第九章 介词的本质

1. 介词

介词是英语中最复杂的知识点之一，下面我们来看下几本权威著作对介词的定义：

著作对介词的定义
牛津高阶英汉双解词典（第四版）word or group of words (eg in, from, to, out of, on behalf of) used esp before a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time, method, etc 介词（包括复合介词，尤用于名词或代词前, 表示处所﹑位置﹑时间﹑方法等, 如in﹑from﹑to﹑out of﹑on behalf of）
美国传统词典[双解] （第一版）In some languages, a word placed before a substantive and indicating the relation of that substantive to a verb, an adjective, or another substantive, as English at, by, in, to, from, and with. 在一些语言中放在一实词前，用于表示这一实词与动词、形容词或另一实词的关系，如英语中的at, by, in, to, from和with。
朗文当代英语词典（第四版）a word that is used before a noun, pronoun, or gerund to show place, time, direction etc. In the phrase 'the trees in the park', 'in' is a preposition 一种用于名词、代词或动名词前以表示地点、方向等。如在短语'the trees in the park', 'in'是一个介词。

从上面的表格我们可以看到，介词的定义比较繁杂，甚至可以说有些模糊，未能触及介词的本质。在面向对象英语语法中，介词被定义为描述两个对象之间静态关系的词类，这些关系包括空间关系、时间关系和逻辑关系三种。

有人可能会问across, through, along, up, down等介词描述的却是动态关系。在解决这个疑问之前我们先来分析一下下面的例子，学习from和to两个介词：

We walked from the cinema to the bus station. 我们从电影院往公交站走。

MC: We walked.
NRC1：from the cinema={which (=walking) was} from the cinema. 介词from指出动作对象walking与其起始点对象the cinema之间的空间关系。
NRC2: to the bus station={which (=walking) was} to the bus station. 介词to指出动作对象walking与其方向对象the bus station之间的空间关系。

如果你对动画有一些基本的了解就会知道，动画是由一系列静态的帧组成的，所以我们不难理解在一个特定的时间点（即特定的一帧），walking与the bus station是一种静态的关系。当然我们也可以将一系列walking对象看成一个静态的整体。两种理解方式都是正确的。

现在我们再来解决上面的疑问，请看下面的表格：

介词示例
across [from one side to the other side of (sth)]I walked across the street. 我横穿这条街。*将across封装的内容代入得到：I walked from one side to the other side of the street.
through [from one end or side of (a channel, passage, etc) to the other]I drove through the tunnel. 我开车穿过隧道。*代入：I drove from one end of the tunnel to the other.
along [from one end to or towards the other end of (sth)]I walked along the street. 我沿着街道走。*代入：I walked from one end to the other end of the street.
up [from a lower to or toward a higher point on (sth)]I walked up the hill. 我往山上走。*代入：I walked from a lower to a higher point on the hill.
down [from a high or higher point on (sth) to a lower one]I walked down the hill. 我往山下走。*代入：I walked from a higher point on the hill to a lower one.

从上面的表格我们可以看到，across, through, up, down, into, out of 本质是封装词，可以看作是介词，表达的关系也是静态关系，其封装的内容都包含from和to。

下面我们用图示并结合例子的方法学习常用介词表达的最基本关系：

2. 解读《美国传统词典[双解]》（第一版）中的常用介词

总的来说，英语中介词的意义有三个层次，即：

（a）指出两对象之间的静态关系（通常为两具体对象之间的空间位置关系）。我们称这种意义为基本意义；
（b）通过基本意义引出引申意义；
（c）充当封装词（当然也可以有引申意义）。

因而在学习介词时，掌握其基本意义，然后发挥想象进行引申是一项非常基本且重要的学习方法。下面我们将逐个解读《美国传统词典[双解]》（第一版）中的常用介词，以加深对介词本质的理解。

on

常见用法示例
Used to indicate position above and supported by or in contact with: 在...上：用于表示在...上及被...支撑或与...接触的位置。The vase is on the table. 花瓶在桌子上。
We rested on our hands and knees. 我们把头靠在手和膝盖上休息。
a ring on one's finger 手指上的戒指
Used to indicate contact with or extent over (a surface) regardless of position: 在...上面：表示不考虑位置接触或在某一表面上。a picture on the wall 墙上挂着的一幅画
a rash on my back 我背上长的疹子
The spotlight fell on the actress. 聚光灯照在女演员身上。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。a lesson on philosophy 一堂哲学课
On arriving home I discovered the burglary. 我一到家就发现家中被盗。
She was born on July 1st. 她在7月1日出生。
Used to indicate actual, figurative or abstract motion toward, against, or onto: 向...，朝...：用于表示实际的、比喻的或抽象的动作朝向，对着...或在...上。jumped on the tale 跳到桌子上
the march on Washington 向华盛顿的进军
came on the answer by accident 偶然找到了答案

