旋元佑进阶语法（十三）（名词从句减化 + 状语从句减化）（完结）

第二十四章 名词从句减化
第二十五章 状语从句减化

第二十四章 名词从句减化

• 只要是从属从句减化，做法都是一样：省略掉主语与 be 动词、留下补语部分。名词子句的减化也不例外。名词从句进行减化时，比较需要注意的是词类的要求：名词从句在主要 从句中扮演主语、宾语、补语、同位语等角色，经常是不可或缺的元素；减化之后要注意减 化从句必须仍然是名词类（如动名词、动词不定词等），才能继续扮演同样的角色。
• 所有的从属从句减化时，动词的处理方式都是一样的：若有 be 动词则省略 be 动词、有 语气助动词则减化为 to，若是普通动词则一律加-ing。名词从句减化时也是如此处理，只是 要注意：减化之后剩余的减化从句必须维持名词的词类。最常见的结果就是减化为动名词（Ving）与减化为动词不定词（to V）这两种情况

1 减化为 Ving

1.1 主语位置

[That you don’t have a cell-phone] can save you a great deal of trouble.
[Not having a cell-phone] can save you a great deal of trouble. (you 和后面重，省略， have → having)

• 名词从句的主语如果和主要从句的内容并不重复、也不是空洞无意义的字，那么在进行 从句减化时必须设法保留下来，不然句子的意思会受到损害。最常见的一种保留方式就是： 动词减化为动名词（Ving），主语以所有格的形式安插在动名词前面的限定符位置

[That John was drunk] is no excuse for the rude behavior.
(John 当时喝醉了，这并不能构成他行为粗暴的借口。)
[John’s being drunk] is no excuse for the rude behavior. (改法一 was → being)
[John’s drunkeness] is no excuse for the rude behavior. (改法二 drunk → drunkenness)
也可以选择把 John’s 安插在别的位置，例如 rude behavior 前面的限定符位置
[Being drunk] is no excuse for John’s rude behavior. (高明！)
总之，如果名词从句原来的主语有意义又不重复，进行减化时就要设法找个位置安插 它、把它保留下来。动名词前面的所有格位置是个常用的位置。

1.2 宾语位置

I dislike [that I am kept waiting]. (that I am 省略 把kept waiting 改成 being kept waiting)
I dislike [being kept waiting].
名词从句(中括号内)当作及物动词 dislike 的宾语使用。它的主语 I 和主要从句的主语 相同，可以省略。接下来再省略掉无意义的 be 动词。这是一般减化从句的标准做法。但是， 省略掉重复的主语与空洞的 be 动词之后，名词从句剩下的部分 kept waiting 是个过去分词片 语，属于形容词类、不再是名词，因而不能继续扮演及物动词的宾语角色。这时候需要进行 词类变化:要把 kept waiting 改为名词类。不过，这个上下文就是需要过去分词 kept 才能表 示「被迫」的被动语态、也需要现在分词 waiting 才能表示「持续」的进行状态。想要做词 类变化，必须另外想办法:在前面加上无意义的 being，成为 being kept waiting，整个词组 的词类就转变为动名词词组，可以当宾语使用了，意思仍然不变

I saw [that many birds were flying southward].
名词从句（中括号内的部分）当作动词 saw 的宾语使用。这个名词从句要进行减化时， 因为它的主语 many birds 具有明确的内容、又和主要从句的内容并不重复，所以必须设法把 这个主语保留下来。以这个例子而言，有一个办法是把原来的主语 many birds 放在主要从句的宾语位置、be动词省略掉，原来的主语补语 flying southward 则放在宾语补语位置
I saw many birds flying southward.

1.3 补语位置

The actor’s greatest achievement is that he has been nominated twice for the Oscar.
The actor’s greatest achievement is having been nominated twice for the Oscar.
名词从句中若有完成时（have + Ven）的动词，在减化时可以用 having + Ven 的动名词 型态保留下来、维持名词的词类。如果名词从句中是完成时的 be 动词（have been）配合过 去分词（Ven）表达被动语态，减化时会变成 having been + Ven 的型态。

1.4 同位语位置

I am happy about the fact [that you won the prize].
介词词组 about the fact 没有什么明确的 内容，而且又和后面的同位语重复，所以整个被省略掉了。
I am happy [that you won the prize].
如果选择要减化 that you won the prize 这个名词从句，就得把原来被省略掉的介词 about 拿出来使用，在 about 后面就有一个宾语位置，可以放个名词进去。有两种放法：

1. I am happy about you winning the prize.(winning the prize 成为现在分词词组、当形容 词使用，修饰 you。)
2. I am happy about your winning the prize. (动名词词组)

The fact [that he is innocent] should be obvious to all.
[His innocence] should be obvious to all.
[His being innocent] should be obvious to all.

