同义转述的过程,是把句子从一种形式转换到另一种形式的过程,一般情况下是由复杂到简单的过程,其变化形式和层次包括词汇和短语的替换、语态和施动关系的变化、句式和句法结构的变化等。
如:The runoff from the canopy layer provides all the water and nutrients epiphytes need.可以改写为Epiphytes get all their water and nutrients from the canopy layer.。前句中,施动者是the runoff,谓语动词是provide;后句中,施动者是epiphytes,谓语动词是get。其中包含了词汇和施动关系的变化。
又如:The interstate highway system was finally launched in 1956 by the American government.可以改写为It was in 1956 that the American government finally took action to build a national high way system.。前句中是被动语态,谓语动词是launch;后句中是强调结构和主动语态,谓语动词结构是take action to do sth.。其中包含了词汇、语态和句式的变化。