1. debate, argue 和 quarrel
这三个词都有“争论”的意思,但三者略有区别。debate常表示在公开场合就某一问题进行讨论或辩论,既可作及物动词又可作不及物动词;argue指意见不一致时的争论,即可表示据理力争,又可表示争吵,拌嘴;而quarrel则表示因为个人事务而争吵,拌嘴。argue, quarrel都是不及物动词。例如:
The question of the origin of the universe is still hotly debated by scientists.
关于宇宙起源问题,科学家们仍进行着激烈的辩论。
They argued for the right to strike.
他们据理力争罢工权利。
We are always arguing/quarrelling with each other about money.
我们总是为钱吵嘴。
My sister and I used to quarrel all the time.
我和妹妹过去老是吵架。
She quarreled with her brother over their father’s will.
她和弟弟因父亲遗嘱的事起了争执。
2. state 和 situation
这两个词都有“状态”的意思,但用法略有区别。state指人或物本身的精神,情感或身体状况,一般用单数形式表示;而 situation则指人或物所处的状况,常和外部情况有联系,可以用单数,也可以用复数。例如:
He was in a confused state of mind.
他思绪紊乱。
The buildings were in a bad state of repair.
这些建筑年久失修。
I am now in a difficult situation.
我现在处境困难。
He always behaves properly in unexpected situations.
在意外情况下他总是举止得当。