●情態動詞有其獨特的用法,例如,shall只能用在第一人稱里。
●由主動語態變成被動語態,或由被動語態變成主動語態時,有的情態動詞的意思會發生變化。比較下面的例句:
I can’t do it. 我不能做這件事。
I cant’t be done by me. 這件事不可能由我來做。
The Passive of Infinitives and gerunds 不定式和動名詞的被動語態
Infinitives 不定式不定式的被動語態的形式如下所示:
(not) to be + 動詞的過去分詞
我們常用不定式的被動語態。比較一下下文里主動語態和被動語態的句子。
I would like someone to tell me the truth. 我希望有人能告訴我實情。
" I would like to be told the truth. 我希望能被告知實情。
They want us to pick them up at half past eight.他們希望我們8點半去接他們。
" They want to be picked up at half past eight.我們希望8點半被接。
I asked them to fet6ch me in the morning.我告訴他們早上來接我。
" I asked to be fetched in the morning.我要求早上來人接我。
*美國英語里一般常用pick up。
I asked them to pick me up in the morning. "I asked to be picked up in the morning.
不定式的被動語態常用來表示義務,特別是規則,規定常用這種形式。
Ties are to be worn at all times.領帶要一直系著。
Every visitor is to be treated with respect. 每一個訪問者都受到禮待。
Gerund 動名詞
動名詞的被動語態如下所示。
(not )being +動詞的過去分詞
第六單元的“語法博士DR GRAMMAR”里列舉的接-ing形式的動詞大部分都可以用動名詞的被動語態。
If you want to avoid being sacked, be nice to the boss.如果你不想被開除,對老板好一點。
I can’t bear being ignored.我不能容忍被忽視。
Did you enjoy being shown round the factory?你喜歡有人帶著參觀一下工廠嗎?
第七單元列舉的加介詞的動詞和和介詞+賓語+-ing形式,也可以用動名詞的被動語態。
I object to being should at.我討厭別人對我喊叫。
There’s no point in his being sent home.把他送回家毫無意義。