放大圖片
■有歷史價值的建築物應該得到政府保育。圖為景賢里。 資料圖片
Jane(珍)和Jack(積)正在討論一些古老建築物的保育問題。
Jane: These old buildings should be preserved. We can't simply pull them down.
珍:這些古老建築物應該保育。我們不可以隨便拆卸它們。
Jack: To some degree, I agree, but I think we have to consider the need for development in the area as well.
積:在某個程度上,我同意,但是我認為我們應該也考慮區內的發展需要。
To some degree 不盡同意
從兩人的對話中,可以知道Jack對Jane的意見有所保留,不盡同意。這就是to some degree的用處。這短語的意思是「部分,不是全部」。當中的「degree」解作程度,不需用眾數。除了to some degree,亦可用to a degree或to a certain degree。意思都一樣。
You're right to a degree, but changes can happen any time.
在某個程度上,你是對的,但是世事隨時都會出現變化。
To a certain degree, chocolate is harmful to health. However, you don't have to quit it altogether because there are some benefits.
在一定程度上,朱古力有害健康。不過,你也不必全然戒吃朱古力,因為它也有一些益處。
口語「n次」 指無限數
然而,to the nth degree又是甚麼意思?這應該不難猜到。數學中常以n代替無限數,中文口語亦常說n次,即無限次數;n年前即是無數年前,強調很大數目。英文的to the nth degree就是最高程度,無限量,盡一切可能,毫無保留的意思。
He made a mistake even he was always careful to the nth degree.
即使他經常極度小心,亦犯下了錯誤。
We all respect him because he is a gentleman to the nth degree.
我們都很尊敬他,因為他是一名不折不扣的紳士。
No matter what dreams you have, you have to pursue them to the nth degree.
不論你有甚麼夢想,你都要毫無保留地追求。
在Jane和Jack的對話中,如果Jack極度同意Jane要保育古老建築物的意見,他可以說:
I agree with you to the nth degree. We must protect these buildings.
我完全同意你的說法。我們必須保護這些建築物。 ■Lina CHU
linachu88@netvigator.com
逢周三見報
|