The student was worried [that he couldn’t pass the exam].
名词从句（中括号内的部分）扮演的是同位语的角色，但是前面有个介词词组被省略 掉了，还原回去会看得比较清楚：
The student was worried about the possibility [that he couldn’t pass the exam].
在过去分词 worried 后面本来有个介词词组 about the possibility 修饰它，接下来的名 词从句是 the possibility 的同位语。如果选择要减化这个名词从句，必须先把省略掉的介系 词 about 放回去，那么这个介词后面就有个宾语的空间可以安插减化从句。名词从句中的 动词词组是 couldn’t pass，正常的减化做法是把语气助动词 could 减化为表示不定词的 to。 但是，介词后面只能放一般的名词词组（包括动名词）、不能放不定词，所以要另想办法。 可以先把动词词组 couldn’t pass 改写为 was not able to pass，以避免语气助动词。然后再把 was not able to pass 改写为动名词词组 not being able to pass，就可以当介词 about 的宾语了
The student was worried about not being able to pass the exam.

I’m surprised that there is no index to the book.
句中的名词从句扮演什么角色，必须把省略掉的介词词组还原回去才看得清楚：c
I’m surprised at the fact that there is no index to the book.
名词从句 that there is no index to the book 是前面 the fact 的同位语。原句省略掉了介系词词组 at the fact。如果选择要把后面的名词从句减化，就得把介词 at 拿回来使用，介系
词后面的宾语位置就可以用来安插减化的名词从句，如下：
I’m surprised at there being no index to the book.

2 减化为 to V

2.1 来自直述句的名词从句

直述句外加无意义的连词 that，构成的就是名词从句。这种名词从句如果动词词组中 包含语气助动词，减化的结果就会变成表示不定词的 to。

2.1.1 主语位置

It is important [that one should be honest].
It is important [to be honest].

1. [That anyone should go on such a mission] takes guts.
   (任何人如果要出这种任务的话都得有胆量才行。)
2. [That John should go on such a mission] is suicide.
   (John 如果要出这种任务的话简直是自寻死路。)
   [To go on such a mission] takes guts. (that anyone 都没意义，should → to)
   句 2 的情况稍有不同，主要是因为名词从句里面的主语是 John，不再是空洞的字眼， 因此进行名词从句减化时有必须保留下来。如果是减化为动名词（Ving），如上节所述，动 名词和普通名词一样，在它前面有个限定符位置，可以用所有格的形式把原来的主语保留下 来。但是，如果减化为动词不定词（to V），它前面就没有限定符位置了，这时候一般的做法是加个介词 for，把名词从句原来的主语安插在介词后面的宾语位置
   [For John to go on such a mission] is suicide.

• 如果是像下面这些语带「褒眨」的句型，那么添加的介词要用 of 而不是 for

It is kind that you can say so.
主要从句的主语 it 是个虚字，代表的是后面的名词从句。这个名词从句若要减化，它 的主语 you 需要找个地方安插。一般的做法是将主语放在介词 for 后面，但是像 It is kind … 这种表示「夸奖」的句型，应该用的介词是 of。助动词 can 还是一样减化为 to
It is kind [of you to say so].

It was silly [that he should believe that story].
It was silly [of him to believe that story].

It takes time [that anybody can learn skiing well].
主要从句的主语 it 是虚字，代表后面的名词从句（中括号内的部分）。名词从句中的 主语 anybody 是个笼统的字眼，减化时可以省略。再把助动词 can 减化为 to，就成为：
It takes time [to learn skiing well].

It didn’t take much time [that Richard could learn skiing well].

1. It didn’t take much time [for Richard to learn skiing well].(sth for sb)
2. It didn’t take Richard much time [to learn skiing well].(sb sth)
3. Richard didn’t take much time [to learn skiing well].
   这是把原来的主语 Richard 安插在主要从句主语位置取代虚字 it，句型变成 S+V+O 的 句型，后面的动词不定词（减化从句的结果）就当副词使用，修饰动词 take。

2.1.2 宾语位置

I hope [that I can get a raise next month].
I hope [to get a raise next month].

I would like [that you can go to the concert with me].
I would like you to go to the concert with me.

