Download 第一节科技英语写作语法错误举例

科技英语写作与编辑
第一节 科技英语写作语法错误举例
1.1 Subject-Verb Agreements(主谓一致)
例 1 Application of this technique to studies on phytoplankton biomass and its environments are
described.
[说明] The subject is “application”, which is singular.
Application of this technique to … is described.
Sometimes, two singular subjects joined by “and” cause this error.
例 2 Growth and isolation of M13 virus was described
→Growth and isolation of M13 virus were described.
Exception: A subject that is plural in form but singular in effect takes a singular verb.
例 3 The name and address of each contributor is given on the title page.
例 4 Research and development is attracting a growing number of young scientists.
However, when two or more subjects are joined by “or”, the verb takes the number
of the closest subject.
例 5 Application or uses were noted.
Uses or application was noted.
例 6 The appropriate metal ion concentration or the rate constants were used.
The rate constants or appropriate metal ion concentration was used.
Collective nouns take a singular verb when the group as a whole is meant; in that
case they are often preceded by the word “the”. Collective nouns take a plural verb
when individuals of the group are meant; in that case, they are often preceded by the
word “a”.
cntents
jority ange couple number series
dozen pair variety group
例 7 The series is arranged in order of decreasing size.
[说明] Refers to the series as a unit.
例 8 A series of compounds were tested.
[说明] Refers to each compound.
例 9 The number of metal amides synthesized was the largest to date.
(Refers to the number as a unit.)
A number of metal amides were synthesized.
(Refers to each amide.)
例 10 The series of compounds was prepared to test the hypothesis.
(Refers to the series as a unit.)
A series of compounds were tested.
(Refers to each compound.)
例 11 A series of low molecular weight phenolphthalein epoxy resins ( Mn＝500-700) has been
prepared from phenolphthalein and epichlorohydrin using K2CO3(Na2CO3)/H2O as catalysts instead of
NaOH/H2O.
→A series of low molecular weight phenolphthalein epoxy resins ( Mn＝500-700) heve been
prepared from phenolphthalein and epichlorohydrin using K2CO3(Na2CO3)/H2O as catalysts instead of
NaOH/H2O.
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科技英语写作与编辑
“Data” can be a singular or plural noun.
例 12 Experimental data that we obtained are compared with previously reported results.
[说明] Refers to the data as individual results.
例 13 After the data are distributed, we can meet to discuss them.
→After the data is distributed, we can meet to discuss it.
[说明] Refers to the whole collection of data as one unit.
例 14 None of the samples was soluble.
→None of the samples were soluble.
[说明] Refers to individuals.
例 15 This group of workers are well aware of their responsibilities.
→This group of workers is well aware of its responsibilities.
[说明] Refers to the group as a unit.
Units of measurement are treated as collective nouns and therefore take a singular
subject.
例 16 The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent were added.
→The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent was added.
例 17 Five grams of NaCL were added to the solution.
→Five grams of NaCL was added to the solution.
例 18 Three weeks are needed to complete the experiment.
→Three weeks is needed to complete the experiment.
Nouns ending in ics and denoting a scientific discipline are usually singular.
dynamics
mechanics kinetics physics mathematics thermodynamics
Mechanics involves the application of Newton’s three laws of motion.
The kinetics of electron transfer to and from photogenerated radicals was examined by laser flash
photolysis.
The thermodynamics is governed by the positions of the valence and conduction bands.
Compound subjects containing the words “each”, “every”, and “everybody” may
take singular verbs.
例 19 Each flask and each holder was sterilized before use.
Both components of the compound subject must contain the words in question.
Otherwise, the verb must be plural.
例 20 Each student and all of the professors were invited.
Sometimes, one of these words is implicit; such cases take a singular verb.
例 21 Each name and address is entered into the database.
Indefinite pronouns themselves (or adjectives combined with the indefinite
pronoun “one”) can be the subject of the sentence.
Those that take a singular verb are “each”, “either”, “neither”, “no one”, “every
one”, “anyone”, “someone”, “everyone”, “anybody”, “somebody”, and “ everybody”.
例 22
例 23
例 24
例 25
Each was evaluated for its effect on metabolism.
Neither disrupts the cell membrane.
Regarding compounds 1-10, every one reacts with the control agent.
Someone measures the volume every day.
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科技英语写作与编辑
Those that take a plural verb are “several”, “few”, “both”, and “many”.
