2015-06-30

常見英文錯誤: HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS

HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS

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在語文運用上,涉及數量的詞語有時是實數,用來確定數目多少;有時是虛數,表示「為數眾多」。
Hundred意指「百」。「一百」的英文是one hundred.
不要以為「一百」是one hundred,那麼「二百」應該是two hundreds了。這是絕不正確。
Hundred是單位 不是量化詞
Hundred是一個單位,用以表示一個確實數目,它本身不是需要量化的名詞,故此不必加上s來表示眾數。故此,二百是two hundred,三百是three hundred,四百是four hundred,如此類推。
後加"s" 泛指為數眾多
如果hundred後面加上s,變成hundreds,便不是數目的單位,而是虛泛的數量描述,表示「為數眾多」或「數以百計」。例如:
He made hundreds of mistakes in his report.
他的報告錯誤百出。
以上例子不是真的數目,只是表示「為數眾多」。
同樣地,thousand表示「千」,如果後面加上s,變成thousands,便不是數目的單位,而是強調「為數眾多」或「成千上萬」。例如:
His father gave him five thousand dollars to pay the tuition fee.
父親給他5,000元繳付學費。
Twenty thousand people in the area were affected by the earthquake.
區內20,000人受到地震影響。
Thousands of people participated in the marathon.
數以千計的人參加馬拉松。
其他涉及數量的字,如million(1,000,000)、billion (1,000,000,000)、trillion(1,000,000,000,000)等,用法亦一樣。
用作單位以表示確實數目時,不可加s。例如:
His new book has sold two million copies.
他的新書賣出200萬本。(2,000,000)
The company saved 1.5 billion dollars by cutting headcount.
公司削減人手,省下15億元。(1,500,000,000)
The hard disk has a storage capacity of ten trillion bytes.
這硬碟的容量是10兆字元。(10,000,000,000,000)
在這些字後加s,是強調「眾多」的意思。
The railway provides service to millions of passengers every year.
這鐵路每年為數以百萬計的乘客提供服務。
The government has injected billions of dollars to boost the economy.
政府注入數以億計的資金以振興經濟。
I warned you trillions of times not to trust him.
我已警告你無數次,不要相信他。

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Hundreds and thousands

常見英文錯誤: I HAVE THREE HUNDREDS DOLLARS

I HAVE THREE HUNDREDS DOLLARS.

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「我有三百塊」這句話哪裡有問題呀?答案是這句話裡 hundreds dollars 的hundred多了個s。Hundred是單位,用來表達數目因此不能量化,也不需要加上s表達複數,所以這句話應該這麼說:I have three hundred dollars.
補充:
如果在hundred後加上s,便不再代表單位,而是廣泛地用來表達「數以百計」的意思。

There are two three dollars in my wallet. 這句話乍看之下沒問題
因為我們在學 there 這個句型時,後面的 be 動詞要用現在式的 is, are 還是過去式的 was, were
的確是要視後面接的名詞為單數還是複數而定
比如要說 There is a book on the table. / There are six people in the room.
不過在講到金錢和時間的數量時,就會出現一個特殊的情況
由於 money, time (意思為「時間」時)在英文裡是不可數名詞
(註:time 若指「次數」、「…倍」時則為可數名詞)
因此即使 three hundred dollars 看起來是複數的 dollars 所以一般應該用 are
但不管是多少錢,必須把它視為一個整體,是一筆 money 的總數
而 money 這個字是不可數名詞,要視為單數
所以其實還是要說 There is three hundred dollars in my wallet. 才對哦
道理就像我們會說 Five years is a long time. (五年是一段很長的時間)
而不是 Five years are a long time. 一樣
不管多少年或幾小時,都是「時間」
要把它和 time 這個字一樣當作不可數名詞,視為單數才對

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hundreds dollars

2015-06-29

常見英文錯誤: I AM BORING

"I AM BORING"

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記得以後如果你覺得無聊,什麼事也不想做,不要說:I’m boring. 那表示你是個很枯燥乏味的人,還有誰想和你作朋友?你要說:I’m bored. 走筆至此,想到一首很舊的台語歌:無聊的人生 (A Boring Life),其中一段歌詞是這樣的:

