抽象定语先行词

在2007年18套高考英语试卷中，共有14道小题涉及定语从句考点。有趣的是，在这14道题中，有多达5道的考题是考查关系副词where的用法，它们是：

1. —Where did you get to know her?

—It was on the farm ___D___ we worked.

A. that

B. there

C. which

D. where

2. Some pre-school children go to a day-care center, ___D___ they learn simple games ngs.

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.

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.

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.

A. that

B. what

C. which

D. where

以上5道题的答案分别是DDDDD，其中前面两道比较容易，因为它们符合“where引导的定语从句用于修饰表示地点的名词”这一基本用法。但是，后面3道题则有所不同，因为它们修饰的名词不是具体的地点名词，而是一个抽象名词，即分别是activity, case, point。由于一般的语法书对这一问题很少涉及，所以许多考生对这类考题比较生疏。为帮助同学们熟悉这一语言现象，正确掌握这一知识点，本文拟对when定语从句修饰抽象名词的用法作一归纳。

一、where定语从句修饰抽象名词point

You reach a point where medicine can’t help. 你已到了药物无法治疗的地步。

The crisis has reached a point where the receiver will have to be called in. 危机已达到非把破产管理人叫来不可的地步。

We have reached a point where a change is needed. 我们到了必须改一改的地步。

注：有时point也可以是具体的地点：

Let the point where AB cuts CD be called E. 设AB线与CD线的相交点为E。

The accident happened at the point where the A15 joins the M1. 事故发生在A15与M1交叉的十字路口。

二、where定语从句修饰抽象名词case

There are cases where the word “mighty” is used as an adverb. 在一些情况下，mighty一词可用作副词。

Today, we’ll discuss a number of cases wh ere beginners of English fail to use the language properly. 今天，我们将讨论一些英语初学者对英语使用不当的问题。

三、where定语从句修饰抽象名词activity

Those successful deaf dancers think that dancing is an activity where sight matters more than hearing. 那些失聪的成功舞蹈演员们认为，舞蹈是一种让人看胜过让人听的活动。

四、where定语从句修饰抽象名词situation

He got into a situation where it is hard to decide what is right and wrong. 他陷入一种难以分辨是非的局面。

If you risk something important, you cause it to be in a dangerous situation where you might lose it. 你如果拿重要的东西去冒险，那你就是将它置于一种可能会失去它的危险境地。

五、where定语从句修饰抽象名词position

It’s put me in a position where I can’t afford to take the job. 这使我陷入一种不能接受此工作的境地。

六、where定语从句修饰抽象名词job

She wants a job where her management skills can be put to good use. 她想找一份能将她的管理技能派上用场的工作。

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办公桌前的工作。

【小练一下】

01. We’re just trying to reach a point ___A___ both sides will sit down together and talk.

A. where

B. that

C. when

D. which

02. She had got to the point ___C___ she felt that she could not take any more.

A. what

B. when

C. where

D. which

03. The treatment will continue until the patient reaches the point ___B___ he can walk correctly and safely.

A. when

B. where

C. which

D. that