英语主语除照译为汉语主语和在被动句中译为宾语外,还可采用以下特殊译法。
一、改译为谓语
当主语为动作性名词,而谓语为连系动词或make,take之类动词的被动语态时,可将主语译为谓语,并采用无人称句的格式。如:
Precautions are necessary to prevent it from burning.
必须注意不要让它烧着。
Attempts were made to develop a new technique for breeding rice variety.
曾试图研究出一种培育水稻品种的新技术。
二、改译为定语
当动词宾语或介词宾语在意义上说明主语的某一属性或本身就属于主语一部分时,可把宾语译为主语,主语译成定语。如:
Softwood trees have thin,needle-like leaves.
软材树的叶片纤细,呈针状。
Saccharum officinarium ranges in chromosome number between 2n=64and2n=128.
印度甘蔗的染色体数目介于2n=64和2n=128之间。
三、改译为状语
主语较短,并含有状语意义时,可改译为状语,并采用无人称句的格式。如:
These circumstances make it difficult to find site on which to carry out experiment.
由于这些环境条件,难以找到进行试验的场所。
Computer battles bugs.
用计算机防治害虫。