時用一般式的被動式較好。如:
(5)Being written in haste, the composition is full of mistakes. 這篇文章倉猝寫就,因而錯誤百出。(being written較having been written好)
但現(xiàn)在分詞一般式的被動式有歧義時,則應用現(xiàn)在分詞完成式的被動式表已完成的動作。如:
(6)She rebuked herself for forgetting what she really knew quite well, having been told it often. 她常被告以此事,所以她責備自己忘記了她實已熟知的事。(如用being told it often,除可能具有having been told it often的含義外,也可能具有“經(jīng)常被告訴”的意思)
10.30 現(xiàn)在式的否定式
現(xiàn)在式的否定式由not加現(xiàn)在分詞構成。如:
(1)Not seeing John, I asked where he was. 我看不見約翰,于是問他在何處。(現(xiàn)在分詞一般式的否定式)
(2)I left at noon, not staying to hear the commencement address by John Buchan. 我中午即離去,沒有留下聽約翰•布坎在畢業(yè)典禮上的演說。(現(xiàn)在分詞一般式的否定式)
(3)Not being seen by any one, he escaped. 他趁無人看見時逃跑了。(現(xiàn)在分詞被動式的否定式)
(4)Not having done it right, I tried again. 我由于沒有做對,所以又試了試。(現(xiàn)在分詞完成式的否定式)
10.31 垂懸的現(xiàn)在分詞
現(xiàn)在分詞用作狀語時,其邏輯主語應與句子中的主語一致。如:
(1)He was lying on the couch, enjoying his pipe. 他躺在睡椅上吸著煙斗。
但有時現(xiàn)在分詞的主語與其所在句中的主語并不一致,這種現(xiàn)在分詞即所謂垂懸分詞(dangling participle)。垂懸分詞的邏輯主語有時是句中的非主語成分。如:
(2)Walking or sleeping, this subject was always in my mind. 不論是走路或是睡覺,我總是在想著這個問題。(walking or sleeping的邏輯主語是句中的my)
(3)Wiping the sweat from his brow, it seemed to Kunta that his people were always enduring one hardship or another. 孔塔抹去額上的汗珠,似乎覺得他的人民總是在受這樣那樣的苦。(wiping的邏輯主語是句中的Kunta)
有時現(xiàn)在分詞的邏輯主語泛指“我們”。如:
(4)Using the electric energy, it is necessary to change its form. 我們使用電能時須改變其形式。
(5)Granting these differences, the service was a service. 我們姑且承認這些區(qū)別,但禮拜還是禮拜。
有時現(xiàn)在分詞的邏輯主語須從上下文決定。如:
(6)Trying to sit up, the whole room had reeled. 他想坐起來,但覺得整個房間旋轉(zhuǎn)。
(7)Entering the house, the door closed with a bang. 那人進了屋,門砰的一聲就關上了。
有時現(xiàn)在分詞用來表示說話人對所說的話表示一種態(tài)度,它們已變成固定詞組,可以看作一種句子的獨立成分。如:generally(strictly,etc.) speaking 一般(嚴格等)地說;judging from… 從....來判斷;talking of ….. 說到....;allowing for…. 考慮到....;considering…. 考慮到....;counting….. 算上....;assuming ….. 假定....;supposing ….. 假定....;barring…. 除去....。
10.32 現(xiàn)在分詞與不定式的比較
在復合賓語中,賓語補語既可用不定式,亦可用現(xiàn)在分詞。二者的區(qū)別是:
1)不定式表動作的全過程,現(xiàn)在分詞只表動作過程的一部分。如:
(1)I saw him go upstairs. 我看見他上樓去了。
(2)I saw him going upstairs. 我看見他上樓去的。
2)有時不定式表一次性動作,現(xiàn)在分詞表重復性動作。如:
(3)She felt the tears roll down her cheeks. 她感到眼淚流了下來。(一次性動作)
(4)She felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. 她感到眼淚不斷地流了下來。(重復性動作)
3)有時不定式表事實,現(xiàn)在分詞表具有描寫色彩。如:
(5)We saw the sun rise. 我們看見了日出。
(6)We saw the sun rising behind the trees. 我們看見太陽從樹后出來。
4)有時因謂語動詞的含義不同而須用不定式或現(xiàn)在分詞。如:
(7)You should send your shoes to be repaired. 你應將鞋子送來以便修補。(必須用不定式)
(8)The explosion sent glass flying everywhere. 玻璃被炸得飛向四處。(必須用現(xiàn)在分詞)
5)謂語動詞have表“想要”時,其后則須用不定式。如:
(9)What would you have me do? 你想要我做什么呢?
謂語動詞have表“使”時,其后也多用不定式。如:
(10)Have Smith come and see me. 叫史密斯來見我。(have在此有“吩咐”的意思)
謂語動詞have表“允許”時,后接不定式和現(xiàn)在分詞皆可,二者意義無甚區(qū)別。表“允許”的have常用于否定結構。如:
(11)I won’t have you say such things. 我不許你這樣講話。
(12)I won’t have you saying such things.
10.33 現(xiàn)在分詞與動名詞的比較
現(xiàn)在分詞用作定語時,與動名詞不同。首先,現(xiàn)在分詞不重讀,動名詞則須重讀。如: a ˊsleeping ˊchild 熟睡的孩子(現(xiàn)在分詞不重讀)
a ˊsleeping car 臥車(動名詞須重讀)。
其次,現(xiàn)在分詞表示其所修飾的名詞的動作,也可以說現(xiàn)在分詞與其所修飾的名詞在邏輯上具有主謂關系。動名詞則表示其修飾的名詞的性質(zhì),二者在邏輯上無主謂關系。再以上述兩個短語為例,現(xiàn)在分詞sleeping即表示其所修飾的名詞child的動作,在邏輯上child是主語,sleeping是謂語。動名詞sleeping則表示其所修飾的名詞car的性質(zhì)或用途,二者在邏輯上沒有主謂關系。
再次,現(xiàn)在分詞用作定語時,其前可有副詞、形容詞或名詞,這些詞皆與現(xiàn)在分詞有密切關系。如:
a hard-working student 一個很用功的學生(現(xiàn)在分詞working之前有副詞hard,是working的狀語)
a good-looking girl 一個漂亮的姑娘(現(xiàn)在分詞looking之前有形容詞good,是looking的表語)
a man-eating animal 一個吃人的動物(現(xiàn)在分詞eating之前有名詞man,是 eating的賓語)
動名詞用作定語時,其前可以有形容詞,但其形容詞不是修飾動名詞,而是修飾“動名詞+名詞”結構。如:
a big waiting room 一大間候車室(形容詞big不修飾動名詞waiting,而是修飾waiting room)
名詞(代詞)這后的現(xiàn)在分詞常表進程,動名詞常表事實。如:
(1)I saw him smoking. 我看見他在吸煙。(現(xiàn)在分詞表進程,him不可變?yōu)閔is)
(2)I dislike him smoking. 我厭惡他吸煙。(smoking是動名詞,因為him可變?yōu)閔is,全句=I dislike the fact that he smokes)
有些以-ing結尾的詞到底是現(xiàn)在分詞,還是動名詞,語法家們意見不一。如:
(3)He is busy writing something. 他在忙于寫東西。
有的語法家認為writing是現(xiàn)在分詞,表方面(respect);有的語法家則認為是動名詞,其前省去了介詞in。
有一些現(xiàn)在分詞已轉(zhuǎn)化為介詞,如regarding,concerning ,notwithstanding,considering,granting,according等。