问
Basically, the theory proposed, among other things, that the maximum speed possible in the universe is that of light. (American Men of Science and Invention, p. 100)
[原译]相对论的基本点认为,在一切事物中,光的速度是宇宙间最大的速度。(《美国科学家与发明家》,p.54)
among other things 是作“在一切事物中”解吗？
答
among other things 这个成语的意思是“除了别的事情之外,还……”“其中”。在本句中它是修饰 proposed 的状语,意谓这一理论“除提出其它论点之外,还提出……”,而不是像原译文所说的那样,是指“在一切事物当中”。再说,既然说光速是宇宙间最大的速度,那么再加上“在一切事物中”,还有什么意义呢?类例:
- The conference discussed, among other things, the problem of environmental protection.
除了其它问题以外,会议还讨论了环境保护问题。
- The lawyers asked, among other things, how well I knew her, whether we had ever exchanged gifts, whether we had ever talked on the phone, and if I had had “sexual relations” with her. (B. Clinton, My Life) 律师们询问的重点是，我对她有多了解，我们是否曾交换礼物，我们是否曾通电话，我是否曾与她发生“性关系”。(《我的生活》)
练习
To be a good short story writer one needs, among other things, a very ____ imagination.