譯文 對人性歷史的考查表明,我們這個年代的人跟先前年代的人有很大的差別,以至于那種以為所有時代的人都具有被稱做“人性”的共性特征的假設(shè)是不切實際的。
點睛 本句的主干是An examination...suggested that...。第一個that所引導的賓語從句that man in our epoch..."human nature."作主句謂語suggested的賓語,該從句中包含一個so...that...結(jié)構(gòu),表示某種程度所導致的結(jié)果;第三個that引導的賓語從句that men in every age...nature則作assume的賓語;第四個that引導的定語從句thatcan be called...作定語修飾something。
epoch意為“時期,時代”。如:
The teaching method marked a new epoch in education. 這種教學方法開創(chuàng)了教育的新紀元。
unrealistic意為“不切實際的,不實在的”。如:
He has an unrealistic expectation of winning a prize. 他對獲獎抱有不切實際的希望。
have something in common意為“有共同之處,有共識”。如:
These two articles have something in common. 這兩篇文章有共同之處。
“毫無共同之處”則可以表達為have nothing in common。
考點歸納 以下是so that與so...that...的用法辨析。
so that引導目的狀語從句時,意為“為了,以便”,從句里的謂語動詞前常加上may、might、can、could、will、would等情態(tài)動詞。如:
Let's simplify the instructions so that the kids can understand them. 讓我們簡化指令吧,以便于孩子們理解。
The thief hid into the building so that nobody would see him. 那個盜賊躲進樓里,為的是不讓人看見他。
so that還可以引導結(jié)果狀語從句,意為“因此,所以”,從句和主句之前常有逗號出現(xiàn)。如:
The boy often tells lies, so that no one believes him. 這個男孩經(jīng)常撒謊,因此沒有人相信他。
It has been raining for ten days, so that everywhere floods. 雨已經(jīng)下了10天了,結(jié)果到處都洪災泛濫。
so...that...引導的是結(jié)果狀語從句,意為“如此……以至于……”,在口語中,that常被省去。如:
Steven was so tired that he fell on sleep in the office. 史蒂文太累了,以至于在辦公室睡著了。
You spoke so rapidly (that) we could hardly follow you. 你說得太快,我們很難聽清楚你在說什么。