in

常见用法示例
Within the limits, bounds, or area of: 在...里：在区间、界限或面积以内。a chair in the garden 花园里的一把椅子
the highest mountain in the world 世界上最高的山
He was hit in the face. 他被打在脸上。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。born in the spring 在春天出生
It happened in the past. 这是过去发生的事情。
They were in debt. 他们有债。
I pay in cash. 我用现金支付。
From the outside to a point within; into: 从外面进入；入内。*此时为一个封装词。The little boy threw the letter in the wastebasket. 小男孩把信扔进了废纸篓里。
He dipped his pen in the ink. 他把钢笔往墨水里蘸了蘸。

under

常见用法示例
In a lower position or place than: 在...下面：在比...低的位置或地方上。a rug under a chair 椅子下面的小地毯
The water flows under the bridge. 水在桥下流过。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。If you are under 26 you can buy cheap rail tickets. 未满26岁者可购买廉价火车票。
The army is under the King's direct command. 军队由国王直接指挥。
under discussion 在讨论中
To or into a lower position or place than: 到或进入比...低的位置或地方。*此时为一个封装词。rolled the ball under the couch 把球滚到躺椅下
He threw himself under a bus. 他扑到一辆公共汽车底下去了。

below

常见用法示例
In a lower position or place than: 在...下面：在比...低的位置或地方上。There was an ugly scar below his left eye. 他左眼下有一道难看的疤。
The kitchen is directly below the bathroom. 厨房就在洗手间下面。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。The temperature remained below freezing all day. 温度整天都在冰点以下。
A sergeant in the police force is below an inspector. 警察中巡佐的职位低于巡官。

over

常见用法示例
In or at a position above or higher than: 高于...：在...的上方或比...高。a sign over the door 门上方的标记
Tom held a large umbrella over her. 汤姆给她打着一把大伞。
Upon the surface of: 在...表面。put a coat of varnish over the woodwork 在木制品上涂亮光漆
He put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming. 他伸手捂住她的嘴, 不让她叫喊。
On the other side of: 在...对面：在...另一边，在...的对面。a village over the border 边界对面的村庄
There's a bus stop just over the road. 路对面就有一个公共汽车站。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。records maintained over two years 保持了两年的记录
He's over fifty. 他五十开外了。
a chat over coffee 喝着咖啡聊天
From one side of (sth) to the other：从（某物）的一边到另一边。*此时为一个封装词。run over the grass 跑过草地
a jump over the fence 跳过这个篱笆
Through the extent of; all through: 在...的范围内；遍及。*此时为一个封装词。walked over the grounds 走遍整个庭园
looked over the report 看完整篇报告

above

常见用法示例
In a higher position than something else: 在...的上方。Our office is above the hairdresser's. 我们的办公室在理发店上面。
We were flying above the clouds. 我们在云层上面飞行。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。The temperature has been above the average recently. 近来的气温一直比平均温度高。
Applicants must be above/over the age of 18. 申请人年龄必须超过18岁。
A miser loves gold above his life. 一个守财奴爱财胜过生命。

behind

常见用法示例
At the back of or in the rear of: 在...之后：在后面或在...的后部。Who's the girl standing behind Richard? 站在理查德后面的那个姑娘是谁?
The broom is behind the door. 扫帚在门背后。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。The plane was behind schedule. 飞机晚点了。
He's behind the rest of the class in reading. 他在阅读方面不如班上的其他同学。
What's behind the smart suit and eager smile? 穿得这样漂亮、笑得这样甜, 究竟是什么原因?

before

常见用法示例
In front of (sb/sth)：（指位置）在（某人[某物]）前面。He stood before her. 他站在她面前。
Your name comes before mine on the list. 名单上你的名字在我之前。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。The task before us is not an easy one. 我们面临的任务可不轻。
He arrived before me. 他在我之前到达。
I saw her before she left. 她离开之前我见过她。

between

常见用法示例
In the space separating (two or more objects, etc): 介于（两者或多者）之间。Mary sat between Peter and Jane. 玛丽坐在彼得和简之间。
Q comes between P and R in the English alphabet. 在英语字母表中, Q位于P与R之间。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。Between astonishment and joy, she couldn't help bursting into tears. 她惊喜交集，控制不住放声大哭起来。
He arrived between 6 and 7 last night. 他昨晚6点到7点之间到的。
It costs between 15 and 20 dollars. 这价值在15到20美元之间。

