大学英语常见错误2-4&2-5

名词辨义的错误

【误】There must be a cause for his optimism.

【正】There must be a reason for his optimism.

他乐观积极一定有其原因。

cause强调造成某种原因、结果，多自然的原因、结果，后接of

reason是理论上的理由、结论，该结果已经产生或已经为人所知，后接for

如：

Carelessness is the cause of his failure.

粗心大意是他失败的原因。

That's the reason why he has failed to appear.

这就是他为何未能到场的原因。

形似异义词辨异的错误

【误】The IQ test shows in some way that the capacities of the two students are different.

【正】The IQ test shows in some way that the capabilities of the two students are different.

智商测验在某种程度上表明这两个学生的才华是不同的。

capacity“容量”“生产量”“能力”“身份”“职能”

capability“才能”“性能”“功能和潜力”，指智力和能力时可与ability互换。如：

He has the capability of solving your problem.

他有能力解决你的问题。

The Shanghai Stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000 people.

上海体育场可以容纳八万人。

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