I consider it my duty [that I should support my daughter through college].
I consider it my duty [to support my daughter through college].

I want [that there will be no mistake].
主要从句的宾语是个名词从句（中括号内的部分）。这个名词从句本身是个倒装句：主 词是 no mistake，动词是 will be，主语补语 there 倒装到句首构成 there is/are 的句型来表示「存 在有」。这个名词从句要减化时，必须维持 there is/are 的句型来表示「存在有」，所以只能 把助动词 will 减化为表示不定词的 to，无意义的连词 that 删掉、其余保留，结果就是：
I want [there to be no mistake].

• 下面这两个句子也可以比较一下，顺便观察动词不定词后面配合现在分词（to be Ving） 表达进行状态的用法：

1. I don’t want [to be sitting here all day].
2. I don’t want you to be sitting here all day.
3. I don’t want [that I should be sitting here all day].
4. I don’t want [that you should be sitting here all day].

I want [that this should be done as soon as possible].
中括号内的部分是个名词从句，扮演及物动词 want 的宾语角色，里面用到过去分词 done 来表示被动语态（意思是「被做好」）。这个名词从句的主语 this 和主要从句并不重复，可 以安插在宾语位置保留下来。动词词组 should be 减化为动词不定词 to be，整个词组 to be done as soon as possible 放在宾语补语位置、当形容词使用
I want this to be done as soon as possible.

2.1.3 补语位置

The best plan is [that we should wait].
The best plan is [to wait].

[What he hopes] is to win First Place in the competition.
主要从句的主语是名词从句 what he hopes（中括号内的部分）。这个名词从句本身的主 词是复合关系代词 what，可以拆开成为先行词 the thing 与关系代词 that。主要从句的补 语部分是个动词不定词（to win First Place in the competition），可以视为名词从句 that he can win First Place in the competition 的减化。整个句子可以把省略与减化的部分还原如下：
The thing [that he hopes] is [that he can win First Place in the competition].

• 如果采用的是类似 what one does is (to) V 这种特别的分裂句来强调动词（见第 十九章），那么 be 动词后面的补语位置可以用动词不定词、也可以用原形动词。

I only asked him a simple question.
All [(that) I did] was (to) ask him a simple question.
这个分裂句采用笼统的 all 当主要从句主语，后面用关系从句 that I did 修饰它。主要子 句的动词是 was，后面采用动词不定词（to ask）或原形动词（ask）当主语补语。要能够采 用原形动词当主语补语，先决条件是主要从句主语部分的修饰语有包括助动词 do 在内

The only thing left to do is (to) admit failure openly.
主语 the only thing 后面有分词词组 left to do 修饰，里面包含助动词 do，所以 be 动词后 面可以选择用动词不定词（to admit）或原形动词（admit）。

• 不定词的完成时（to have Ven） 名词从句减化而来的动词不定词，有可能采用完成时状态（to have Ven），例如：

I hope to have finished this book by next weekend.
I hope [that I will have finished this book by next weekend]. (还原)

It will be a pity to miss the show.
It will be a pity [that we should miss the show]. (还原)

• 有时候，动词不定词中采用完成时（to have Ven）还可以表达「非事实」的虚拟语气

It would be wonderful to have studied under that master in high school
It would be wonderful [that we could have studied under that master in high school]. (还原)

2.2 来自疑问句的名词从句

来自疑问句的名词从句，又可分成 Information Question（具有疑问词）与 Yes/No Question
（没有疑问词）这两种（详第十七章）。这两种名词从句只要有语气助动词在内，都可以减 化为动词不定词。以下分别说明。

2.2.1 Information Question

I’ll tell you [what you should do].
I’ll tell you [what to do].
另外，what 也可以视为复合关系代词，由先行词 the thing 加上关系代词 that 合并 而成。由此出发，可以先还原如下：
I’ll tell you the thing [that you should do].
I’ll tell you the thing [to do].

