在句子中作让步状语的从句称为让步状语从句,让步状语从句可置于句首,也可置于句尾,有时可置于句中。让步状语从句通常由下列词或短语引导:although,though,even if,even though,whatever,whichever,whoever,whomever,whenever,wherever,however,while等。
(1)though/although,这两个词几乎完全相同,though比although通俗,但不如although那么正式,两者通常互换使用。主句不用but,但是可以加yet或still,though引导的从句可以把表语、状语、动词等提至句首。
Young though she is,she has travelled to many countries with her parents.
尽管她很年轻,她已经和父母旅行了很多国家。
(2)even though/even if,这两个短语表示语气更强的让步,常常译为"再退一步说"。
Even though/Even if he says so,we do not believe it.即便他这样说,我们也不相信。
(3)as引导让步状语从句时,从句中的表语、状语以及谓语中的实义动词需提前至从句句首;作表语的单数可数名词前如有冠词,冠词需要省去。
Succeed as I did,I would go on to work hard.
尽管我成功了,但我将继续努力。
(4)whether(...)or not/whether...or...引导的让步状语从句表示"不论是否......","不管......还是......"之意。该复合连词引导的让步状语从句表示正反两个方面的可能性都不会影响主句的意向或结果。
I really don't care about it,whether he will stay or not.
不管他是否留下来,我确实不关心。
(5)"疑问词+ever"在引导让步状语从句时常可换成"no matter+相应的疑问词"。在引导名词性从句时只能用"疑问词+ever"这类词。
I'll take the heavy box home however difficult it is.(=I'll take the heavy box home no matter how difficult it is.)
不管多么困难,我都要把这个重箱子带回家。
(6)while也可以引导让步状语从句,翻译成"尽管"。
While they are my neighbors,I don't know them well.