英语的定语从句和主句之间的关系比较复杂，有时仅从语法结构上分析从句与先行词的关系会给理解和翻译造成困难。这是因为有一些定语从句（包括限制性的和非限制性的） 对先行词的限制修饰作用很弱，而起着状语作用，往往含有原因、条件、结果、目的、让步、时间等意义。因此，翻译时应仔细分析主句和从句之间的逻辑关系，把具有状语职能的定语从句转换成适当的状语从句形式译出。实践证明，用这种方法处理某些定语从句，可使译文流畅晓白、逻辑严密。这样译时，应在句中加上表示汉语偏正关系的各种关联词。

(一)转换成原因状语从句

1) We can study the motion of the projectile by watching the motion of its centre of gravity , at which the mass of tfte projectile is considered to be concentrated.

我们可以通过研究弹丸重心的移动来研究弹丸的运动，回为弹丸的质量通常被认为是集中在重心上。

2) Radioactive isotopes, which may detect cracks and faults in metals, are usually used as tracers.

放射性同位素常用作示踪剂，因为它能探查金属中的裂纹釦缺陷。

(二）转换成结果状语从句

3) A liquid heated in a vessel expands relatively to the vessel, which also expands.

在容器中加热的液体会相对于容器而膨胀，结果使容器也膨胀。

4) It is fortunate that men have worked out new plane shapes which enable the plane to go through sound barrier with little difficulty.

幸而，人们已设计出新的机型，使飞机通过音障已不太困难。

5) If clouds are cooled further, their droplets of water form big drops that fall as rain.

如果云块继续受冷，云中的小水滴就会形成大水滴，最后变成雨落下来。

6) Scientists have developed a second generation of the blood substitute that solves the problem of blood storage.

科学家们已经研究成功第二代血液代用品，从而解决了血液的贮存问题。

（三）转换成目的状语从句

7) To answer such questions we shall have to do things to substances that will reveal differences not directly apparent.

要回答这样一些问题，我们就必须对物质逬行某些处理，以便揭示出那些并非是显而易见的差别。

8) A scientist uses many tools for measurement. Then the measurements are used to make mathematical calculations that may test his investigations.

科学家用许多手段进行测量，然后依测量结果进行数学计算，以检验自己的研究工作。