沒有人會直接承認自己很無趣吧?那就別再說I am boring了。外國人若聽到你這樣說應該會嚇一跳!如果你想表達自己無聊沒事做的時候,正確的說法應該是:
A. –ed → 感到…
e.g., I am bored. 我覺得好無聊。
B. –ing → 令人感到…
e.g., I am boring. 我是個無趣的人。
通常這些動詞的現在分詞 (present participle, V-ing) 也可以當形容詞:
disappoint –> disappointed –> disappointing
雖然過去分詞和現在分詞都可以當形容詞,但用法和意義卻大不相同。這是學生很常犯的錯誤,所以請看仔細了:過去分詞用來形容人的感覺 (how someone feels),而現在分詞則用來形容某事物或人所具備的特質 (characteristics of something or someone)。
I was disappointed with his performance. (我感覺失望,disappointed 形容的是我這個人的感覺)
His performance was disappointing. (他的表現令人失望,disappointing 形容的是他的表現,具備令人失望的特質)
現在舉一些常見的過去分詞形容詞和現在分詞形容詞。If they look familiar, that’s because you’ve seen half of them before. Recycle! Reuse! Reinforce!
1. (a) I was amazed at his progress.
(b) His progress was amazing.
2. (a) I was annoyed with her singing.
(b) Her singing was annoying.
3. (a) He quit because he was bored with his job.
(b) He quit because his job was boring.
4. (a) She was depressed about the news.
(b) The news was depressing.
5. (a) We were disgusted with the food at the hotel.
(b) The food at the hotel was disgusting.
6. (a) We were not excited about his new idea.
(b) His new idea was not exciting.
7. (a) I’ve always been fascinated by Ang Lee’s movies.
(b) Ang Lee’s movies are fascinating.
8. (a) I’m interested in Adele’s new album.
(b) Adele’s new album is interesting.
9. (a) He was upset about the accident.
(b) The accident was upsetting.
10. (a) I’m worried about the current political situation.
(b) The current political situation is worrying.
以下是另外一些常用的過去分詞形容詞和現在分詞形容詞:
embarrassed / embarrassing: 令人尷尬
frightened / frightening: 令人害怕
confused / confusing: 令人困惑
disturbed / disturbing: 令人心神不寧
frustrated / frustrating: 令人有挫折感
exhausted / exhausting: 令人疲乏
inspired / inspiring: 啟發人心
irritated / irritating: 令人惱怒
relaxed / relaxing: 令人放鬆
satisfied / satisfying: 令人滿意
shocked / shocking: 令人錯愕
touched / touching: 令人感動

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I am boring

2015-06-27

常見英文錯誤: WHERE ARE YOU COME FROM?

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看到外國人時,是不是都會很好奇對方從哪裡來的呢?但你知道這句Where are you come from?其實錯了嗎?Be 動詞(am/is/are)不會與一般動詞的原形一起出現,這句話可以有兩種問法:
A. 去掉 are,並加上助動詞(疑問句或否定句需要)
→ Where do you come from?
B. 去掉 come,並加上介係詞 from
→ Where are you from?
那麼要問人家從哪個國家來到底該怎麼問呢?前面說不能把 be 動詞和一般動詞的原型同時用在一個句子裡因此解決方法就是只能用其中一個你可以選擇用 be 動詞,問 Where are you from? (去掉 come )
如果你要用一般動詞 come 的話在含一般動詞的句子裡,否定句和疑問句要用的是「助動詞」
所以就要說 Where do you come from? 才對

