stop sb. doing/stop sb. from doing

现代语言学家们认为上面两个结构的意思是相同的,也就是说,句(B)中的 from 是可有可无的。请分析下面的实例:

1. We all tried to stop him smoking in bed but he would do it. (PEG) 我们大家试图阻止他在床上吸烟,但他就是不听。

2. Nothing would stop me from achieving my ambition. (Cronin) 什么事情也阻止不了我去实现我的抱负。

此外,还有一种同义表达方式:

What can stop our going? 有什么能阻止我们去呢?

上面的说法完全适用于 prevent, prohibit。请考察下面的实例：

1. Have you been instructed to prevent me entering? (EED) 你是否得到指示阻止我进去?

2. My only idea was to prevent him from speaking... (EED) 我唯一的想法, 就是阻止他说出去……

3. They tried to prevent the plane from landing on the runway. (CGEL) 他们企图阻止飞机在跑道上降落。

4. Of course I can't prevent your going. (Galsworthy) 当然,我不能阻止你去。

5. The country has a law prohibiting employees from striking... (EED) 这个国家有一项禁止雇员罢工的法律……

6. His small size prohibits his becoming a policeman. (LDCE) 他个儿太小,妨碍他当警察。

有一本英语语法著作说，“stop sb. doing 是制止某人正在做的动作；而 stop sb. from doing 是某人尚未动作而禁止此人去做这一动作。”从上面的例句，可以看出，此种说法并不符合实际情况。