例 26 Several were evaluated for their effects on metabolism.
例 27 Few disrupt the cell membrane.
例 28 Regarding compounds 1 and 2, both react with the control agent.
例 29 Many were chosen to be part of the study.
Those that take either a singular or plural verb, depending on context, are “some”,
“any”, “none”, “all”, and “most”. The number of the object of the preposition
determines the number of the indefinite pronoun related to it.
例 30 Some of the money was stolen.
例 31 Some of the books were lost.
例 32 Not all the disks are here; some were lost.
When a fraction is the subject of the sentence, the number of the attendant object
of the preposition determines the number of the subject.
例 33 One-third of the precipitate was dissolved.
例 34 One-fourth of the electrons are excited.
例 35 The remainder of the compounds are yet to be described.
When a subject and its predicative disagree in number, the verb takes the number
of the subject.
例 36 The preparation and structure determination of these three compounds are the topic of
paper.
例 37 The topic of this paper is the preparation and structure determination of these three
compounds.
1.2 Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses
When a clause in a compound sentence is restrictive, the clause is necessary to
the sense of the sentence, the sentence would become pointless without the clause.
Restrictive clauses are best introduced by “that”, not “which”.
例 38 It was necessary to fined a blocking group which would react with the amino group but not
with the hydroxyl.
→It was necessary to fined a blocking group that would react with the amino group but not
with the hydroxyl.
A phrase or clause is nonrestrictive if it adds information but is not essential ; that
is, the sentence does not lose its meaning if the phrase or clause is deleted.
Nonrestrictive phrase and clause are set off by commas.
例 39 The current-voltage curves, which are shown in Figure 6, clearly demonstrate the reversibility
of all four processes.
例 40 Melvin Calvin, who won the Nobel Prize in 1961, elucidated the biochemical
pathways in photosynthesis.
1.3 Dangling Modifiers (垂悬修饰语)，也称垂悬短语 (Dangling phrases)
One form of a dangling modifier is a verbal phrase that not refer clearly and
logically to another word or phrase in the sentence.
The understood subject is usually the same as in the main clause.
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科技英语写作与编辑
Walking across the field, we saw a plane fly past.
(= As we were walking …,we saw …)
与句子主语没有联系的短语修饰语，即动词短语的逻辑主语(隐含主语)与主句主语不一致。
短语的隐含主语和主句中的主语应保持一致。
(1)If a modifier precedes the subject of a sentence, it must modify that subject and be
separated from it by a comma. Otherwise, it is a dangling modifier.
例 41 Splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
→ Splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
Upon Splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
→ Upon Splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
例 42 When confronted with these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
→ When confronted with these limitations, we discontinued the experiments.
→ In light of these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
例 43 Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, the ortho hydrogens could be
assigned to the high-frequency peak.
→Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, we could assign the ortho
hydrogens to the high-frequency peak.
例 44 Using the procedure described previously, the partition function can be evaluated.
→the partition function can be evaluated by using the procedure described previously.
Or，→Using the procedure described previously, we can evaluate the partition function.
(2) Phrases starting with “based on” must modify a noun or pronoun that usually
immediately precedes or follows the phrase. Use phrases starting with “on the basis
of” to modify a verb.
例 45 Based on resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the inter ‐ ring
separation were calculated.
→ On the basis of resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the inter‐ring
separation were calculated.
例 46 Based on extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme.
(“Based on extensive study” modifies the noun “deficiency”, but this not the meaning.)
→ On the basis of extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one
isozyme. (“On the basis of extensive study” modifies the verb “was attributed”.)
例 47 Style guidelines based on authoritative sources are included in this book.
(3)“Due to” means “attributable to”; use it only to modify a noun or pronoun
directly preceding it in the sentence or following a form of the verb “to be”.
例 48 Delays resulted due to equipment failure.
→ Delays due to equipment failure were unavoidable.
→ The delays were due to equipment failure.
例 49 This high value resulted due to the conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
→This high value is due to the conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
→This high value resulted from the conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
Dangling phrases 包括悬垂分词短语、悬垂不定式短语和悬垂介词短语 3 种
a.悬垂分词短语 (Dangling participle phrases)
Having reviewed the technical report, several mistakes were found in it.
→ Having reviewed the technical report, we found several mistakes in it.
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科技英语写作与编辑
→ After the technical report was reviewed, the several mistakes were found in it.
