(1) Oh, very well. Then there is nothing to worry about. I apologize. [《高中英语教科书》第二册(上), 人教社, p. 56]
(2) JANE: Kate, I'm sorry about that argument. I apologize for being so angry with you. KATE: You were very angry! (同上,3,p.43)
英语的一般现在时表示经常性的动作。上句中的 apologize 也表示经常性动作吗？
英语里有一类动词,叫做言语行为动词(performative verbs)。其语义特点是:这些行为是靠说话来完成的:说明自己在说什么或在做什么。其语法特点是:使用主语I并使用一般现在时。由于这类动词所表达的行为是在瞬间发生的(说话时开始并立即结束),所以叫做瞬间现在时(instantaneous present)。它不表示经常性或反复性动作,而表示一次性的瞬间动作。属于此类动词的主要有:
accept, admit, advise, agree, apologize, blame, confess, congratulate, declare, demand, deny, disagree, forbid, forgive, guarantee, insist, object, order, promise, refuse, request, suggest, thank, warn
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This, I admit, was my favourite activity. 我承认,这曾经是我最喜爱的活动。
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I advise you withdraw. 我建议你们撤出。
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I won't tell anybody what you said. I promise. 我不把你说的话告诉任何人。我承诺。
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I declare the meeting open. 我宣布开会。
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I apologize for what I said about you. It wasn't true and I shouldn't have said it. 我对我刚才谈论你的那些话表示道歉。那些话不符合实际情况，我本不应该那么说。