英语比较结构最主要的有三种:as...as结构,more...than结构以及the most...结构。as...as结构意为“和...一样”,其用法主要如下:
一、基本模式:as+形容词原级+as-分句
1.主句主语与as-分句主语不同,比较项目相同,此时as-分句有所省略。如:
Jack is as clever as Tom.
2.主句主语与as-分句主语相同,但比较项目不同,此时as-分句不可用省略句。如:
The girl is as brilliant as she is beautiful. (这个女孩既漂亮又聪明。)
3.主句主语与as-分句主语不同,比较项目也不同,此时as-分句不可用省略句。如:
Her uncle was as base and unworthy as her father had been upright and honorable.
(她叔叔卑鄙龌龊,不像她父亲那样正直可敬。)
4.基本模式的否定形式:
Jack is not as clever as Tom. 或 Jack is less clever than Tom.
二、变体模式:
1. as many/much+名词+as-分句:
She has eaten as many apples as her sister.
He took as much water as he needed.
2. as+形容词原级+名词词组+as-分句:
3. 变体模式的否定形式:
He didn’t take as much water as he needed.
需要注意的是,同一句话,采取基本模式和变体模式,它们的含义基本相同,但句子的侧重点有所不同。例如:
基本模式:I haven’t seen a car as old as this for years.(重点在名词car)
变体模式:I haven’t seen as old a car as this for years.(重点在形容词old)
三、as...as结构常用于形象比喻中:
as rich as a jew 极其富有 as cool as cucumber 沉着冷静
as light as a feather 轻如鸿毛 as soft as butter 性格软弱
as poor as a church mouse 一贫如洗 as clear as crystal 清澈透明,一清二楚
as deep as a well 高深莫测 as stubborn as a mule 非常顽固,倔脾气