【问】 I was hoping we could have dinner together. 句中的was hoping是表示过去的愿望吗?
【答】 上句中的was hoping不一定是指过去时间,而可能是指现在时间。在后一情况下,washoping叫做礼貌过去时。这种过去时能表示说话人的礼貌和对听话人的尊重。类例:
1. We were hoping you would stay with us.
我们希望你留下来和我们在一起。
2. I was wondering if you could help me.
我想知道你能否帮助我。
3. I was hoping you could lend me some money. (BEU)
我希望你能借给我点儿钱。
4. What were you wanting?
你想要什么?
(见 could,want,wondered)
赵振才 编著.英语常见问题解答大词典.哈尔滨:黑龙江人民出版社.1998.第530页.