Based on the biological and geographical characters, lakes in China can be divided into five
major groups.
→ On the basis of the biological and geographical characters, lakes in China can be divided into
five major groups.
→ Lakes in China can be divided into five major groups according to their biological and
geographical characters.
b. 悬垂不定式短语 (Dangling infinitive phrases)
In order to realize sustainable development of society, it needs to consider the protected area
construction as an important component of regional developmental planning and …
→ In order to realize sustainable development of society, we should consider the construction of
protected area as an important component of regional developmental planning and …
c. 悬垂介词短语 (Dangling preposition phrases)
After removing the outmost leaves, the material was rubbed with 70% ethanol for surface
sterilization.
→ The materials were cleansed with 70% ethanol for surface sterilization, after their outmost
leaves were removed.
下面几种情形不是 dangling modifiers:
(4) Absolute constructions are words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically
unconnected with the rest of the sentence in which they appear. They are sometimes
called “sentence modifiers” because they qualify the rest of the sentence. They may
occur anywhere in the sentence, and they are always set off by commas. They are not
dangling modifiers.
例 50 Contrary to the excited ‐ state situation, metal–bonding interactions in the ground
states are weak.
例 51 The constructions were premature, considering the lack of available data.
例 52 judging from the spectral changes, exhaustive photolysis of compound 4 had occurred.
例 53 The conformations about the Re–Re bond, in addition, are different for all three complexes.
Absolute constructions often begin with one of the following words:
considering provided given providing judging regarding
concerning failing
(5)In mathematical papers, absolute phrases beginning with the words “assuming”
and “taking” are often used as sentence modifiers.
例 54 Assuming that distance d is induced by the norm, M is a symmetrical and positively
defined matrix.
例 55 Taking this value as an upper limit, the two shortest distances are sometimes too long
for incipient hydrogen bonds.
(6)A subordinate or elliptical clause may be used as a sentence modifier.
例 56 The compound is stable in air, as we concluded from the experiment evidence.
例 57 The Mo 5s orbitals, as expected, interact strongly with the ligands.
(7)An introductory infinitive or infinitive phrase may be a sentence modifier.
例 58 To prepare compound 2, the method of Garner was followed.
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科技英语写作与编辑
1.4
Awkward Omissions of Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs
Be sure that each subject in a compound sentence has the proper verbs and
auxiliary verbs.
例 59 The eluant was added to the column, and the samples collected in 10-mL increments.
→ The eluant was added to the column, and the samples were collected in 10-mL
increments.
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科技英语写作与编辑
第二节 科技英语写作表达的几个问题
2.1 简明
科学论文不同于文学作品，要求必须简明、清晰、准确
例 As can be seen from Fig.1, growth is rapid.
→ Growth is rapid (Fig.1).
→ Fig.1 shows that growth is rapid.
As shown in Fig.1 …
→ Fig.1 shows …
The molar enthalpy of decomposition was determined to be 62.38 kJ/mol by means of the third
peak area in DSC curve.
→ The molar enthalpy of decomposition was determined to be 62.38 kJ/mol from (or by) the
third peak area in DSC curve.
下述句式可以更加简捷的形式表达
常以介词或副词代替
a number of
= several, some
at a temperature of
at
at some future time
later
at the present time (moment)
now
a very limited number of
few
by means of
by or with
due to the fact that
because or since
during the time that
while
for a period of
for
for the reason that
because or since
from the standpoint of
according to
greater (or higher) number of
more
if conditions are such that
if
compared with A, B was bigger
B was bigger than A
considerable amount of
much
considerable number (or proportion)
many or most
in a careless manner
carelessly
in a considerable number of cases
often
in a similar manner
similarly
in all cases
always, all
in any case
anyhow
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科技英语写作与编辑
in consequence of this fact
therefore
in excess of
more than
in few cases
sometimes, rarely, seldom
in many cases chemists are …
many chemists are …
in order to
to
in [with] regard to in relation to in respect of [to] in the case of in this context of
以上可使用适当的介词，例如 in, for, about, with
in some cases
sometimes
in terms of
in
in the case of sodium
with sodium
in the event that
if
in the near future
soon
in the temperature range of
between … and … ℃
in view of the fact that
since or because
large number(s) of
many
large proportion of
many
of great importance
important
of such hardness that
so hard that
on the basis of
from, by, because
on the order of
about
over the past few years
recently, in recent years
owing to the fact that
since, because
a small number of
a few
subsequent to
after
a sufficient number of
enough
with reference to
about
prior to
before
It is apparent that …
Apparently …, hence, thus
It appears that …
Apparently …
It is interesting to note that … I
interestingly …
It was in 1977 that …
In 1977 …
It is clear that …
Clearly …
It is our conclusion that …
We conclude that …
It is possible that …
It may be said that …
Perhaps …, Possibly, Probably
It is often the case that …
Often …
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科技英语写作与编辑
It is possible that the cause is …
The cause may be …
可去掉 It, 改用动词，而不用名词
It is the aim of the present investigation to provide …
→ This investigation is aimed to providing …
ACS 建议以如下几种方式，使文章写得更简明：
(1) 删去诸如下述短语
As already stated
It has been found that
It has long been known that
It is interesting to note that
It is worth mentioning at this point
It may be said that
It was demonstrated that
(2)删去多余的词
It is a procedure that is often used.
