【问】 请讲一讲上面两个介词短语的区别。

【答】 after time是个成语，意思是：“迟到”、“超过规定时间”，而after a time的意思则是“过了一段时间”。请比较：

1. We cannot wait for anyone who arrives after time. (Wood)

我们绝不等待任何迟到的人。

2. The publican was fined for selling beer after time. (Wood)

这位酒店老板因出售过期啤酒而被罚了款。

3. I didn't care for the place at first，but after a time I got to like it.

起初我不喜欢这个地方，但过了一段时间我便喜欢上它了。

4. As we had had a long walk through one of the markets of Old Delhi，we stopped at asquare to have a rest. After a time，we noticed a snake-charmer with two large basketsat the other side of the square，so we went to have a look at him. (New Concept English，Book 2，L.42)

当我们穿过旧德里的一个市场走了一段长路之后，我们在一个广场停下休息。过了一会儿，我们看见一个玩蛇者带着两个大篮子在广场的另一边，于是我们走过去看他。