【问】 (a) We agreed that his criticism was to the point.

(b) We were agreed that his criticism was to the point.

我们认为他的批评很中肯。

上句中的动词的主动形式(agreed)与被动形式(were agreed)为什么具有相同的意义?

【答】 英语里有许多形容词与过去分词(被动分词)具有完全相同的形式。骤然看来，它们是过去分词，但实际上却是形容词，例如：agreed，astonished，bored，broken，convinced，devot-ed，dilighted，disappointed，interested，relieved，satisfied，tired，worried等等。这样的形容词有很多是用来描述人的精神状态或态度(a state or attitude of mind)的。上句中的were agreed并不是被动结构，而是系表结构。类例：

1. The committee are agreed that it would be a mistake to spend any more money on theproject.

委员会一致同意，在这项工程上再花更多的钱，是错误的。

2. I’m astonished that he didn’t come. (ALD)

他没有来，我感到很惊讶。

3. I’m convinced already that what you said is quite right. (Shaw)

我已经相信你说的话是完全正确的。

4. He was devoted to pure science. (Lewis)

他献身于理论科学。

5. I’m very satisfied with you.

我对你很满意。

6. He was tired of talking to her.

他厌倦了同她说话。

7. Your father is really worried. (Dreiser)

你父亲确实很担忧。