英语中的定语除可以是单个的形容词、名词、代词等前置定语外，还可以是短语(介词短语、形容词短语、分词短语、不定式短语)型的后置定语。如果作后置定语的短语较长，或者与被修饰的词的关系比较松散，或者难于与被修饰的词译在一起，就可以将其单独拆译成一个句子，以使译文简明易读，不致滞重。这种定语的拆译在实际翻译中相当常见。请看以下各例：

1. These improvements have brought the tank to a degree of sophistication unimagined 20 years ago.

这些改进措施巳使坦克高度完善，这是20年前无法想象的。

2. Our eyes have a peculiar habit，called "persistence of vision."

人类的眼睛具有一种独特的习性，祢为“视觉暂留”。

3. Some of the radio telescopes used in present-day radio astronomy are rather sophisticated systems operating on novel but elegant principles.

用于当代射电天文学的某些射电望远镜，相当复杂，其工作原理既新颖又完美。

4. Stainless steels are corrosion and heat resisting alloys composed chiefly of iron and chromium.

不锈钢是一种耐腐蚀、耐高温的合金，其主要成分是铁和铬。

5. The idea of a fish being able to generate electricity strong enough to light small bulbs, even to run an electric motor, is almost unbelievable.

鱼能发电，其强度足以点亮小灯泡，甚至还能开动马达，这真令人难以置信。

6. There is the challenge，more clearly defined than ever before ，to scientists to apply the results of science and technology for the benefit of mankind.

科学家们面临着比以往任何时候都更为明确的任务，即把科技成果造福于人类。