① by half常用來表示程度,用于“too+形容詞+by half”結(jié)構(gòu),表示“過分”。
He is too clever by half. 他聰明得過頭了。(=much too clever)
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by half也可表示“(減少)一半”。
They have reduced the costs by half. 他們把費用減少了一半。
② in half表示“分成兩半”,相當(dāng)于into two。
Please cut the apple in half. 請把蘋果切成兩半。(=into two)
③ by halves表示“不徹底,半截子”,常用于否定句和疑問句中。
Better not do it at all than do it by halves. 做事不要虎頭蛇尾。
Why should you do it by halves?你為什么不善始善終?