【问】 In the end，it was more than he could bear. (New Concept English，Book 2，L. 38)

我不大了解more than...can/could的用法和意义。请简析。

【答】 more than... can/could是英语里的一个常见结构。从翻译角度讲，可以把这里的morethan理解为not，表示否定。整个结构一般可译为“非……所能……”、“不是……所能……”，“是……所不能……”。例如：

1. When my old friend Brian urged me to accept a cigarette，it was more than I could bear.

(New Concept English，Book 2，L.78)

当我的老朋友布赖恩怂恿我接受一支烟时，我可再也熬不住了。

2. Modern dances proved to be more than the dish could bear，for during the party it capsized and sank in seven feet of water. (New Concept English，Book 3，L. 43)

盘子承受不了在它上面跳现代舞的负担，舞会进行之中此盘倾覆，沉入七英尺深的河水中。

3. The cold was more than the children could bear. (Sinclair)

寒冷是孩子们忍受不了的。

4. The beauty of the place is more than I can describe.

那地方景色之美，是我无法描述的。

(参见more than C.)