B: I'm afraid Clinton is not in at this moment.
J: Would you ask him to call me back? This is somewhat urgent.
B: Yes, certainly, John. I'll have him call you as soon as he comes back.
J: Thank you, Brenda.
B: 很抱歉,克林顿现在不在。
J: 能请他回我电话吗?我有点急事。
B: 当然好,约翰。他一回来我立刻请他打电话给你。
J: 谢谢你,白朗黛。
重点解说:
★ I'm afraid (that ...)常用于礼貌地传达一则可能不讨好的信息,如"I'm afraid I can't help you."相当于"I'm sorry to say..."。
★ somewhat的意思是「有一点,有几分」,这是相当正式的一个用语,相较之下,rather或a little较口语化。
★ "have him call you"中的have与make同样是使役动词,接于其受词之后的动词必须采用原形,如His appearance made me laugh.「他的样子让我发笑。」