■余黎青萍 前教育署署長
日常我們用粵語與人交談,往往隨意說說笑笑,一般不會細意選用甚麼「介詞」,採用甚麼詞組。但在英語而言,尤其是學習英語為第二語文(English as a second language)的我們,則須加倍留神用詞的細則:一方面以防出錯,亦可從中取樂。
就以「介詞」(preposition)為例,配以同一「動詞」(verb),便可以表達完全不同的意思。這樣的詞組,現今的語法(grammar)教科用詞稱之為「短語動詞」(phrasal verbs);值得我們著意掌握其中妙趣。
謹此,提供一些實例與大家參詳。
Ask 「問、查問、要求」
當ask與不同介詞組合起來,會產生一系列的短語動詞,表達不同意思。
When you were ill, friends asked after you.
你生病時,友人紛紛問候你。
Workers are asking for legislation on minimum wages.
工人要求立法訂定最低工資。
Bear 「忍、支持、承受」
The research findings bear out my theory.
研究的結果證實我的理論。
Despite the tragic loss of their dear ones, the survivors are determined to bear up bravely.
雖然有失去至親的悲痛,生還者仍決心勇敢支撐下去。
Do bear with me and listen carefully.
請忍耐,靜心聆聽我的話。
Under Police control, the crowds began to bear back.
在警隊驅控下,群眾開始後退。
又如bear left/right則表示靠左、右。
Blow 「吹」
Blow是「吹」,有如風吹或吹樂器等。
He was so angry I thought he would blow up.
他極度憤怒至我以為他會爆發。(即大發脾氣)
With time, the grief of bereavement will blow over.
假以時日,喪失至親的哀傷會消散。
Break 「折斷、破碎」
The frightened horse suddenly started to break away.
受驚的馬突然逃脫。
For proper analysis, please break down the statistics.
請分拆數據以便好好分析。
Secure your doors and windows so that burglars cannot break in.
鎖好門窗,以免竊賊破門而入。
Schools break up every summer for holiday.
每年夏天學校都會散學放暑假。
Call 「叫、喊、召集、撥電」
As the protesters gathered in numbers, the Police were called out for crowd control.
由於示威者越來越多,要出動警隊控制群眾。
The meeting was called off because there was no quorum.
會議要取消(流會),因為不足所需人數。
The wonderful news calls for celebration.
這喜訊值得慶祝。
暫且擱筆,日後再談吧!
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