→ This procedure is often used.
There are seven steps that must be completed.
→ Seven steps must be completed.
This is a problem that is…
→ This problem is…
These results are preliminary in nature.
→ These results are preliminary.
(3) 不用短语，用单一词表达
a number of
→ many, several
a small number of
→ a few
are in agreement
→ agree
are found to be
→ are
are known to be
→ are
at present
→ now
at the present time
→ now
based on the fact that
→ because
by means of
→ by
despite the fact that
→ although
due to the fact that
→ because
during that time
→ while
fewer in number
→ fewer
for the reason that
→ because
has been shown to be
→ is
if it is assumed that
→ if
in color, e.g., red in color
→ just state the color, e.g., red
in consequence of this fact
→ therefore, consequently
in length
→ long
in order to
→ to
in shape, e.g., round in shape
→ just state the shape, e.g., round
in size, e.g., small in size
→ just state the size, e.g., small
in spite of the fact that
→ although
in the case of …
→ in …, for…
in the near future
→ soon
in view of the fact that
→ because
is known to be
→ is
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科技英语写作与编辑
it appears that
it is clear that
it is likely that
it is possible that
it would appear that
of great importance
on the order of
owing to the fact that
prior to
reported in the literature
subsequent to
→ apparently
→ clearly
→ likely
→ possibly
→ apparently
→ important
→ about
→ because
→ before
→ reported
→ after
两种类型的复杂句及其简化
有被动式从句与主动式从句之分
[被动式从句]
He uses an instrument which is called a spectroscope.
→ He uses an instrument called a spectroscope.(简化为后置的过去分词)
带有 介词+which 句子的简化
(1) at which → where
Airport is a place at which special attention is paid to the weather.
→ Airport is a place where special attention is paid to the weather.
(2) by means of which → whereby
A fuse box is a device by means of which excessive loads are avoided.
→ A fuse box is a device whereby excessive loads are avoided.
Definition of thermal analysis
A general term covering a group of related techniques whereby the dependence of the
parameters of any physical property of a substance on temperature is measured.
(3) of which → whose
Venus is a planet of which the surface temperature is thought to be at least 200 ℃.
→ Venus is a planet whose the surface temperature is thought to be at least 200 ℃.
有介词 from, in, for 者不能简化
Laboratories are rooms in which experiments are conducted.
有助动词的句子，不能简化
Here is a list of experiments which will be/ should be/ have been done this year.(这里是今年要
做的/ 必须做的/ 已做过的实验明细表。)
[主动式从句]
The man who lectures on Thursday is an expert in dynamics.
→ The man lecturing on Thursday is an expert in dynamics.
(简化为现在分词，作后置定语。)
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科技英语写作与编辑
再简化
被动式
Air which is compressed can be used for several purposes.
→ Air compressed can be used for several purposes.
→ Compressed air compressed can be used for several purposes.
主动式
Malaysia is a country which produces rubber.
Malaysia is a country producing rubber.
Malaysia is a rubber- producing country.
2.2 富于变幻
比如，“称作”一词
Such fractions are called as non-freezing water.
Such fractions are referred to as freezing bound water.
This water is designated as freezing water.
