核心问题
The window was broken by the boy.
被动句中的 by 短语是否只能表示有生命的施动者(例如人),而不可能表示无生命的东西?
词典解答
准确的说法应当是:被动句中的 by 短语一般是表示有生命的施动者(例如人),但是有时候也可以表示无生命的东西。例如:
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Are these goods made by machinery? (Palmer) 这些商品是机器生产的吗?
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The crops have been ruined by frost. (CGEL) 庄稼被霜冻冻坏了。
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His ease was suddenly disturbed by a coin flying into his carriage. (Mis) 他的安逸突然被飞到马车里的一枚硬币给破坏了。
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The window had been broken by a stone. (CGEL) 窗户被一块石头打碎了。
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Coal has been replaced by oil. (CGEL) 煤被石油所取代。