一个词类常可能转换为另一词类:
1.某些动词可以转换为名词:
Try the shirt on.
穿上这件衬衫试试。(v.)
Let me have a try.
我来试一试。(n.)
Look at me.
瞧着我。(v.)
Let me have a look.
我来瞧瞧。(n.)
2.某些名词也可转换为动词:
Open your books.
打开你的书。(n.)
Have you booked your ticket?
你订票了吗?(v.)
Have a seat.
请坐。(n.)
The hall seats 500 (people).
大厅可以坐500 人。(v.)
3.某些形容词可以转换为动词:
You are too slow.
你太慢了。(adj.)
The train has slowed down.
火车慢下来了。(v.)
It's warm in spring.
春天天气暖和。(adj.)
They warmed their hands over the fire.
他们在炉火上烤手。(v.)
4.也有些形容词可转换为名词:
He is my dear friend.
他是我亲密的朋友。(adj.)
She's a dear.
她是一个招人喜欢的人。(n.)
Prices here are very low.
这里的物价很低。(adj.)
Profits have reached a new low.
利润降到了最低点。(n.)
5.有些词用作其他词类时重音会发生变化:
Everybody present welcome the decision.
所有在场的人都欢迎这个决定。
The National Theatre is presenting a new production of Hamlet.
国家剧场正在上演新的哈姆雷特。