英语中引导条件状语从句的连词有if,as (so) long as, as (so) far as, unless, in case, provided (providing) that, should, suppose (supposing) that, assuming (assume) that, on condition that, in the event that 等。
1. 前置法
英语中条件状语从句的位置很灵活,既可位于句首,也可位于句尾。所谓的前置法就是按照汉语的表达习惯,将条件状语从句译在句首,并视情況使用汉语的关联词语。如:“如果”、“如果……就”、“倘若”、“只要……就”、“除非……才”等。如:
* If the casting has one completely flat surface, the pattern can be made in one piece.
如果铸件有一个面是完全平的,模型就可以做成一个整体。
* Providing that we know the current and resistance, the voltage can be calculated.
如果我们知道了电流和电阻,那么就能求出电压。
* While the blast-furnace is expected to remain the world's chief source of iron units steelmaking, as long as adequate supplies of suitable coking coal remain available at competitive cost.
只要焦煤充足且成本较低,高炉仍将是世界上主要的炼铁设备。
2. 转译法
if引导的条件状语从句汉译时常常可以转译为时间状语从句,译为“当……时” 并放在句首。如: