transferred negation ³

虽然动词 believe 属可否定转移的动词,但上面的句子并非是否定转移句。为什么呢?原因有二。

第一,不能把所有可否定转移动词的否定句都理解为否定宾语从句。有时候,否定词 not 就是否定主句(即否定主句的谓语动词)的。这要根据句意或语境而定。

1. I don't think diplomacy is a field for private enterprise. 我不认为外交是私人可以经营的领域。

2. We didn't think we'd be this late. (McArthur) 我们没有料到我们会来得这么晚。

第二，当主句中含有状语或含有情态助动词时，可否定转移的动词就不再发生转移了。你所问的句子便属于这种情形：

1. They still didn't believe that the flood would come. 他们仍然不相信洪水会来临。

2. I didn't ever suppose they were happy. (CGEL) 我从来也没有认为他们是幸福的。

3. I can't believe that they are married. (同上) 我不能相信他们已经结婚了。请做下面的英语试题：

Mrs. Black doesn't believe her son is able to design a digital camera, ____?

A. is he B. isn't he C. doesn't she D. does she(上海高考,02-28)