where定語從句修飾抽象名詞

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在2007年18套高考英語試卷中，共有14道小題涉及定語從句考點。有趣的是，在這14道題中，有多達5道的考題是考查關系副詞where的用法，它們是：

1. —Where did you get to know her?

—It was on the farm ___D___ we worked. (山東卷)

A. that                     B. there                    C. which                  D. where

2. Some pre-school children go to a day-care center, ___D___ they learn simple games and songs. (全國I)

A. then                     B. there                    C. while                   D. where

3. Those successful deaf dancers think that dancing is an activity ___D___ sight matters more than hearing. (天津卷)

A. when                    B. whose                   C. which                   D. where

4. Today, we’ll discuss a number of cases ___D___ beginners of English fail to use the language properly. (陜西卷)

A. which                   B. as                         C. why                     D. where

5. After graduation she reached a point in her career ___D___ she had to decide what to do. (江西卷)

A. that                      B. what                     C. which                   D. where

以上5道題的答案分別是DDDDD，其中前面兩道比較容易，因為它們符合“where引導的定語從句用于修飾表示地點的名詞”這一基本用法。但是，后面3道題則有所不同，因為它們修飾的名詞不是具體的地點名詞，而是一個抽象名詞，即分別是activity, case, point。由于一般的語法書對這一問題很少涉及，所以許多考生對這類考題比較生疏。為幫助同學們熟悉這一語言現象，正確掌握這一知識點，本文擬對when定語從句修飾抽象名詞的用法作一歸納。

一、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞point

You reach a point where medicine can’t help. 你已到了藥物無法治療的地步。

The crisis has reached a point where the receiver will have to be called in. 危機已達到非把破產管理人叫來不可的地步。

We have reached a point where a change is needed. 我們到了必須改一改的地步。

注：有時point也可以是具體的地點：

Let the point where AB cuts CD be called E. 設AB線與CD線的相交點為E。

The accident happened at the point where the A15 joins the M1. 事故發生在A15與M1交叉的十字路口。

二、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞case

There are cases where the word “mighty” is used as an adverb. 在一些情況下，mighty一詞可用作副詞。

Today, we’ll discuss a number of cases where beginners of English fail to use the language properly. 今天，我們將討論一些英語初學者對英語使用不當的問題。

三、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞activity

Those successful deaf dancers think that dancing is an activity where sight matters more than hearing. 那些失聰的成功舞蹈演員們認為，舞蹈是一種讓人看勝過讓人聽的活動。

四、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞situation

He got into a situation where it is hard to decide what is right and wrong. 他陷入一種難以分辨是非的局面。

If you risk something important, you cause it to be in a dangerous situation where you might lose it. 你如果拿重要的東西去冒險，那你就是將它置于一種可能會失去它的危險境地。

五、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞position

It’s put me in a position where I can’t afford to take the job. 這使我陷入一種不能接受此工作的境地。

六、where定語從句修飾抽象名詞job

She wants a job where her management skills can be put to good use. 她想找一份能將她的管理技能派上用場的工作。

I don’t want a job where I’m chained to a desk all day. 我不想找一份整天坐在辦公桌前的工作。

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