例子:The Purchaser, by written notice sent to the Supplier, may terminate the Contract, in whole or in part, at any time for its convenience.
4. 在日常英语中,句子“Tom hit Bob”可以自由地转换成“Bob was hit by Tom.”,陈述的基本事实不变。但在招投标文件的合同条款中,此类主动语态和被动语态句式转换却受到限制,尤其在涉及招投标双方的义务和权利方面,不宜随便选用被动语态句式,因为法律总是坚持义务人要主动自觉履行其义务,权利人要自然主动地享有其权利。若采用被动语态句式易引起语气弱化,意义含糊,甚至责任、权利来源不明。国内一些汉译英出版物对此常常未予以充分的关注。
例子:原英文:The inspections and tests may be conducted at point of delivery, and/or at the Goods’ final destination. If conducted on the premises of the Supplier or its Subcontractors, all reasonable facilities and assistance, including access to drawings and production data, shall be furnished to the inspectors at no charge to the Purchaser.
原英文由于If前面有个句号就变成了两个句子。从语法角度分析,第二个句子是错误的。因为在第二个句子中,conducted在本句子内既无逻辑主语,又无句法主语,也不能理解为省略了主语,使人无法知道谁要检验,检验什么(尽管含义可以从前句中推知),成了悬垂结构,这在正式文体中是不允许的。更重要的是第二个句子的内容涉及到买卖双方的责任和义务,即提供全部合理的设施和协助是谁的责任和义务,第二个句子的主句不宜采用被动句式表达,如果一定要采用被动句式也必须用by短语结构引出施事者,将责任和义务的来源交待清楚。故上述第二个句子可改为:
If such inspections and tests are conducted on the premises of the Supplier or its Subcontractors, the Supplier or its Subcontractors shall, at no charge to the Purchaser, furnish to the inspectors all reasonable facilities and assistance, including access to drawings and production data.
5. 招投标文件文体属正规文体,倾向于使用一些书面用词,甚至不惜使用一些冷僻古旧用词,以体现其庄重严肃。随便翻开一本招投标文件就会发现这一特点。
(1) 繁复短语代替简单介、连词
in the nature of like
along the lines of like
for the purpose of for
in the case of if
in the event that/of if
in accordance with by/under
in favor of for/to
on the grounds that since/because
with reference to about
with regard to about
例子:In the case of an ex-works Contract, insurance is to be effected by the Purchaser after lading.
例子:In the event of any discrepancy between them, the Original shall govern.
(2) 笨重动词代替轻灵动词
encourage urge
continue keep on/go on
supplement add to
acquire get/gain
grant give