1. 這個價格對我挺合適的。
False: The price is very suitable for me.
True: The price is right.
Suitable(合適的、相配的)最常見的用法是以否定的形式出現在告示或通知上。
2. 明天我有事情要做。
False: I have something to do tomorrow.
True: Sorry but I am tied up all day tomorrow.
用I have something to do來表示您很忙,這也完全是中國式的說法。因為每時每刻我們都有事情要做,躺在那裡睡大覺也是事情。所以您可以說我很忙,脫不開身。
3. 現在幾點鐘了?
False: What time is it now?
True: What time is it, please?
What time is it now這是一個直接從漢語翻譯過的句子,講英語的時候沒有必要說now,因為您不可能問what time was it yesterday或者what time is it tommorow。
4. 你願意參加我們的晚會嗎?
False: Would you like to join our party on Friday?
True: Would you like to come to our party on Friday night?
Join往往是指參加俱樂部或者協會,如:join a health club; join the Party。事實上,常常與party搭配的動詞的come或者go。如go a wild party,或者come to a Christmas Party。
5. 我沒有經驗。
False: I have no experience.
True: I am afraid I don't know much about that.
I have no experience這句話聽起來古里古怪,因為您只需要說:那方面我懂得不多,或者這方面我不在行,就行了。
6. 他的身體很健康。
False: His body is healthy.
True: He is in good health.
7. 價錢很昂貴/便宜。
False: The price is too expensive/cheap.
True: The price is too high/ rather low.
8. 車速快了。
False: The speed of the car is fast.
True: The car is speeding.
9. 這個春節你回家嗎?
Will you be going back home for the Spring Festival?
False: 是的,我回去。Of course!
True: 當然。Sure. / Certainly.
of course帶有挑釁的意味。在交談時,用sure或certainly效果會好得多。同時,of course not也具挑釁的意味。正常情況下語氣溫和的說法是certainly not。
10. 她臉紅了,讓我看穿了她的心思。
False: Her red face made me see through her mind
True: Her red face told me what she was thinking.
11. 別理她。
False: Don't pay attention to her.
True: Leave her alone.