英語中有相當多的系動詞,都可跟一個表語,與之構成復合謂語。最常用的系動詞有三類:
1.表示感覺的系動詞,如:be, feel, look, sound, taste, smell, seem, appear:
He is(seems)very tired.
他(似乎)很累。
She looks a little nervous.
她看起來有點緊張。
Does the soup taste good?
這湯味道好嗎?
It sounds a good idea.
聽起來這是一個好主意。
2.表示狀態(tài)轉變的系動詞,如:become, grow, get, turn, fall, go, come, run等:
Our dreams have at last come true.
我們的夢想終于實現(xiàn)了。
The country is getting more and more prosperous.
我們的國家日益繁榮。
She has grown as tall as her mother.
她長得和她媽媽一般高了。
The leaves have turned yellow.
樹葉變黃了。
3.表示保持某種狀態(tài)等的系動詞,如:remain, continue, keep, stay, prove, turn out:
She remained quite calm.
她保持相當冷靜。
Let's keep quiet.
咱們保持安靜。
The weather continued fine for several days.
好幾天天氣都很好。
The shop stays open till seven o'clock.
這家商店開到七點。
有少數(shù)動詞偶爾用作系動詞,如:
The affair rests a mystery.
這件事一直是一個謎。
He flushed crimson with anger.
他氣得滿臉通紅。
One of the tigers broke loose.
有一只老虎跑了出來。
His promise rang false to me.
他的諾言聽起來不誠懇。
The snow lay thick on the ground.
地上航雪很深。
The carpet is wearing thin.
地毯磨得很薄了。
The door remains locked.
門仍鎖著。