有一本书上说下列句子是错误的,应把其中的 at last 改为 finally:
× First we listened to the tape, then we answered some questions, and at last we wrote the story.
√ First we listened to the tape, then we answered some questions, and finally we wrote the story.
我们先听磁带录音,然后回答几个问题,最后把故事写出来。
但是, Wood 在 English Prepositional Idioms 中却说: at last = finally。这不是说 at last 与 finally 可以互换吗?
at last 和 finally 在意义和用法上有其共同的地方,也有其相异的地方。这里需要特别指出的,就是 finally 既可用于表示时间位置(相当于 at last, in the end),也可用于表示时间的先后顺序(如同 first(ly), second(ly), third(ly), next, then, last, lastly, 这种用法的 finally 相当于 to conclude)。
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Finally the “Internationale” was sung. (Pollitt) 最后唱了国际歌。
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What decision did you finally arrive at? (Voynich) 你们最终做出了什么决定?
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It wasn't until the end of the party that I was finally introduced to her. 直到宴会快结束的时候,他们才终于把我介绍给她。
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Finally, I should like to wish you all a very interesting and enjoyable stay. 最后,我祝愿你们大家在这里过得愉快而有意义。
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Finally, I'd like to thank you all for coming and wish you a safe journey home. 最后,我要感谢诸位的光临,并祝大家回家一路顺风。
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Finally, I'd like to thank you again for your hospitality. 最后,我要再次感谢你的款待。
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They finally found a small gold coin which was almost worthless. (New Concept English, Book 2, L. 55) 他们最后终于找到一枚小金币,但几乎没有什么价值。
at last 只能指时间位置,而不能指时间顺序,而且在语义上是指经过周折、等待、耽搁的“最后”“终于”:
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At last man learnt how to make the right machine to carry him through the air. 人类终于学会了制造可靠的机械带他们飞越天空。
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At last the confusion was cleared. 这种混乱状态终于澄清了。
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At last she rose and went softly out of the room. (Voynich) 她终于站了起来, 轻轻地走出了房间。
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My son is home at last. (ELD) 我儿子终于回家了。
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At long last he has paid us the money he owed. (Wood) 经过很长时间他终于向我们付清了他所欠的钱。
请做下面的英语试题:
He failed the examination three times but ____ he passed. A. at the end B. at finish C. at last D. at least(Nelson,250B)
(参见 in the end/at last)