补语和表语在本质上可以归为同一属性.
从源头上说,补语是补充说明宾语是什么人或事物、怎么样、做什么的语法成分,如:
We call him Bob.我们称它为鲍比.【宾语是谁】
Tom thought himself into a dilemma.汤姆想得无所适从.【宾语怎么样】
I saw him coming into the room.我看到他正走进教室.【宾语干什么】
上面的句子可以用被动语态表示,于是宾语补语就变成了主语补语:
He is called Bob.他被称作鲍比.【主语是谁】
He was thought into a dilemma.他认为无所适从.【主语怎么样】
He was seen coming into the room.他被看到正走进教室.【主语是谁】
表语也一样,只不过说明的是主语是什么、怎么样或做什么的,如:
He is Bob.【主语是谁】
The cake tastes flavorful.【主语怎么样】
Our task is to planttrees.我们的任务是去植树.【主语干什么】
His deeds areworthy to be remembered 这种结构是一种特殊的语法现象,可以分为下面的两个句子:
His deeds areworthy.他行为是有价值的
His deeds are to be remembered.他的行为会被记住.
可见,其中的不定式to be remembered 虽然出现在形容词 worthy 后面,不过却是说明主语 his deeds 应该如何,因此他应该是主语补语.薄冰的《英语语法手册》把它称作形容词补足语,但是没有见过表语补足语一说的.另如:
He is worthy to have a place in the team.他配成为该球队的队员.
This book is worthy of being read [to be read].这本书值得一读.