Is it not dangerous to suggest that “social democracy” is a useful ally in the struggle for socialism? That we can expect assistance and help from the Labour Party in the struggle for socialism?
[原译]有人提议，“社会民主党”是争取社会主义斗争中一个可以利用的同盟，这种观点难道不是很危险吗？有人提议我们在争取社会主义的斗争中可以从工党那里得到支援和帮助，这种观点难道不是很危险吗？①
请问将 suggest 译为“提议”是否恰当？
译文将动词 suggest 译为“提议”，是不甚妥当的。因为：第一，从全句的内容看，suggest 在这里并不是“建议某人去做某事”，而是“认为某事如何如何”。因此，suggest 在这里的含义应当是 put an idea into a person's mind（认为）；第二，从语法上看，当 suggest 作“建议”解时，后面的 that 从句中的谓语动词应当用命令性虚拟语气（mandative subjective）②，即动词原形（特别是在美国英语中）或者 should + 动词原形。在这一点上它跟下列动词是完全相同的：demand, require, insist, ask, propose, recommend, order, arrange, decide。试比较下列各组句子中 suggest 的含义：
(A) He suggested that this state (should) be known as the "radiant".
他建议把这状态称为“辐射”状态。
(B) I suggest that you had an ulterior motive in doing this.
我认为你做这件事是别有用心的。
(A) He suggested that the electronic device (should) be tested at once.
他建议立即检验这些电子器件。
(B) Are you suggesting that I am too old for the job?
你认为我老得不能干这个工作了吗？
(参见 suggest that I'm)
请做下面的英语试题：
- He suggested ____ to tomorrow's exhibition together.
A. us to go B. we went C. we shall go D. we go(全国四级)
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I suggested he should ____ himself to his new conditions. A. adopt B. regulate C. suit D. adapt(全国四级,00.12-42)
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The article suggests that when a person ____ under unusual stress he should be especially careful to have a well-balanced diet. A. be B. was C. is D. were(全国四级,02.1-57)
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We strongly suggest that Smith is told about his physical condition as soon as possible. No Error. (全国研考)
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Similar elements in the prehistoric remains from both areas suggest that Indians and their neighbours had maintained distant but real connections ever before 1500 B.C. (全国研考, 94-11)