among

常见用法示例
In the midst of; surrounded by:在...当中，在...中间；被...所环绕。a pine tree among cedars 雪松中间的一棵松树
The girl quickly disappeared among the crowd. 女孩很快消失在人群中。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。He was only one among many who needed help. 他只是众多需要帮助者之一。
The allies found it hard to agree among themselves. 盟友发现他们很难达成一致意见。

around

常见用法示例
On all sides of: 在四周。trees around the field 那块地周围的树
The earth moves around the sun. 地球围绕着太阳运转。
In or to many places or parts of an area：到处，四处。Chairs were left untidily around the room. 屋里到处乱放着椅子。
He wandered around the streets, looking in shop windows. 他在街上闲逛，看看商店橱窗。
Near: 在...附近。She lives around Norfolk. 她住在诺福克附近。
Is there a bank around here? 这附近有银行吗？
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。It'll be finished around Christmas. 这事将在圣诞节前后完成。
There are around 80 pyramids in Egypt. 在埃及大约有80座金字塔。

beside

常见用法示例
At the side of; next to. 在...旁边；挨着。the table beside the bed 床边的桌子
Sit beside your sister. 坐在你妹妹旁边。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。His argument is beside the subject. 他的议论离题了。
Beside your earlier work this piece seems rather disappointing. 这件工作同你早先的工作相比, 有些令人失望。

by

常见用法示例
Near (sb/sth); at the side of; beside：靠近（某人[某物]）; 在...旁边; 在...附近。The telephone is by the window. 电话在窗户边上。
Come and sit by me. 来坐在我身旁。
One by one they left. 他们一个接一个地离去了。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。Dave spent Christmas all by himself. 戴夫一个人过圣诞节。
Can you finish the work by five o'clock? 你能在五点钟以前做完这工作吗?
Used especially with a passive verb to say who or what does something or makes something happen：指出施动者。He is arrested by the police. 他被警方逮捕了。
a play (written) by Shakespeare 莎士比亚（写）的剧本
was killed by a bullet 被子弹击毙
Used to say what means or method someone uses to do something：指出做某事所采用的方法。You switch the radio on by pressing this button. 按这个按钮就能开收音机。
He earns his living by writing. 他靠写作为生。
I shall contact you by letter. 我将写信和你联系。
during：在（某段时间）内。She sleeps by day and works by night. 她白天睡觉, 夜间工作。
from one side to the other of (sth/sb)：经过（某处[某人]）。I pass by the farm every day on my way to work. 我每天上班都要经过这个农场。
She walked by me without speaking. 她从我身边走过, 没说一句话。
to the extent of (sth) ：到（某事物）的程度。The bullet missed him by two inches. 那子弹差两英寸就打中他了。
The carpet is too short by three feet. 那地毯短了三英尺。
Their wages were increased by 15 percent. 他们的工资上涨了15%。

from

常见用法示例
Used for stating the origin of sb/sth：说明某人或某物的源头。I'm from China. 我来自中国。
a wind from the north 从北方刮来的风
a present from a friend 朋友送的礼物
Wine is made from grapes. 葡萄酒是用葡萄酿造的。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。I walked home from the station. 我从车站步行回家。
He came out from under the bed. 他从床下出来。
We lived in Scotland from 1960 to 1973. 1960年到1973年期间，我们居住在苏格兰。
She felt sick from tiredness. 她因疲劳而感到不舒服。

of

常见用法示例
Used to show possession, belonging, or origin:（用于表示归属或来历）...的，属于。The wall of the garden is very high. 花园的围墙非常高。
the works of Shakespeare 莎士比亚的著作
the day of the accident事故发生的那一天
Used to say what something contains：包含。This is a cup of coffee. 这是一杯咖啡。
several packets of cigarettes 几包香烟
a dress of silk 丝的连衣裙
Possessing; having: 占有的；拥有的。Tom is a man of great ability. 汤姆是一个非常能干的人。
a child of strange appearance 外貌奇特的孩子
Used to state specifically which thing of the general type mentioned you are referring to：指类的具体内容。He lives in the city of Dublin. 他住在都柏林市。
the issue of housing 住房问题
This spade is made of iron. 这把铲子是用铁做的。
a map of Ireland
Introducing the object of the action expressed by the preceding：引入前一名词所示行为的客体。The killing of many innocent people shocked the whole country. 大量无辜者被杀，震惊全国。
the forging of a banknote 伪造钞票
the fear of the dark 怕黑
Introducing the subject of the action expressed by the preceding：引入前一名词所示行为的主体。The ringing of the phone was ignored 电话铃响被忽略了。
the arrival of the delegation 代表团的到来

