表语从句(Predicative Clause)就是用一个句子作为表语。说明主语是什么,由名词、形容词或相当于名词或形容词的词或短语充当表语的成分。表语从句的一般结构:主语+连系动词+表语从句。
表语从句位于主句系动词之后,可分为两类:be + that型从句和be + 疑问词型从句。
1.be + that型从句
例1:The fact is that we have no idea to solve this problem.事实就是我们没办法解决这个问题。
例2:The reality is that the party must be cancelled because of the storm. 现实就是因为暴风雨这个聚会必须得取消了。
2.be+疑问词型从句
例1:The question is whether they will help us. 问题是他们会不会帮我们。
例2:The problem is why she didn't go back home directly. 麻烦就麻烦在为什么她没直接回家。
3.表语从句使用陈述语序
例:The question is when he can arrive at the hotel. 问题是他什么时候能到酒店。
4.主句主语是reason
主句主语是reason时,表语从句要用that引导,不可用becauseause。但reasons作主语时,表语要用名词短语并列。
例:The most common reasons for ... are 名词短语1,名词短语2和名词短语3。