I think 在句首和句末的不同含意

I think 意為「我認為;我覺得」,通常用在句子的開頭,其後接由連接詞 that 所引導的名詞子句 (that 可以省略)。在此用法中,I think 是在表示不確定性 (uncertainty)。例如:

  • I think (that) it is important to learn English. (我認為學英文很重要)
  • I think (that) I’ve met your girlfriend before. (我覺得我以前見過你女友)

當使用 I think 來表示不確定性時,若名詞子句為否定,那麼否定要轉移到主句中,亦即主句的動詞用否定式,而子句的動詞用肯定式,這就是所謂的「否定轉移」 — 要注意的是,這種句型形式上雖是否定主句的動詞,但意義上卻是否定子句的動詞。例如:

  • I don’t think (that) I know you. (我想我並不認識你)
  • I don’t think (that) this is Paul’s house. (我想這並非保羅的房子)
  • I don’t think (that) Teresa will get the job. (我認為泰瑞莎不會獲得這份工作)

如上述,I think 通常用在句首,但它亦可用在句末,尤其是在說話時。在此用法中,I think 係用來緩和語氣。例如:

  • The cellphone is too expensive, I think. (這支手機太貴了,我認為)
  • Too many people are talking in the office, I think. It’s difficult to work at times. (辦公室裡有太多人在談話,我認為。這有時很難專心工作)
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