再比如，报道、阐述、主张、确认
Conflicting data have been presented in literature concerning the compatibility of poly(vinyl
chloride)-PVC- and poly(methyl methacrylate)-PMMA. Thus, Schurer et al[1] reported PVC/ PMMA
to be miscible only in blends having a PVC content greater than 60 ℅ w/w, whereas Rozinska et al[2]
claimed PVC/ PMMA to be immiscible. On the other hand, Parmer et al[3] asserted PVC/PMMA to
be miscible over the whole range of composition showing a single glass transition, Tg, in the second
DSC heating rate traces. Miscibility of PVC/PMMA has also been confirmed by Albert et al[4] by
non-radiative energy transfer and NMR.
2.3 辨析近义词
例 1 absorbed by, adsorbed on
adsorbed on(吸附于表面)， absorbed by(吸收其中)。
如：… adsorbed on the surface of silver iodine. (…吸附于碘化银的表面。)
Water was absorbed by the sponge.
(水被泡沫材料吸收。)
例 2 accuracy, precision
accuracy(准确度)，示值(实验值)与被测量真值(约定真值)的一致程度；
precision(精密度)，某一物理量多次测量值的一致性(或称数据的分散性)。
例如：Although high precision was achieved, accuracy was low.(虽然达到高精密度，但准确度低。)
例 3 actually, in fact
在例句“Actually, the reaction rates by employing some other methods were considerably
slower, …” 中，对于科学论文来讲，这里使用 in fact 更为合适。与书面语言相比，actually 更多
用于口语。
例 4 adjust, calibrate
calibrate 的名词形式是 calibration(校准)，在规定条件下为确定测量仪器或测量系统的示值
与被测量相对应的已知值之间关系的一组操作。可以用校准的结果评定测量仪器、测量系统的
示值误差，或给任意标尺上的标记赋值；有时把校准的结果表示为校正因子或取校正曲线形式
的一系列校正因子。可按上述的校正对测量结果做调整(adjust)。例如：The results of the calibration
permitted us to adjust the final result.(校准的结果允许我们去调整最终结果。)
例 5 common, general, ordinary, usual, routine
common(普通的，共同的),α-Alumina monohydrate is a common component of many
bauxites.(α-氧化铝单水合物是许多铝土矿的共同成分。)
general(一般的)，One of the best and most general methods for preparing ketones in the
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科技英语写作与编辑
aromatic series is the Friedel-Craft reaction.( 制 备 芳 酮 类 化 合 物 一 般 最 好 的 方 法 之 一 是
Friedel-Craft 反应。)
ordinary(普通的，通常的)，如：Heavy water differs somewhat from ordinary water in certain
physical properties.(重水在某些物理性质方面与普通的水有所不同。)
ordinary pressure(常压)，
ordinary temperature(常温)。
usual(常规的)，Under these condition the end-point of titration could be found accurately in the
usual way.(在这种条件下，按常规的办法可以精确发现滴定终点。)
兹以 method 为例：
a common method
普通的方法
a general method
一般的方法
a usual method
常规的方法
a conventional method
传统的方法
此外，routine(贯常的)，如 routine test(惯常测试)，是指按即定的程序开展的大量重复测试。
例 6 by means of, in terms of
by means of 与 by, using, by using 同义，表示利用某种方法(手段，诸如 IR, DSC, NMR, X 射
线衍射等)开展研究、观测；
in terms of 通常用在采用某种理论(说法)、参数来解释实验结果。
例如： The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of PES/PPS blends have been investigated
by means of DSC and DMA.
Sometimes, we have to study the miscibility of polymer blends by means of a combination
of two or more methods in order to confirm the experimental results.
Fox equation interprets the relationship between glass temperature ( Tg ) and copolymer
compositions.
→ The relationship between glass temperature ( Tg ) and copolymer compositions was
interpreted in terms of Fox equation.
We have prepared the complex of title compound and discussed its thermal decomposition
procedure by TG-DTG, DTA, SEM and IR techniques and the corresponding non-isothermal
kinetics by means of the Malek method.
→ … in terms of the Malek method.
例 7 curve, thermogram
curve(曲线)，thermogram(热谱)。
thermogram 的一种解释是，住院病人，例行查房，体温的逐日记录。因此，以英国学者为主
的热分析名词委员会主张称热分析的记录为“曲线”，而不称“热谱”。如 DTA curve(DTA 曲线)，
DSC curve(DSC 曲线)。
例 8 derivative, differential
derivative(微商)，表示某物理量 P 对温度 T 或时间 t 的微商，dP/dT (或 dP/dt ), 如 derivative
thermogravimetry(微商热重法)
differential(差，差式)，如 differential scanning calorimetry(差式扫描量热法)。
例 9 different, various, varying
different(不同的)，various(各种的)，varying(改变……的)。
例如： The results are clearly different.
