问
She's the very worst cook I've ever encountered. (MD)
形容词最高级(worst)之前加 very 是否多余?
答
形容词最高级之前加 very 并非多余,而是一种很正常的用法。在这里 very 起强化语的作用。very 除了可放在形容词最高级前之外,还可放在 first, last 之前。
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They arrived only at the very last moment. (CGEL) 他们在最后一刻才到。
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This cake ought to be good, because I used the very best butter. (LDCE) 这糕点应当很好吃，因为我用了最好的奶油。
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The very first thing you must do is ring the police. (Chambers) 你必须做的第一件事是给警察打电话。
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All of us, from the very youngest children to the oldest members of our cultures should come to realize our own potential as teachers. 我们大家，从小孩子到我们文化的最年老的成员，都应当认识到我们做教师的潜力。