1. Where are you from?/Where are you coming from?
Jack等一個國外的客戶來開會,他看客戶遲到匆匆忙忙進來。關心一下他剛才去哪裡。於是問了一句:Where are you from? 老外愣了一下,回答:I’m from the UK.
其實,老外心中應該正在碎念:Jack應該知道我是英國人啊!
Where are you from? 是問人哪一國人、或是哪一個地方的人。不是問別人剛剛從哪裡來。問人剛剛從哪裡來,正確的用法是:Where are you coming from? 過海關時,海關人員最常問的就是這句話:「你從哪裡飛來的。」
2. Where are you come from?(X)
別看這句文法那麼簡單,錯誤率卻很高。碰到外國人,很多人會不假思索地說出 Where are you come from? 一個句子出現兩個動詞,文法錯誤。
你可以去掉be動詞,用Where do you come from? 也可以用Where are you from?
3. I’m from Yilan.
Where are you from? 可以問人國籍,也可以問人出生的地方,端看對話發生的場合。
如果發生在美國,一個老美問另一個老美,意思是你是哪一州或哪一個城市來的。如果你在巴黎碰到個美國人,他問你Where are you from?就是問你是哪國人。
接下了這個錯誤稍微複雜了。假如你在台北故宮遇到個老外,問你Where are you from?,你如果回答I’m from Taiwan. 問題是對話地點在台灣,這裡遇到的人就是台灣人,還回答老外「來自台灣」答了等於沒答。
那你回答細一點:I’m from Yilan.(宜蘭)或者桃園、高雄、花蓮之類的城市。 假如就這麼短的答案,也差不多是沒有回答。因為對台灣不熟的老外,這答案就等於一個美國人對你說 I am from Des Moines. 你根本不知道是哪裡,雖然它是美國愛荷華州的首府。
想要說清楚,可以回答:I’m from Yilan. It’s a coastal city. It’s is known for its numerous religious festivals. 這樣回答提供了一點資訊了,但全是太過於簡單的句子。
推薦一種比較得體的回答:
I’m from Yilan,(這裡停頓一下,看別人知不知道這個城市,再用同位語做點補充)a coastal city on the east coast of Taiwan, which is known for its numerous religious festivals.
4. I know where you’re coming from.
這句可和「從哪兒來」、「哪國人」沒關係,這是一句好用的口語。
美國人愛說 I know where you’re coming from.,字面上的意思是「我知道你從哪裡來」,表示「我知道你的根源」,既然如此,就能瞭解對方在說些什麼了,所以引申為「我瞭解你為什麼這樣說」、「我懂你的感覺」。

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Where are you come from

2015-06-26

GIVE SOMEONE AN INCH AND HE’LL TAKE A YARD

英文諺語 GIVE SOMEONE AN INCH AND HE’LL (SHE’LL) TAKE A YARD 小人得寸便進尺

Be generous to someone and the person will demand even more. (Describes someone who will take advantage of you if you are even a little kind to him or her).
Examples
“I’m always wary about making concessions with these people. Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile."
“If you let Mark borrow your tools for this weekend, he’ll wind up keeping them for years. Give an inch and he’ll take a mile. "
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Give an inch

複習英文︰

2015-06-24

英文自傳範例︰生物化與藥物學 BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY

生物化與藥物學英文自傳 BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY AUTOBIOGRAPHY EXAMPLE

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I have chosen to study biochemistry or pharmacy at university because I have enjoyed studying biology and chemistry at college at A-level, and I am keen to proceed with them to a more advanced level. I think doing either of these is the most suitable option. I want to study biochemistry because I like the topics included in it. The study of living things at a molecular level deeply intrigues and appeals to me
I am also interested in studying pharmacy because it is a very challenging and fascinating course. Learning A-level biology and chemistry have furthered my scientific understanding and interest
I am a very dedicated learner and I have the ability to listen diligently to people as well as understand them. I am a multi-talented sportsman and am part of various teams, outside of college, such as the local football and cricket teams. Badminton is something that I enjoy a lot because it is active and a sport in which I excel. I speak five languages and am therefore multi-lingual. The languages that are known to me are English, Urdu, Hindi, Gujarat and Malawian (chichewa)
I have had the experience of living in three different nations, such as Malawi and India. During my stay in these countries, I have made many friends, adapted to the environment and have learned to abide the laws of society
I have had the privilege of working in a pharmacy for a fortnight where I interacted with various staff and helped both, the staff and customers on a regular basis. This experience was very grand and helpful because not only did it improve my learning and understanding of the pharmacy business but also increased and improved my ability to co-operate and communicate effectively. I would relish the chance of gaining further experience at a pharmacy or better still, at a hospital, next summer
I am certain that my chosen courses are right for me because not only is it something that inspired me form a very early age but it is something that I have relevant experience in. also I enjoy sciences at college, and would like to carry these on at Uni. I enjoy the challenge, which is provided by university, and I am confident that it will give me the best chance to prove myself and to achieve my potential.
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英文自傳複習︰化學 Chemistry

