Common vs. Ordinary: 英语单词的细微差别

很多同学在学习英语的过程中,常常会混淆"common"和"ordinary"这两个词。虽然它们都表示常见或普通的含义,但实际使用中还是有一些区别的。

简单来说,"common"强调普遍存在,经常出现;而"ordinary"则更侧重于平淡无奇,缺乏特色。

让我们来看一些例句:

  • Common:

    • English sentence: The common cold is a viral infection.
    • Chinese translation: 感冒是一种病毒感染。(Gǎnmào shì yī zhǒng bìngdú gǎnrǎn.) Here, "common" emphasizes that the cold is a frequently occurring illness.
    • English sentence: It’s common knowledge that the earth is round.
    • Chinese translation: 地球是圆的,这是常识。(Dìqiú shì yuán de, zhè shì chángshí.) Here, "common" means widely known.
  • Ordinary:

    • English sentence: He led an ordinary life.
    • Chinese translation: 他过着普通的生活。(Tā guòzhe pǔtōng de shēnghuó.) Here, "ordinary" suggests a life without excitement or distinction.
    • English sentence: It was an ordinary day, nothing special happened.
    • Chinese translation: 那是一个普通的日子,没有什么特别的事情发生。(Nà shì yīgè pǔtōng de rìzi, méiyǒu shénme tèbié de shìqíng fāshēng.) Here, "ordinary" highlights the lack of anything remarkable.

总而言之,选择"common"还是"ordinary"取决于你想表达的侧重点。前者强调普遍性,后者强调平庸性。记住这个区别,你的英语表达会更精准!

Happy learning!

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