【问】 记得老师在解释what的含义时,常常说what=that which。但that which是否能在实 际语言中使用?如果能使用,它与what有没有区别? 【答】 根据现代语言学家们的解释,只有在十分正式的语体中,that which才是可以接受的,故在实际使用上比较罕见,常常用what来代替。 1. upsets me most is his manner. (CGEL) 最使我心烦的是他的举止。 2. That which is most highly valued in the tribe is valour. 在这部落最受推崇的是勇敢。 3. I eatI like. (CGEL) 我吃我喜欢的东西。 4. That which pleases one party infuriates the other. (正式语体) 使一方高兴的事会激怒另一方。 A .S .Hornby则进一步指出,that which与what在语义上是有些区别的。that which表示具体明确的事情,例如,Don’t criticise that which you don’t understand.(对你不懂的事情不要乱批评)。这句话是与某个具体的事有联系的。而what则表示笼统的事,例如,Don’tcriticise what you don’t understand.(凡是不懂的,就不要妄加评论。)这句话指的是笼统的事。 请考察下面的例句: 1. The argument contains no evidence beyond that which is contained in the proposition. 此论点除包含在命题之中的证明外,没有任何其他证明。 2. Mr Burke exclaims against outrage; yet the greatest is that which he himself has com-mitted. 伯克先生指责暴行;然而,最大的暴行正是他自己干出来的。 另外,在谚语中也常常采用that which的用法: 1. That which is evil is soon learned. (Prov) 坏事易学。 2. That which is well done is twice done. (Prov) 一次做得好等于做两次。 3. That which one least anticipates soonest comes to pass. (Prov) 越是意料不到的事越容易发生。