內容簡介

聽眾 Cinta 來信詢問單詞 “factor、element、component” 和 “ingredient” 的區別。名詞 “factor” 的意思是 “因素”，它強調對結果產生的影響，而 “element、component” 和 “ingredient” 在表達 “事物的組成要素” 時幾乎沒有區別。聽節目，學習這四個詞的用法。

歡迎你加入并和我們一起討論英語學習的方方面面。請通過微博 “BBC英語教學” 或郵件與我們取得聯系。我們的郵箱地址是 questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk

文字稿

（關于臺詞的備注: 請注意這不是廣播節目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能沒有體現錄制、編輯過程中對節目做出的改變。）

Jiaying
大家好，歡迎收聽 BBC英語教學的 “你問我答” 節目，我是佳瑩。Joining me is Neil.

Neil
Hi, everyone.

Jiaying
本期節目中要回答的問題來自聽眾 Cinta。問題如下：

Question
您好！今天在做一道選擇題時被幾個選項難住了：“factor、element、component、ingredient”。這四個單詞究竟有什么區別？期待您的解答！

Jiaying
謝謝聽眾 Cinta 發來的問題。Neil，你能給大家講一講這四個易混詞之間的區別嗎？

Neil
Sure. Let's first look at 'factor'. We use the noun 'factor' to refer to one part of something that contributes to or affects a situation, outcome or choice. We often use the word 'factors' to talk about the parts of a result which had the most impact.

Jiaying
我們用名詞 “factor” 表示 “因素，要素”，指 “促成事件結果的特定情況或事實”，強調 “這個因素對結果產生的影響”。比如，預算不夠可能是某人決定購買更便宜商品的一個 “factor”。聽兩個例句。

Examples
There were several financial factors that led to the business being sold.
（有幾個財務因素導致該公司被出售。）

Joe's weight was a big factor in his decision to reduce sugary drinks.
（喬的體重是他決定少喝含糖飲料的一個因素。）

Neil
While the nouns 'element', 'ingredient' and 'component' have their individual uses and differences, which we will talk about shortly, they can all be used in general to refer to an individual part of a situation, plan, event or decision with little difference.

Jiaying
是的，問題中的其它三個名詞 “element、component” 和 “ingredient” 都可以泛指 “情況、計劃、事件或決定的要素、成分”。在表達這個含義時，三個詞幾乎沒有區別。聽三個例句。

Examples
Good planning is an essential element in any great business plan.
（好的規劃是任何一個優秀商業計劃中必不可少的要素。）

A vital component of my friendship with John is honesty.
（我和約翰友誼的一個重要組成部分是誠實。）

My husband says that communication is an important ingredient of our relationship.
（我的丈夫說，溝通是我們兩人關系中的重要組成部分。）

Neil
Now, let's look at how these three words can be used differently. Firstly, 'element' can be used to refer to an important part of a situation, plan, event or story. We often use it with words such as 'key' or 'vital' to emphasise its importance. 'Element' is often used to refer to parts of things that are created or imagined, such as a story or film.

Jiaying
前面我們說到，“element” 可以指 “（情況、計劃、事件或故事的）基本組成部分”，也就是 “元素，要素”。比如，搭配 “key element” 和 “vital element” 的意思都是 “關鍵要素”，強調 “某個成分的重要性”。注意，名詞 “element” 所談論的事物經常是抽象的。比如，它可以指 “故事、電影等創作想法的元素”。

Examples
In my opinion, cake and party hats are essential elements of a great birthday party!
（在我看來，蛋糕和派對帽是一個精彩的生日聚會的基本要素！）

The writer wrote down some key elements she thought would make a fantastic story.
（這名作者寫下了她認為會構成一個精彩故事的關鍵元素。）

Neil
Now, let's learn 'component'. 'Component' can refer to physical parts that are put together to form something bigger. It is most commonly used to talk about electrical and mechanical parts of machines and vehicles. None of the other words are used to talk about parts of a machine or vehicle.

Jiaying
名詞 “component” 除了指 “事物的組成部分” 以外，還可以指 “（機器和車輛的電子或機械）零部件”，而問題中的其它詞語都沒有這個含義。聽兩個例句。

Examples
Several of the components in this computer, such as the graphics card, were very expensive.
（這臺計算機的幾個零部件都很貴，如顯卡。）

The mechanic needed to buy some special components to repair the engine of the vintage car.
（這名機械師需要購入一些特殊的零部件來修理這輛老式汽車的發動機。）

Neil
Finally, 'ingredient' can be used to refer to a food or substance which is combined with other foods to make a dish.

Jiaying
問題中的最后一個詞 “ingredient” 可以用來指 “食材或原料”。聽兩個例句。

Examples
I like to cook with fresh ingredients. I think they taste better.
（我喜歡用新鮮食材做飯。我覺得它們的味道更好。）

I just put a few ingredients together randomly, but the final dish was amazing!
（我只是隨意地把一些食材放在一起，但做出來的菜很好吃！）

Jiaying
好了，總結一下：名詞 “factor” 的意思是 “因素”，強調 “事實或情況對結果產生的影響”。 “Element、component” 和 “ingredient” 都可以指 “情況、計劃、事件或決定等的要素，成分”，表達這個含義時三者幾乎沒有區別。其中，“element” 經常用來談論抽象事物，指 “故事、電影等創作想法的元素”。“Component” 還有 “（電子或機械）零部件” 的意思。 “Ingredient” 還可以表示 “食材或原料”。

Neil
Remember, if you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can email us too! Our email address is: questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk

Jiaying
你也可以通過微博向我們提問。我們的微博賬號是 “BBC英語教學”。謝謝收聽 “你問我答” 節目。我是佳瑩。再會！

Neil
Bye.