14. Moreover, even though humans have been upright for millions of years, our feet and back continue to struggle with bipedal posture and cannot easily withstand repeated strain imposed by oversize limbs.
【分析】復合句。even though 引導讓步狀語從句,其中 for millions of years 作從句的時間狀語,主句的主語是 our feet and back,由 and 連接的兩個動詞結構 continue to struggle 和 cannot easily withstand 并列作謂語。
【譯文】此外,雖然人類直立行走數百萬年了,但我們的雙足和背仍然在與兩足行走的姿勢作斗爭,很難承受過長肢體帶來的持續壓力。
【臨摹】強者能在命運之風暴中奮力拼搏。
15. And if you need to predict human height in the near future to design a piece of equipment, Gordon says that by and large, "you could use today's data and feel fairy confident."
【分析】復合句。if 引導條件狀語從句,其中 to design...作目的狀語。主句主干為 Gordon says that...,此時 that 引導賓語從句。
【譯文】如果你需要預測人類在不久的將來的身高以便設計某種裝備,高登還說,基本上“你可以使用目前的數據,并且大可放心其可靠性。”
【點撥】1)equipment“設備,器材”與 furniture“家具”一樣,都是不可數名詞,要表達“一件設備/家具”,需用 a piece of equipment/furniture。2)by and large 意為“總的來說;大體上”。
【臨摹】我不能完全認同你的觀點,但是大體上我認為你的觀點還是有道理的。