(结果显然不同。)
We tried various(或 several different)methods.(我们试过各种方法。)
The effect of varying the condition was …
(改变条件的影响是……)
例 10 mass, weight
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科技英语写作与编辑
mass(质量)，weight(重量)。
如：mass of the sample(试样质量，或简称试样量)，而不称 sample weight(试样重量)。重量
在本质上与力是相同的，即是质量与因重力而产生的加速度的乘积。
例 11 usually, often, sometimes
它们在表现时间的频次上是不同的，usually, often, sometimes 依次为“通常”、“常常”、“有
时”，频次降低。
如：It was usually observed that …
(通常观测……)
It was often observed that …
(常常观测……)
It was sometimes observed that …
( 有时观测……)
例 12 standard material, certified reference material
standard material 标准物质，
certified reference material 有证参样(或称有证标准物质)。
standard material 用于检定仪器测量准确度的物质；certified reference material 用一种或多种
技术上正确的方法，鉴定了其特性值、具有可溯源性并附有鉴定机构所发给的证书或其他文件
的标准物质。
例 13
material substance sample specimen test specimen specimens 试料 ISO 11358:
sample:
A small part or portion of a bulk material or batch of products intended to be representative of
the whole.
(样品:可代表整个材料或产品的一小部分批料)
test specimen:
A complete product or single piece taken from a sample and used to carry out a test. In the case
of bulk materials such as pellets, powders and granules: a portion taken from a sample and used to
carry out a test.
(试样：取自样品的一个完整产品或单一件并用于进行测试。对于诸如板
材、粉末或粒子的批料，是从样品取一小部分，并用于测试。)
用非常少量的试样而又必须能代表整个样品，则要求必须制备成均匀组成的分析试样。
2.4 语法修辞及其他
2.4.1 时态、语态与人称
1)时态
用一般过去时，陈述以往做过的事。如：
The solution heated to boiling.
The spectra were recorded.
Jones reviewed the literature and gathered much of this information.
We recently found that relativistic effects enhance the bond strength.
The structure were determined by neutron diffraction methods.
用现在时叙述事实
Absolute rate constants for a wide variety of reactions are available.
Hyperbranched compounds are macromolecular compounds that contain a branching point in
each structural repeat unit.
现在时和一般过去时可用于表达文章的结果、讨论和结论
The characteristics of the voltammetric wave indicate that electron transfer and breaking of
the carbon-iodine bond are concerted.
The excellent thermal stability of poly(nRMI) was confirmed by thermal analysis technique,
i.e., they had a high glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature.
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科技英语写作与编辑
论文常用时态 可概括如下:
表示“报道、研究、综述”等，通常用一般现在时
In this paper we report the synthesis of RFC containing barium ferrite according to a specific
recipe and its evaluation of dielectric and mechanical properties.
The probable mode of evolution is discussed.
叙述他人已报道的内容用一般过去时或现在完成时
In the past decade public attention more and more focused on the potential applications of
renewable resources (for example as building materials, Sobral 1990)(90).
表示研究过程的行为通常用一般过去时或现在完成时
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was kindly supplied by FIAT (Italy).
The HDPE was blended with the LDPE, in the molten state at high temperature (200℃),
using a Brabender blender,equipped with rotating blades.
Films were obtained from all the mentioned materials, by compression moulding on a
laboratory scale at T = 180℃ with a thickness≈0.2mm.
The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of short nylon fiber-styrene butadiene rubber
composites with and without an interfacial bonding agent based on 4,4-diphenyl methane diisocyanate
have been studied.
表示实验结果及其产生的原因,通常用一般现在时
Tensile strength decreases with the addition of ferrites. This is due to the poor interfacial
adhesion between the ferrite filler and nature rubber.
如用一般过去时，则表示这一结论仅适用于该研究过程中的特定情况，不具普遍性
We conclude that the principle of the test system allow increased safety and accuracy in hospital
drug handling.
表示计划与预期的结果用将来时
When photosynthesis can be carried out artificially on a large scale, we shall be able to set up
factories to mass-produce food.
In the coming years,scientists will try to collect signals from outer space.
