核心问题
He died a happy death. 请分析句中斜体部分。
词典解答
英语辞书上大都认为 die 只有不及物动词用法。但 A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language 则认为在这种句型中 die 是及物动词, a happy death 为同源宾语 (cognate object), 就如同 He lived a happy life. 一样。类例:
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He died a dog's death. 他悲惨地死了。
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The boy died a violent death. 这个男孩暴死了。
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She lived a good life. (CGEL) 她过着美好的生活。
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She died a miserable death. (CGEL) 她悲惨地死了。
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The children slept a peaceful sleep. 孩子们睡了个安稳觉。