第8章　時　態(tài) 8.8　時態(tài)的呼應

8.8　時態(tài)的呼應

8.8.1　時態(tài)的呼應

某些從句（特別是賓語從句）中的動詞時態(tài)，常受主句謂語時態(tài)的制約，如在I thought you were free.這句話中，因受thought的影響，從句中的謂語只能用were free這個形式。這就稱為時態(tài)的呼應（The Sequence of Tenses）。如果主句謂語為現(xiàn)在時或?qū)頃r，從句中的謂語可以不受影響：

It's reported that they are building a new railway. 據(jù)報導他們正在修建一條新鐵路。

Has he told you when he is leaving for Kunming? 他告沒告訴你他什么時候去昆明？

We are trying to find out who is to take over the job. 我們正設法打聽誰將接替這工作。

Will you tell me how you two are getting along? 你可否告訴我你倆相處得怎樣？

如果主句謂語為過去時，從句謂語一般要跟著改為相關的過去時。改變的方式如下：

1) 一般現(xiàn)在時改為一般過去時：

I was sure he was in bed. (比較：I'm sure he's in bed.)

I didn't know where they lived. (比較：I don't know where they live.)

2) 現(xiàn)在進行時改為過去進行時：

He thought he was working for the people. (比較：He thinks he's working for the people.)

I was glad you were doing well. (比較：I'm glad you're doing well.)

3) 現(xiàn)在完成時改為過去完成時：

I heard she had won a scholarship. (比較：I hear she has won a scholarship.)

I wondered if she had got well. (比較：I wonder if she has got well.)

4) 現(xiàn)在完成進行時改為過去完成進行時：

He wanted to know what she had been doing. (比較：He wants to know what she has been doing.)

I asked him how long he had been waiting. (比較：Ask him how long he's been waiting.)

5) 一般將來時改為一般過去將來時：

I hoped I'd find a job soon. (比較：I hope I'll find a job soon.)

He wasn't sure if she'd accept the offer. (比較：He isn't sure if she'll accept the offer.)

6) 將來進行時改為過去將來進行時：

I thought she'd be going by bus. (比較：I think she'll be going by bus.)

She said she'd be expecting us. (比較：She says she'll be expecting us.)

7) 將來完成（進行）時改為過去將來完成（進行）時：

I thought he'd have gone to bed now. (比較：I think he'll have gone to bed now.)

I knew she'd have been teaching here for 20 years by this summer.

(比較：I know she'll have been teaching for 20 years by this summer.)

8) 一般過去時有時可改為過去完成時：

He said he had seen Bob that morning. (比較：I saw Bob this morning.)

如有明確的時間狀語，可以保持原來時態(tài)：

I knew he was born in 1970. (比較：I know he was born in 1970.)

8.8.2 一些特殊情況

1) 在某些情況下，從句謂語不隨主句謂語變化，例如：

a. 表示永恒真理時謂語可以不變：

This proved that the earth is round. 這證明地球是圓的。

The teacher told us that the Yangtze originates in Qinghai. 老師告訴我們說長江發(fā)源于青海。

b. 在口語中為了避免誤會也可以不變：

She said she's leaving tonight. 她說她今晚走。

Tom said he'll do it. 湯姆說這事他來做。

He told me he works in the editorial office. 他告訴我他在編輯部工作。

He told me just now that his wife is ill. 他剛才告訴我他妻子病了。

2) 有時可變可不變：

如強調(diào)現(xiàn)在的情況可以用現(xiàn)在時態(tài)：

3) can， may， will， shall可改為could， might， would， should：

She can swim like a fish. →She said that she could swim like a fish.

You may take it home. →She said I might take it home.

We'll support you. →They assured us that they would support us.

Shall I go with you? →He asked if he should go with us.

4) could， might， should， ought， must都可以不變：

Could I take this seat? →I asked if I could take that seat.

You might leave now. →She said I might leave now.

Should I shut the door? →I wondered whether I should shut the door.

I oughtn't to do it. →He said that I oughtn't to do it.

I must leave right away. →I said I must leave right away.