时态的呼应
from: 冯志杰 汉英科技翻译指要
通常，主从句(尤其是宾语从句和主语从句)谓语动词的时态应保持一致。
We presume that a cyclase gene from S. cattleya was cloned according to the function of the gene
products.
→ According to the function of the gene products, We may come to the conclusion that a cyclase
gene from S. cattleya has been cloned.
2) 语态
与被动语态相比，主动语态更直接，并口语的味道较少
The fact that such processes are under strict stereoelectronic control is demonstrated by our
work in this area.
→ Our work in this area demonstrates that such processes are under strict stereoelectronic
control.
He had to discontinue his undergraduate studies because his physical condition becomes worse
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科技英语写作与编辑
and worse.
→He had to discontinue his undergraduate studies because his physical condition became worse
and worse.
Agricultural production rose significantly since 1979 owing to the economical reforms in rural
China.
→Agricultural production has increased significantly since 1979 owing to the economical
reforms in rural China.
但，有些情况也可不一致。如，虽主句是过去时，但从句叙述的是客观事实，故用现在时。
Since centrosome is chemically complex cellular structure and autoimmune antiserum is
polyclonal, further investigation was made by using one of the antisera against centrosome.
I lived where there are mountains and rivers.
3) 人称
(1) 使用第一人称会更加清楚地表达你的意图
Jones reported xyz, but I (or we ) found …
I (or we ) present here a detailed study …
My (or our ) recent work demonstrated …
To determine the effects of structure on photophysics, I (or we) …
不过，要用事实说话，避免主观臆断。因此尽量不用下列句式
We believe
We feel
We concluded
We can see
(2) 使用肯定句，不用“双重否定句”
→
→
→
→
→
→
This reaction is not uncommon
This reaction is common
This reaction is not rare
This reaction occurs about 40% of the time
This transition was not unexpected
This transition was expected
We knew that such transitions were possible
This strategy is not infrequently used
This strategy is frequently used
This strategy is occasionally used
This result is not unlikely to occur
This result is likely to occur
This result is possible
(3)由 which, that, where 引出的从句
通过 which 进行双扩展
The change of heat of fusion of polyethylene as a function of the specific volume which the
sample has at room temperature, and which is related to the crystallinity through Eq.(5) in Chapter IV
is shown in Fig.IV 12.
由于插入从句，which 远离它所代替的主句中的词
In the case of cold crystallization it is suggested that by reason of somewhat rigid backbone
chains in these polymers, there will be some local order such as parallel chains or nematic domains,
originating during quenching the melt and frozen in the glassy state, which favors subsequent
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科技英语写作与编辑
crystallization.
(4)不要在一个名词前用一串词进行修饰
Thermal decomposition kinetics of the complexes of light rare earth bromides with alanine by
DSC method
→ DSC study on kinetics of thermal decomposition for the complexes of light rare earth
bromides with alanine
(5)词序
In the form of extended helical chain, the junction zones are linked.
→ The junction zones are linked in the form of extended helical chain.
Fox equation interprets the relationship between glass temperature (Tg) and copolymer
compositions.
→ The relationship between glass temperature (Tg) and copolymer compositions was
interpreted in terms of Fox equation.
(6)利用时态表示事件发生的先后关系
Examine the contents of the tube in which the liquid have collected.
[考察(事先已在)试管中收集的液体。]
(现在完成时在前，现在时在后。)
(7)介词
与描写实验过程有关的介词
under condition
… under non-isothermal condition
at heating/ cooling rate under atmosphere
The exothermic crystallization peaks were recorded at different cooling rates ranging from
2.5--40℃/min under a nitrogen atmosphere.
升、降温速率也可用 with, 但如 with 已用于使用某种仪器前，则扫描速率仍须用 at。
The melting range of this polymer was 138～163℃, and the heat of fusion was 24 cal/g, as
determined by differential scanning calorimetry with a scan speed of 8℃/min.
… subsequently the specimens were cooled down, and crystallization thermograms were
recorded at scan speed of 0.5～32℃/min with a differential scanning calorimeter manufactured by
Perkin-Elmer (DSC model 1 B).
by 使用方法
differential scanning calorimetry
with 使用仪器
differential scanning calorimetrer
in 按(升、降温)模式 The following equation is valid for the heat flow rate absorbed by the
sample (without reference sample) in (quasi-) steady heating mode.
Peak area calibration can be performed in two ways.