1. I’ll tell you [what to do]. (What should I do?)
   (我来告诉你该怎么做。)
2. I’ll tell you [when to do the job]. (When should I do the job?)
   (我来告诉你什么时候该做这件工作。)
3. I’ll tell you [what to do the job with]. (What can I do the job with?)
   (我来告诉你用什么来做这件工作。)
4. I’ll show you [which way to go]. (which way you should go)
5. He doesn’t know [when to stop]. (when he should stop)
6. [Where to spend the night] is unimportant. (where can we spend the night)
7. Only he knows [how to start the machine].(how one can start the machine)

2.2.2 Yes/No Question

来自 Yes/No Question 的名词从句会加上从属连词 whether。如果从句中有语气助动 词，就会变成 whether to 的形状

[Whether to go on or not] will have to be decided soon.
(Should we go on or not)(whether we should go on or not。)

第二十五章 状语从句减化

• 所有从属从句的减化，共通原则都是省略主语与 be 动词、留下补语部分，状语从句的减化也不例外。比较特别的地方是连词的处理：名词从句外加无意义的连词 that 在减化 时会删除掉、关系从句重复的关系词也会在减化时一并省掉，只有状语从句的连词词既不 空洞、又不重复，所以在减化时往往需要把连词保留下来，句子的意思才不会有损失。至 于状语从句有哪些连词要保留、哪些应该省略，必须从句意去斟酌：省略掉连词之后句 意仍然够清楚，才可以省略。
• 状语从句减化，动词部分的处理原则仍然和其他的从属从句相同：若有 be 动词则省略 be 动词、若有语气助动词则减化为表示不定词的 to，若只有普通动词则一律加-ing。如此减 化的结果，剩下的补语部分（减化从句）有可能是现在分词与过去分词这两种分词词组、不 定词词组，以及其他（包括名词、形容词、介词词组等等）。以下依补语的词类分别说明 状语从句的减化。

1. 减化为分词构句

状语从句减化为现在分词词组或过去分词词组，传统语法称这种构造为分词构句。

[While I stayed at my uncle’s], I dined out every night.
[(While) staying at my uncle’s], I dined out every night.
「分词构句」的意思就是「分词词组构成状语从句 使用」。其实，所谓分词构句就是状语从句减化之后剩下来的分词补语

1.1 现在分词构句（Ving）

[Because he was itching to be playing again], the boy inserted more coins.
连词 because，这种表示「原因」的连词在分词构句中应该要省略掉，因为分词构句（尤其是 放在句首位置）本身就具有表示「原因」的功能，所以 because 这一类的连词都不会留下 来，结果就是：
[Itching to be playing again], the boy inserted more coins.

[When you see an old person on the bus], offer your seat to him.
[(When) seeing an old person on the bus], offer your seat to him.

[While I am only a student], I want to marry you now.
反之，如果要选择省略掉连词 while，就必须做两个动作。第一，only a student 必须 改变词类，在前面加上 being，成为 being only a student 这个现在分词词组，也就是所谓的 分词构句，读者才看得出来它扮演的角色是减化状语从句。第二，减化从句中虽然不再需要 连词，但是 while 这个连词有「虽然」的字意，省掉的话句子的意思会变得不够清楚。 可以选择把它保留下来，成为 while being only a student 这个分词构句。也可以省略掉连接 词 while，改以连接副词如 still, nevertheless, however 之类来取代，句子的逻辑关系才不会不清楚:
[Being only a student], I still want to marry you now.

[After he graduated from college], he found himself unemployed.
[After graduating from college], he found himself unemployed. (after 有之后的意思，不可省略)

1. Two Vietnamese patients died from avian flu. (两名越南病人死于禽流感。)
2. This caused widespread panic in Southeast Asia. (这件事情在东南亚引起大恐慌。)
   句 2 的内容说明句 1 造成的结果，可以用表达结果的连词 so 引导、制造复合句如下：
   Two Vietnamese patients died from avian flu, [so this caused widespread panic in Southease Asia].
   状语从句（中括号内部分）修饰主要从句动词 died 的结果。这个状语从句的主语 this 和主要从句的主语 two Vietnamese patients 并不相同，通常是不能减化的。不过，状语从句 主语 this 代表的内容就是整个主要从句那件事情，这种情况仍可视为主语有重复，可以进行 减化。做法是把重复的主语 this 省掉、普通动词 caused 加上-ing 成为现在分词 causing。连 接词 so 表达的是因果关系，而分词构句本身就具有因果关系的表达功能（表示原因的分词 构句常放在句首、表示结果的常放在句尾），所以这些表达因果关系的连词不会保留下来。
   Two Vietnamese patients died from avian flu, [causing widespread panic in Southease Asia].

