最常錯的四個動詞

我們今天來看四個動詞，四個表面上看來沒有關係的動詞：discuss、contact、approach和lack。

這四個動詞其實沒什麼關係，但是今天把它們擺在一塊，是因為它們同屬老中最容易犯錯的英文，而且這種錯經常是不自覺的錯。英文中有許多這樣的動詞，這裡只是以這四個為代表。我們先看看怎麼個錯法。

• She discussed about the balance sheet with her boss. (X)
• She discussed the balance sheet with her boss. (O)
   (她和老闆討論她的資產負債表)
• For more information, please contact with your local agent. (X)
• For more information, please contact your local agent. (O)
  (索取更多資訊，請洽當地代理商)
• He's approaching to 50. (X)
• He's approaching 50. (O)
  (他快50歲了)

• He's good at his job but he seems to lack of confidence. (X)
• He's good at his job but he seems to lack confidence. (O)
  (他工作能力不錯，但似乎缺乏信心)

有沒有注意到，這四個都是及物動詞，當動詞時不必再接介系詞。但我們為什麼會搞錯呢？因為它們以名詞形式出現時 discussion, contact, approach和lack則都必須先接介系詞再接受詞。例如：

• We had a discussion about our future plans last night. (我們昨晚討論了我們未來的計畫。)
• He tried in vain to get into contact with the local branch. (他試著與當地分部聯繫，但一直未成功。)
• All approaches to the city were blocked. (所有到城裡的路都被封鎖了。)
• Her decision seems to show a lack of political judgment. (從他做的决定就看出他似乎缺乏政治判斷力。)