核心问题
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Be that as it may, we have nothing to lose. (CGEL) 即使如此,我们也没有什么可损失的。
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Suffice it to say that the manager is on the whole pleased with his work. (AEG) 只说这样一句就够了:经理对他的工作基本满意。
如何分析上面的 be 和 suffice?
词典解答
上面的 be 和 suffice 是现在时虚拟式。CGEL 把上面的虚拟式叫做套语式虚拟语气 (formulaic subjunctive)。
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Come what may, we will go ahead with our plan. (CGEL) 不管发生什么情况,我们都将执行我们的计划。
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Say what he will, in his heart he knows that he is wrong. (Wood) 不管他说什么,反正他在内心里知道他错了。
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Heaven forbid that I should let my own parents suffer. (CGEL) 上天不容我让我的父母受苦。
(参见 God bless you, come what may, present subjunctive mood)