[As it was rather late], the rescue workers decided to quit.
因此，状语从句减化为分词构句时，如果主语不同而保留下来，连词就一定要省略。
[it being rather late], the rescue workers decided to quit.
「独立词组」表示 it being rather late 独立、与主要从句无关。 其实，it being rather late 只不过是 because it was rather late 这个状语从句减化的结果。

1.2 过去分词构句（Ven）

如果状语从句里面的动词是 be 动词、后面用过去分词当补语（也就是一般语法所谓的 被动态），那么减化的结果就会变成过去分词构句

[If it is provoked], a rhino can be very dangerous.
[If provoked], a rhino can be very dangerous. (if 有如果的意思，不能省略)

[After it was redecorated], the house looks more comfortable.
因为过去分词本身除了被动语态之外，还可以表示完成状态，所以 redecorated 一个字 就可以代表「已经被装潢过之后」。连词 after 不留，读者还是看得出来是「之后」，所 以不需要保留它。
[Redecorated], the house looks more comfortable.
如果要保留after, after 后面要加名词词组

1. [After being redecorated], the house looks more comfortable.
2. [After the redecoration], the house looks more comfortable.

The house, [whether it is insured or not], needs a fire alarm.
The house, [(whether) insured or not], needs a fire alarm. (因为后面有 or not， 所以whether 省不省无所谓)

[When the job was concluded], the secretary went home.
[The job concluded], the secretary went home.

1.3 Being 与 having been 的用法

许多人搞不清楚 being 与它的完成状态 having been 该怎么使用。先看 being，它里面的 be 动词是空的、完全没有意义。会用到 being，完全是需要它字尾的-ing。这个字尾有两种 功能：一是强调进行状态、一是做词类变化，这也就是 being 这个字的两大用途。

The case is closed now.「已经 结掉」
The case is being closed now. 「正在被结案中，尚未完成」

• Being 可以当现在分词、也可以当动名词使用。如果 being 是现在分词，加在名词前面
  时可以把名词的词类转变为分词词组，就可以用在分词构句中

[Because you are my best friend], you must tell me the truth.
[Being my best friend], you must tell me the truth.

[Without being rude], the man told the woman that she was wrong.
介词词组（中括号内部分）修饰主要从句动词 told 的方式。介词词组中有个形容 词 rude，不能直接当介词的宾语使用。一旦加上 being，变成动名词词组 being rude，就符 合词类要求、可以当宾语使用了。

The students rushed out at the sound of the bell [before they were told to leave].
The students rushed out at the sound of the bell [before being told to leave].

• 至于 having been 的用法，它是 being 的完成时，表达「已经」的完成状态，因此它不 再具有强调进行的功能，只能用来表示「已经」，以及用来做词类变化。

[After he has been a soldier for 10 years], the man is quite used to taking orders.
状语从句（中括号内的部分）修饰主要从句动词 is 的时间。它的主语 he 就是主要从句 的主语 the man，可以减化。动词是完成时的 has been。里面的 be 动词本身没有意义，只表 达完成状态「已经」。可以选择加上-ing 成为 having been 保留下来，一方面因为后面是名 词（a soldier）、需要做词类变化（成为分词构句），一方面也可以用 having been 的完成状 态取代原来的连词 after
[Having been a soldier for 10 years], the man is quite used to taking orders.

• 另外，如果分词构句中是 having been + Ven，那么 having been 属于可有可无的性质， 可以省略

[Because it had been trained to search for survivors], the dog did a good job at 9/21.
[Having been trained to search for survivors], the dog did a good job at 9/21.
[Trained to search for survivors], the dog did a good job at 9/21.

• 如果 having been + Ven 是当动名词词组使用，那么 having been 具有不可或缺的词类变 化功能、不得省略。

[After it had been robbed five times], the store finally installed a security system.
当然，减化从句部分如果省略掉 after 成为 having been robbed five times，或甚至再省略 掉 having been 成为 robbed five times，意思也都还够清楚。

1.4 分词构句的位置

分词构句常出现的位置分为句首、句中（主语与动词中间）、句尾三种，通常都需要有逗点和主要从句隔开。以下分别说明：

1.4.1 句首

[Entering the classroom], the teacher greeted the students.
[When he entered the classroom], the teacher greeted the students. （还原）

1.4.2 句中

句首位置的分词词组必须有逗点和主要从句隔开，否则是语法错误。放在句中位置就不一定了。分词词组放在句中位置如果没有逗点隔开，很可能是关系从句的减化，如下：
The teacher [entering the classroom] greeted the students.
The teacher [who entered the classroom] greeted the students. (还原) (关系从句)
The teacher [when he entered the classroom] greeted the students. (状语从句)

1.4.3 句尾

分词词组放在句尾位置，如果没有逗点和主要从句隔开，有可能是宾语补语，如下：

The teacher greeted the students entering the classroom. (学生走进教室)
句尾位置的分词词组如果有逗点隔开，仍然要当作分词构句看待，也就是状语从句的减 化。
The teacher greeted the students, [entering the classroom]. (老师走进教室)