with

常见用法示例
Used to say that two or more people or things are together in the same place: 在一起。*同时同地存在。I saw Jimmy in town with his girlfriend. 我在城里看到吉米和他女朋友在一起。
Put this bag with the others. 把这个包和其他的放在一起。
Mix the powder with boiling water. 用开水把粉末调和。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。He is with us on that issue. 在那个议题上他和我们观点一致。
She trembled with fear. 她吓得发抖。
Jack beamed with pleasure when he heard the news. 杰克听到这消息高兴得眉开眼笑。
Mother became seriously ill with pneumonia. 母亲得了肺炎，病得很重。
She was knitting, with the television on. 她正在织毛线，电视机开着。
Possessing; having: 占有的；拥有的。the man with the scar 带伤疤的男子
a book with a green cover 一本绿色封面的书
a man with a gun 带枪的男子
Used when talking about an action or activity to say which other person, group, or country is involved：指出动作行为的其他参与者。I used to play chess with him. 我以前常和他下棋。
He is discussing the plan with an expert. 他正同一位专家在讨论该计划。
We're competing with foreign businesses. 我们在和外国公司竞争。
Indicating the tool or material used：指出动作行为过程中使用的工具或材料。He hit the door with a hammer. 他用锤子砸门。
Join the two pieces together with glue. 用胶把这两块粘在一起。
Chop the onions with a sharp knife. 用锋利的刀切洋葱。
Fill the bowl with sugar. 把这个碗装满糖。
Used to say which person or thing someone has a particular feeling or attitude towards：对某事物有某一感情或态度。careful with the glasses 当心这些玻璃杯
I hope you're not angry with me. 我希望你没生我的气。
She's delighted with her new car. 她对自己的新车很满意。

to

常见用法示例
Close enough to be touching (sb/sth); facing：接近得触到（某人[某物]）; 紧靠着; 面对着。We were standing face to face. 我们面对面站着。
He held a knife to her throat. 他拿着一把刀抵在她的喉咙上。
I sat with my back to the window. 我背对着窗户坐着。
Used to indicate figurative or abstract position: 用以表示比喻的或抽象的位置。the key to the door 开这个门的钥匙
I like to exercise to music. 我喜欢伴着音乐进行锻炼。
We won by six goals to three. 我们以六比三获胜。
I am walking to the office. 我正朝办公室走去。
He sent presents to the children. 他给孩子们寄了礼物。
How long is it to dinner? 到晚饭时间还有多久？

for

常见用法示例
Used to indicate one-to-one correspondence: 即表示一一对应的逻辑关系。Green is for peace. 绿色表示和平。
What's the French word for 'happy'? 法语"开心"怎么讲？
a cheque for a hundred pounds 一张一百英镑的支票
repeated the conversation word for word 逐字逐句地重复谈话
There were 50 applicants for the post. 有50人申请这个职位。
a letter for you 给你的信
It's quite warm for January. 就一月份来说, 天气相当暖和了。
paid ten dollars for a ticket 花十美元买了张票
It's a machine for slicing bread. 这是切面包片的机器。
My deep love for him still remains. 我对他深爱依旧。
go for a walk 去散步
search for treasure 寻宝
We could hardly see for the mist. 由于水汽，我们几乎什么也看不见。
I looked after the kids for them. 我为他们照看孩子。
Are you for or against the new road scheme? 你对修建新道路的计划是赞成还是反对?
I'm going away for a few days. 我要离开几天。
Used to introduce the logical subject of an infinitive：用于指出不定式的逻辑主语。It's useless for us to continue. 我们继续下去是徒劳的。
For her to have survived such an ordeal was remarkable. 她居然能经得起这种磨难，真了不起。
It's customary for the women to sit apart. 按习俗，妇女要分开坐。

3. 练习

单选：选择最合适的答案。

  1. There is a new bridge \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the river in front of my house. A. on B. over C. above D. near
  2. Ice is not often seen here in winter as the temperature normally stays \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ zero. A. up B. down C. above D. below
  3. The desk is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the way. Please carry it to an empty room. A. in B. on C. to D. by
  4. The river goes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the city and many people like to have a race to swim \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ it every summer. A. through; across B. across; through C. through; through D. across; across
  5. Try on this red skirt; you will look great \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ it. A. on B. by C. in D. for
  6. The bottle is full \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ water. Who has filled it \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ water? A. of; with B. with; of C. with; with D. of; of
  7. Please read it and give the answer \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the question. A. at B. for C. in D. to
  8. Look \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the girl. She looks \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ her sister. A. at; at B. like; like C. after; like D. at; like
  9. You have to study \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the Chinese test \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday night. A. at; on B. for; on C. on; for D. at; in
  10. I often watch TV \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ seven \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Sunday evenings. A. in; on B. at; on C. at; in D. in; at

注：此处仅保留部分代表性练习，完整练习请参考纸质版或后续版本。

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