一、概說
狀語從句即指在主從復合句用作狀語的從句。按照其意義,狀語從句可分為時時間狀語從句、地點狀語從句、原因狀語從句、目的狀語從句、結果狀語從句、條件狀語從句、讓步狀語從句等。狀語從句是高中英語學習中的一個語法重點,也是歷年高考重點考查的內容之一。學習狀語從句主要應注意引導狀語從句的從屬連詞的用法與區別,以及從屬連詞在一定的語言環境中的意義與用法。
二、時間狀語從句
1. 引導時間狀語從句的從屬連詞
引導時間狀語從句的從屬連詞很多,如較基本的有before, after, when, while, as, since, till, until, assoon as 等:
Things were different when I was a child. 我小時候情況與現在不同。
We must strike while the iron is hot. 我們要趁熱打鐵。
It’s a long time since I met you last. 從上次見到你,已有很長時間了。
He waited until she was about to leave. 他等著一直到她準備離開。
除以上基本的引導時間狀語從句的從屬連詞外,還有些本來不是從屬連詞卻可用作從屬連詞的詞:
(1) 表示“一…就”的從屬連詞:the moment, the minute, the second, the instant, immediately, directly, instantly, once, no sooner…than, hardly…when等。如:
Immediately he came I told him the news. 他一來我就把消息告訴了他。
The moment I saw him I knew there was no hope. 我一看到他就知道沒希望了。
We had no sooner set out than it began to rain. 我們剛出發就下雨了。
Once he arrives, we can start. 他一來我們就可以開始。
(2) 涉及time的幾個從屬連詞:every time(每次),each time(每次),(the) next time(下次),anytime(隨時),the last time(上次),the first time(第一次)。如:
Every time I see her I’ll think of it. 每次我看到她,我就想起這事。
He felt nervous each time she spoke to him. 每次她和他講話,他都感到緊張。
He didn’t tell me the last time I saw him. 我上次見到他時他沒告訴我。
2. 時間狀語從句與及其主句的時態
關于這個問題有兩點值得注意:
(1) 當主句為將來時態或具有將來意義時,時間狀語從句通常要用一般現在時表示將來意義,而不能直接使用將來時態:
Turn off the lights before you leave. 走前關燈。
I will tell him as soon as he arrives. 他一來我就告訴他。
(2) 與since 從句搭配的主句的時態通常是現在完成時態:
He has lived here since 1999. 自1999年以來,他就一直住在這兒。
Where have you been since I last saw you? 自我上次見到你之后你到哪里去了?
注:在特定的語言環境中有時也可能用過去完成時或一現在時:
It seems like years since we last met. 我們似乎幾年未見面了。
Yesterday he told me that he hadn’t eaten anything since Tuesday. 他昨天告訴我自星期二以來他一直未吃任何東西。
三、條件狀語從句
1. 引導條件狀語從句的從屬連詞
主要的有if, unless, as [so] long as等:
You can leave now if you like. 如果你愿意現在就可以走了。
As long as it doesn’t rain we can go. 只要不下雨,我們就可以去。
注:除以上基本的引導條件狀語從句的從屬連詞外,還有的動詞尤其是其分詞形式(如suppose, supposing, provided, providing等)和介詞短語(如in case, on condition that等)也可用作連詞表示條件:
If case I forget, please remind me about it. 萬一我忘記,請提醒我一下。
I will come on condition (that) she is invited too. 如果邀請她來, 那我就來。
He may go with us provided [providing] he arrives in time. 他若及時到,就可以和我們一起走。
Suppose 和supposing 引導條件狀語從句時,通常用于主句為疑問句的場合:
Suppose the boss saw you,what would he say? 如果老板看到你,他會怎樣說?
Supposing he does not come, shall we go without him? 他若不來,是不是不帶他去?
2. 條件狀語從句的時態
當主句為將來時態或具有將來意時,條件狀語從句通常要用一般現在時表示將來意義,而不能直接使用將來時態:
In case he comes, let me know. 如果他來,告訴我一聲。
I’ll stay at home if it rains tomorrow. 要是明天下雨,我就呆在家里。
注:有時也可見到 if you will 這樣的說法,但那不是將來時態,而是表示意愿或委婉的請求(此處的 will是情態動詞):
If you will wait for a moment, I’ll go and tell the manager that you are here. 請等一下,我去告訴經理說你來了。