1.4.4 Dangling Modifier 的错误

写作分词构句，要特别注意「主语相同」的要求：状语从句减化为分词构句，前提是副 词从句的主语必须和主要从句相同，否则不能省略主语。如果状语从句的主语和主要从句并 不相同却被省略掉，这是一种最常犯的写作错误，甚至取了一个特别的名称来称呼它： dangling modifier「悬荡修饰语」。例如：

[Trying to keep the boat afloat in the storm], a lot of cargo was jettisoned. （误）(从句主语和主句不一致)
[Because the sailors were trying to keep the boat afloat in the storm], a lot of cargo was jettisoned.
[Trying to keep the boat afloat in the storm], the sailors jettisoned a lot of cargo.

This new medicine cannot really cure a patient [unless treated in the earliest stages of lung cancer]. （误）(主要从句的主语为this new medicine, 从句主语为ren )
(这种新药不能真正治好病人，除非在肺癌的最初期就接受治疗。)
This new medicine cannot really cure a patient [unless administered in the earliest stages of lung cancer].
This new medicine cannot really cure a patient [ unless it is administered in the earliest stages of lung cancer].(还原)

1.5 减化为 To V

状语从句的动词词组中如果包括语气助动词在内，减化的结果就会变成动词不定词。副词从句减化为动词不定词时，情形和减化为分词构句不尽相同。如果是减化为分词构句，那 么状语从句的主语一定要和主要从句的主语相同（如果状语从句的主语代表的就是整个主要 从句，也视为相同）。不过，如果是减化为动词不定词，那么只要意思够清楚，状语从句的 主语就可以省略来做减化。以下整理出一些常用的词组分别说明。

• In order to

The student studied hard [in order to get a scholarship].
The student studied hard [in order that he could get a scholarship].

• So as to

The boy left home early [so as to be in time for the concert].
状语从句的连词原本是 so that，引导状语从句（括号内部分）修饰主要从句动词 left 的目的。将状语从句主语 he 省略、语气助动词 could 减化为表示不定词的 to 之后，空洞的 连词 that 也一并省略，改以 so as to 来表达「目的」。
The boy left home early [so that he could be in time for the concert].

• So … as to

The air in the city is so polluted [as to be dangerous to health].
中括号内的状语从句，从属连词是 so … that，修饰过去分词 polluted。减化的做法是 省略主语 it、助动词 may 减化为表示不定词的 to，再把空洞的连词 that 省掉，改以 so … as to 的构造来修饰 polluted 的程度。
The air in the city is so polluted [that it may be dangerous to health].

• Such … as to
  So … that 引导的从句与 so … as to 引导的减化从句，专用于修饰形容词与副词等修饰 语，因为其中的 so 是程度副词类。至于 such … that 引导的从句与 such … as to 引导的减化 从句则用于修饰名词词组，因为其中的 such 是限定符类。

The candidate made such an effort [as to be sure of success].
The candidate made such an effort [that he should be sure of success].

• Only to

The student took the test again, [only to fail a second time].
状语从句（中括号内的部分）的连词是 only that，意思是「只不过」。减化时的做法 是省略主语 he、语气助动词 would 减化为表示不定词的 to，再把空洞的连词 that 删掉， 就成为 only to fail。
The student took the test again, [only that he would fail a second time].

• Too … to

The news is too good [to be true].
原本的状语从句是采用 so … that 这组连词，表示「如此…以致于」，其中 so 是程度 副词，整个状语从句修饰形容词 good。减化时将状语从句中的否定（not）交给带有否定意味的程度副词 too 来表达，主语 it 省略、助动词 can 减化为表示不定词的 to，整个状语从句 就减化为 too … to be true，仍然用来修饰形容词 good 的程度。
The news is so good [that it can’t be true].

