每日一句口语 27

on earth 究竟

【用法透视】

特殊疑问句中加上"on earth"可以加强语气，表示强调，有很强的感情色彩，意思是“究竟……；到底……”。另外，也可以用"the hell¹; in the world"。

【支持范例】

1. Why on earth do you tell a lie?

你究竟为什么要撒谎？

2. Who on the earth do you think you are anyway?

你究竟认为你是什么人？

3. Where in the world did you find the lost watch?

你到底在哪儿找到那块丢失的手表的？

【会话记忆】

A: I've been standing² here since half past seven. Where on earth have you been?

我从七点半就一直站在这儿等你。你到底上哪儿去了？

B: I'm terribly sorry I'm late. I just couldn't help it.

真太对不起，我迟到了。不过我实在没办法。

A: It's really very easy saying you're sorry.

说对不起当然很容易。

B: Look, just give me a chance. I can explain it.

你别急，给我个机会，我可以解释！

1 hell   

n.地狱，阴间；用以咒骂或表示愤怒，不满

参考例句：

• It's a hell of a hike from Sydney to Perth.从悉尼到珀斯的徒步旅行简直苦死了。
• The boss really gave me hell today.老板今天着实数落了我一通。

2 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。