名词性从句是在句子中起名词作用的句子。 名词性从句的功能相当于名词词组, 它在复合句中能担任主语、宾语、表语、同位语、介词宾语等,因此根据它在句中不同的语法功能,名词性从句又可分别称为主语从句、宾语从句、表语从句和同位语从句。
一、主语从句
(一)定义
主语从句,即在复合句中充当主语成分的句子。
引导主语从句的连词主要有:
从属连词:that, whether
连接代词:who, whoever, whom, whose, what, whatever, which, whichever
连接副词:when, where, how, why, whenever, wherever, however
(二)类型
主语从句一般分为两种:
1. 常规主语从句,即句子在复合句中充当一个主语,此时主语从句的时态不受主句时态的影响和限制
Whoever comes is welcome.
不论谁来都欢迎。
What was once exciting and new becomes old-hat.
曾经令人兴奋的新玩意转眼成了旧物。
That he finished writing the composition in such a short time surprised us all.
他在如此短的时间内写完作文使我们十分惊讶。
2. 主语从句后置,即名词性从句作主语时,为了防止句子头重脚轻,通常把形式主语it放在句首位置,真正主语搁置于句末
It is certain that he will win the match.
他一定会赢得这场比赛的。
It has not been decided where the meeting is to be held.
在哪里开会还没决定。
It is essential that these application forms (should) be sent as early as possible.
重要的是把这些申请表尽早寄出去。
(三)例题
Many illustrations could be given of this from everyday life, but [what is of particular interest to psychologists] is the extent [to which people’s judgments and opinions can be changed as a result of group pressure].
这是一个并列复合句。
原句中的各个子句,子句类型以及连接词如下:
主句:Many illustrations could be given of this…, but what is of…is the extent…
【译文】…有很多与此相关的实例,但…
分句一:what is of particular interest to psychologists
类型:主语从句;连接词:what
【译文】对心理学家来说,尤其感兴趣的事情是…
分句二:to which people’s judgments and opinions can be changed as a result of group pressure
类型:定语从句;连接词:to which
【译文】:团队的压力能够改变个人的判断和观点的程度
【全句译文】:日常生活中有很多与此相关的实例,但对心理学家来说,尤其感兴趣的事情是团队的压力能够改变个人的判断和观点的程度。