• Enough … to

The news is bad enough [to make me cry].
The new is so bad [that it can make me cry].
连词 so … that 引导状语从句（中括号内部分）修饰形容词 bad，其中 so 是程度副词。 减化时可以变成 so bad as to make me cry，也可以换一个程度副词 enough，成为 bad enough to make me cry

• To tell you the truth

[To tell you the truth], I want to quit.
[If I can tell you the truth], I want to quit.
[To be honest with you], I didn’t take the money.
（坦白跟你说，我没拿那笔钱。）
[To speak frankly], I don’t think you should take the job.
（坦白讲，我觉得你不应该接受那件工作。）
[To make a long story short], I failed.
（长话短说，我失败了。）

1.6 减化为介词词组

状语从句除了减化为分词构句与动词不定词之外，还经常减化为介词词组。这又可分成以下三种情况。

1.6.1 补语为介词词组

如果状语从句本来就是用介词词组当主语补语，那么在减化掉主语与 be 动词之后， 剩下的就是介词词组。例如：

[While on duty], the officer never drinks. (while he is on duty)
[If in doubt], look up the word in the dictionary. (if you are in doubt)

1.6.2 连词直接转变为介词

状语从句的连词大多有意义，所以状语从句在减化时，连词经常会选择保留下来。 不过要注意：有一些状语从句的连词身兼连词与介词两种词性。如果后面有限定子句，它就是连词。如果它后面的从句减化了、不再是限定从句，这些连词会自动转变为介词。这种身兼两种词性的连词有 before, after, since, until, for, as 等，分别举例说明如下：

• Before

That man used to be a gangster [before he joined the army].
That man used to be a gangster [before joining the army].

• After

[After he was nominated for the Oscar], the actor became highly sought after.
（获得奥斯卡提名之后，这位演员变得很抢手。）
After being nominated for the Oscar], the actor became highly sought after.
[After the nomination for the Oscar], the actor became highly sought after.

• Since

I have been very busy [since I returned from Bali
I have been very busy [since returning from Bali].

• Until

The fruit doesn’t turn red [until it is completely ripe].
The fruit doesn’t turn red [until being completely ripe].

• For

The man can’t find a job easily, [for he has a criminal record].
中括号内的状语从句用来修饰动词 can’t find 的原因。减化的方式是省略掉重复的主语 he、普通动词加上-ing 成为 having。表示原因的连词 for 一般都应该省略掉，成为分词构 句 having a criminal record 就够清楚了。但是如果选择要留下 for 来当介词，后面的词类就 要注意：必须是名词类才可以当介词的宾语。而 having 这个动名词刚好可以，如下：
The man can’t find a job easily, [for having a criminal record].

• As

[As I am a scientist], I believe in concrete facts only.
[Being a scientist], I believe in concrete facts only.
[As a scientist], I believe in concrete facts only. (此时as 为介词)

1.6.3 连词改写为介词

状语从句的减化，还有一种办法是把连词改写为意思接近的介词、整个从句减化为 介词词组。以下分别说明：

• Although
  连词 although（或者拼成 though），往往可以改写为 despite, inspite of 或 without、整个从句改写为介词词组而意思不变。

The girl is determined to marry her boyfriend [although her parents object strongly].
The girl is determined to marry her boyfriend [despite her parents’ strong objection].

[Although he was not told to enter], the salesperson came in.
[Without being told to enter], the salesperson came in.

• Because
  这个连词可以改写为 because of, owing to, due to, as a result of, with 等等介词、意思 接近。例如：

The little resort town is crowded [because there has been an influx of tourists].
在介词 with 前面最好加个逗点，表示这个介词词组是用来说明「原因」的，而不 是用 crowded with something 来说明挤满了什么「东西」。在介词 with 后面就只有一个名 词词组的空间，所以就直接放入名词词组 an influx of tourists 当宾语。
The little resort town is crowded, [with an influx of tourists].

• When
  这个连词可以改写为介词 on, upon, at 等等、意思接近，如下：

[When she heard her child cry], the woman rushed into the bedroom.
[On hearing her child cry], the woman rushed into the bedroom.

[When the meeting was concluded], everyone rose to leave.
[At the conclusion of the meeting], everyone rose to leave.
在介词 at 后面只有一个名词词组的空间，可以选择用名词 conclusion 当它的宾语。 状语从句原本的主语 the meeting 需要交代，可以再加一个介词 of、把它安插在 of 的后面 当宾语。

将状语从句的连词改为介词时，原来的动词如果改写为名词类，必须注意动词后面有没有宾语之类需要处理。

[As soon as her boyfriend purchased the house], the girl agreed to marry him.
连词 as soon as 的意思和 when 接近，引导的状语从句（中括号内的部分）修饰主要 从句动词 agreed 的时间。如果把连词改写为介词 upon，整个句子可以减化如下：
[Upon her boyfriend’s purchase of the house], the girl agreed to marry him.

• If
  像 if, suppose 之类表示条件的连词，可以改写为介词 in case of、意思接近。例如：

[If the river rises above the red line], the village nearby will be evacuated.
(如果河水涨过红线，附近的村子将要疏散。)
[In case of the river rising above the red line], the village nearby will be evacuated.