2015-06-23

GENIUS IS ONE PERCENT AND 99% PERSPIRATION

英文諺語 GENIUS IS ONE PERCENT INSPIRATION AND NINETY-NINE PERCENT PERSPIRATION 天才是一分靈感加上九十九分流汗

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Meaning
Genius is largely the result of hard work, rather than an inspired flash of insight.
Few proverbial sayings can be attributed to a named individual. In this case, we can name the coiner of the expression – the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
Edison is first reported as saying “Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration" sometime around 1902, in the September 1932 edition of Harper’s Monthly Magazine. It is impossible to know at this remove whether the Harper’s journalists were accurate in their attribution, although no one else appears to have uttered the words before they reported them in 1932.
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Genius is one percent

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2015-06-22

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD

英文諺語 FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD 天助勇者

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Meaning
It is a classic saying that outlines the need for risk in the equation for benefit. If you take the risk you can reap the benefits. You will have good luck if you carry out your plans boldly. This phrase is used to encourage people to have the courage to carry out their plans. Also used as “fortune favors the brave".
Fortune or destiny smiles on us if we, by our actions, make it bound to do so. Since ages to the present day, luck goes hand in hand with people who dared to move the system and without any fear, worked out for enforcing something new to the traditional system.
History is for their who, by their actions, fought with the prejudiced customs and rituals. To flow with the stream is the normal trait, to move against it is bravery. Fear is a state of mind, to overcome its negativity is bravery. Unless and until one remains more and more positive, bravery would not come. To be in tune with progress and prosperity, one has to be bold enough to cross the hurdles in the path towards destination.
生詞
fortune:命運
favors:[變形] favor的複數形式
bold:大膽的

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Fortune favors the bold

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2015-06-17

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED 先知先戒備

英文諺語 FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED 先知先戒備

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有備無患;凡事豫則立

MEANING

Advance warning provides an advantage; if you know about something beforehand, you can prepare for it.
簡譯:
Forewarned = 預先警告
Forearmed = 使預作準備
Examples
“Before you meet Kate, I should tell you that she’s a little eccentric. Forewarned is forearmed, right?"
“Check the temperature before you go outside. Forewarned is forearmed."
Origin
Many idioms that have no obvious source are often referred to, for no good reason, as ‘old proverbs’. ‘Forewarned is forearmed’ has a genuine claim to be called such, as it dates from at least the end of the 16th century, and could be much earlier. The Latin saying ‘praemonitus, praemunitus’ loosely translates as ‘forewarned is forearmed’. There’s no evidence to show that the English proverb is merely a translation of the Latin though. The two sayings could easily have originated independently.
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Forewarned is forearmed

複習英文︰First come first served

2015-06-16

FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD

英文諺語 FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD 愚人不怕事,盲人不怕蛇

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The rash or inexperienced will attempt things that wiser people are more cautious of.
Fools are those who will always do the foolish things. And when the thing is dangerous or dumb, the fool will always still do it, even though someone like an angel would be scared to do the same and would not dare.
愚人總是做蠢事。雖然是一件危險且愚蠢的事,或甚至連天使也害怕而不敢做的事,愚人還是照做。
‘Fool’ is now a more derogatory insult than it was when this proverb was coined, in the early 18th century. At that time a fool wasn’t a simpleton, lacking in intelligence, simply someone who had behaved foolishly.

Example
Dave: Bob is too scared to go in and confront the boss, so I’m going to.
Sarah: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Usage
Often abbreviated as fools rush in.
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Fools rush in