一、时间状语从句
1. 译成相应的时间状语
1)与原文顺序一致
While she spoke, the tears were running down。她说话时,泪水直流。
2)后置改前置
Please turn off the light when you leave the room。离屋时请关灯。
2. 译成“刚(一)…… 就……”的句式:
When I reached the beach, I collapsed。我一游到海滩,就昏倒了。
3. 译成并列的分句:
1)译文前置
They set him free when his ransom had not yet been paid。他还没有交赎金,他们就把他释放了。
2)后置不变
I was about to speak when Mr. Smith cut in。我正想讲,史密斯先生就插嘴了。
二、原因状语从句
1. 译成表“因”的分句:
1)“因”在“果”之前
The crops failed because the season was dry。因为气候干旱,作物歉收。
2)“果”在“因”之前
She could get away with anything, because she looked such a baby。她能渡过任何风险,因为她看上去简直还像娃娃模样。
2. 译成因果偏正复句中的主句:
Pure iron is not used in industry because it is too soft。纯铁太软,所以不用在工业上。
Because he was convinced of the accuracy of this fact, he stuck to his opinion。他深信这件事正确可靠,因此坚持己见。
3. 译成无关联词的因果关系并列分句:
Where there is sound, there must be sound waves。哪里有声音,哪里就必有声波。
After all, it did not matter much, because in24 hours, they were going to be free。反正关系不大,24小时以后他们就自由了。