1.8 减化为其它

如果状语从句原本就有 be 动词或其它的系动词、后面的主语补语是名词或者形容词，那么减化之后剩下来的就是名词补语或形容词补语。分别说明如下：

1.8.1 名词

[Although he is a famous professor], my friend is extremely naïve in practical matters.
[Although a famous professor], my friend is extremely naïve in practical matters.

1.8.2 形容词

如果状语从句减化之后留下来的是个形容词补语，那么情况和名词补语相同：只要把连 接词留下来，读者自然看得清楚这是个减化从句、知道省略了什么：

[When he was younger], the man could play mahjong for three days straight.
[When younger], the man could play mahjong for three days straight.

I will do it alone, [if that is necessary].
I will do it alone, [if necessary].

1.9 减化从句练习

• 一．请将以下之减化从句还原为限定从句

1. That villa being auctioned now used to be a hotel.
   That villa which is being auctioned now used to be a hotel.

2. The museum, being renovated at present, is temporarily closed to visitors.
   The museum, which is being renovated at present, is temporarily closed to visitors.(关系从句)
   The museum, because it is being renovated at present, is temporarily closed to visitors.（状语从句）

3. The museum, having been renovated twice, is much larger and has a modern look to it now.
   The museum, which has been renovated twice, is much larger and has a modern look to it now.(关系从句)
   The museum, because it has been renovated twice, is much larger and has a modern look to it now.（状语从句）

4. Everything else being equal, this job at least pays better than your old job.
   画底线部分是分词构句的一种变化，又称「独立词组」，特色在于它的主语和主要从句 并不相同、因而保留了下来。它可以还原为状语从句，做法是复原从属连词（可能是 since, as 之类表示原因的连词，也可能是 although）、再把分词 being 还原为限定动词 is，成 为状语从句如下：
   Although everything else is equal, this job at least pays better than your old job.

5. Having received instructions, the agents went on their different ways.
   （获得指令之后，这些情报员分头去办事。）
   画底线部分是个分词构句，可以还原为状语从句。做法是复原从属连词（可能是表示 时间的 when 或 after 之类）、复原主语 they，并把分词 having received 还原为限定动词 had received，成为状语从句如下：
   When they had received instructions, the agents went on their different ways.

• 二．请将以下各句中的从属从句减化

1. Because the window was wide open, rain spilled all over the floor.
   The window being wide open, rain spilled all over the floor.
   With the window wide open, rain spilled all over the floor. (独立词组)

2. You need to modify the plan before it is put into effect.
   画底线部分是时间状语从句、修饰主要从句动词 need 的时间。因为状语从句的主语（it） 和主要从句的主语（you）不同，要减化的话会有点勉强。最好先改为主语相同。一种改法是把主要从句的主语改为 the plan，也就是改为被动语态，如下：
   The plan needs to be modified before it is put into effect.
   主语相同之后，状语从句（画底线部分）就可以进行减化，如下：
   The plan needs to be modified before being put into effect.

You need to modify the plan before it is put into effect.
另一种改法是主要从句不动、 把状语从句的主语改为 you，如下：
You need to modify the plan before you put it into effect.
You need to modify the plan before putting it into effect.

3. Because imported beef is not safe to eat, I’m buying local beef only.
   Imported beef being not safe to eat, I’m buying local beef only.
   With imported beef not safe to eat, I’m buying local beef only.

4. When artisans carve a diamond at correct angles, it reflects light beautifully,
   so it appears to sparkle in darkness.
   （工匠将钻石切割到正确角度时，钻石会反射出美丽光芒，在黑暗中看起 来好像会闪闪发光。）
   When a diamond is carved at correct angles, it reflects light beautifully, so it appears to sparkle in darkness. (改成相同的主语再简化)
   Carved at correct angles, a diamond reflects light beautifully, appearing to sparkle in darkness.

5. When the teacher was away, the children started fighting, so they made a complete mess of the classroom.
   When 从句是个时间状语从句，修饰主要从句动词 started 的时间。因为状语从句的主 词（the teacher）和主要从句的主语（the children）不同，比较简洁的减化方式是直接减化 为介词词组 with the teacher away。后面 so 引导的状语从句修饰动词 started 的结果。这 个从句的主语（they）则和主要从句的主语相同，可以直接减化为分词构句，如下：
   With the teacher away, the children started fighting, they making a complete mess of the classroom.