由相同介词引起的相互平行的对等结构
The amorphous subsystem is linked to the equilibrium melt, followed by extrapolation into the
nonequilibrium, supercooled melt to the glass , as described in Section V.A.1 and F2.
The following is valid for the (steady-state) heat flow rates exchanged between furnace and
sample, φfs, between furnace and reference sample, φfr, and for the measured heat (output) flow
rateφm and true heat flow rate φture in to the sample.
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科技英语写作与编辑
**常见介词问题
f rom: 李学军等.编辑学报，2004，16(6)：418
1)介词搭配错误
a. 非固定搭配错误
ecological adjustment of groundwater
→ ecological adjustment by groundwater
the impending earthquake prediction of some Chinese scientists
→ the impending earthquake prediction by some Chinese scientists
about 500 times at every year
→ about 500 times in every year
fluid inclusions of early stage
→ fluid inclusions at early stage
in the depth of 800 m
→ at the depth of 800 m
It is shown on/by Fig.5.
→ It is shown in Fig.5.
The forest fire in the Da Hinggan Ling Mountains occurred on May 13-22, 1998.
→ The forest fire in the Da Hinggan Ling
Mountains occurred during May 13-22, 1998.
Hydrogen can enter the basin from deep faults.
→ Hydrogen can enter the basin through deep faults.
When chrysotiles act on body fluid …
→ When chrysotiles act with body fluid …
b. 固定搭配错误
the difference of geochemical property
→ the difference in geochemical property
the relationship of human and nature
→ the relationship between human and nature
A meteorite impacted in the Pacific plate.
→ A meteorite impacted on the Pacific plate.
The research for geological fluids
→ The research on geological fluids
thermoluminescence response of radiation
→ thermoluminescence response to radiation
The growth rules of quartz are similar with those of feldspar.
→ The growth rules of quartz are similar to those of feldspar.
2)
介词误用
the concepts of Magoon and Dow (1994)
→ the concepts proposed by Magoon and Dow (1994)
3)
介词省略出错
two ideas of relating the infrared radiation mechanism
→ two ideas relating to the infrared radiation mechanism
the earthquake with magnitude of > 6.5
→ the earthquake with magnitude more than 6.5
The random variable x is the power-function distribution.
→ The random variable x is of the power-function distribution.
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科技英语写作与编辑
4)
短语介词出错
The results show in follows.
→ The results show as follows.
→ The results show in the following.
As for this, a lot of oil reservoirs were formed.
→ As a result, a lot of oil reservoirs were formed.
(8) “only”的具体含义视其在句中的位置而定
Only the largest group was injected with the test compound. ( Meaning: no other group)
The largest group was only injected with the test compound. ( not given the compound in any
other way)
The largest group was injected with only the test compound. ( no other compound )
(9) 通 常 不 应 将 诸 如 “different from”, “similar to”, “identical to”,
“identical with”等惯用语拆开
The complex shows a significantly different NMR resonance from that of compound 1.
→ The complex shows an NMR resonance significantly different from that of compound 1.
Compound 5 does not catalyze hydrogenation under similar conditions to compound 6.
→ Compound 5 does not catalyze hydrogenation under conditions similar to those for
compound 6.
但如插入介词短语修饰语，则可分开。
The single crystals are all similar in structure to the crystals of compound 7.
Solution A is identical in appearance with solution B.
(10) 由“relative to”, “as compared to”，“as compared with”，以及单词“versus”
引出的相比较的第二成分，与第一成分在语法结构上必须是平行的。
The greater acidity of nitric acid relative to nitrous acid is due to the initial state charge
distribution in the molecules.
The lowering of the vibronic coupling constants for Ni as compared with Cu is due to
configuration interaction.
The behavior is analogous to the reduced Witting‐like reactivity in thiolate versus phenoxide
complexes.
(11) 科学论文，不用如下的缩写形式
The identification wasn’t confirmed by mass spectrometry.
→ The identification was not confirmed by mass spectrometry.
(12) 根据所要表达的意思，用“and”或“or”代替“and/or”。
Our goal was to confirm the presence of the alkaloid in the leaves and/or roots.
→ Our goal was to confirm the presence of the alkaloid in the leaves and roots.
→ Our goal was to confirm the presence of the alkaloid in either the leaves or the roots.
→ Our goal was to confirm the presence of the alkaloid in the leaves, the roots, or both.
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