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听众 Cinta 来信询问单词 “factor、element、component” 和 “ingredient” 的区别。名词 “factor” 的意思是 “因素”，它强调对结果产生的影响，而 “element、component” 和 “ingredient” 在表达 “事物的组成要素” 时几乎没有区别。听节目，学习这四个词的用法。

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（关于台词的备注: 请注意这不是广播节目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能没有体现录制、编辑过程中对节目做出的改变。）

Jiaying大家好，欢迎收听 BBC英语教学的 “你问我答” 节目，我是佳莹。Joining me is Neil.

NeilHi, everyone.

Jiaying本期节目中要回答的问题来自听众 Cinta。问题如下：

Question您好！今天在做一道选择题时被几个选项难住了：“factor、element、component、ingredient”。这四个单词究竟有什么区别？期待您的解答！

Jiaying谢谢听众 Cinta 发来的问题。Neil，你能给大家讲一讲这四个易混词之间的区别吗？

NeilSure. 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我们用名词 “factor” 表示 “因素，要素”，指 “促成事件结果的特定情况或事实”，强调 “这个因素对结果产生的影响”。比如，预算不够可能是某人决定购买更便宜商品的一个 “factor”。听两个例句。

ExamplesThere were several financial factors that led to the business being sold.（有几个财务因素导致该公司被出售。）

Joe's weight was a big factor in his decision to reduce sugary drinks.（乔的体重是他决定少喝含糖饮料的一个因素。）

NeilWhile 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，问题中的其它三个名词 “element、component” 和 “ingredient” 都可以泛指 “情况、计划、事件或决定的要素、成分”。在表达这个含义时，三个词几乎没有区别。听三个例句。

ExamplesGood planning is an essential element in any great business plan.（好的规划是任何一个优秀商业计划中必不可少的要素。）

A vital component of my friendship with John is honesty.（我和约翰友谊的一个重要组成部分是诚实。）

My husband says that communication is an important ingredient of our relationship.（我的丈夫说，沟通是我们两人关系中的重要组成部分。）

NeilNow, 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前面我们说到，“element” 可以指 “（情况、计划、事件或故事的）基本组成部分”，也就是 “元素，要素”。比如，搭配 “key element” 和 “vital element” 的意思都是 “关键要素”，强调 “某个成分的重要性”。注意，名词 “element” 所谈论的事物经常是抽象的。比如，它可以指 “故事、电影等创作想法的元素”。

ExamplesIn my opinion, cake and party hats are essential elements of a great birthday party!（在我看来，蛋糕和派对帽是一个精彩的生日聚会的基本要素！）

The writer wrote down some key elements she thought would make a fantastic story.（这名作者写下了她认为会构成一个精彩故事的关键元素。）

NeilNow, 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名词 “component” 除了指 “事物的组成部分” 以外，还可以指 “（机器和车辆的电子或机械）零部件”，而问题中的其它词语都没有这个含义。听两个例句。

ExamplesSeveral of the components in this computer, such as the graphics card, were very expensive.（这台计算机的几个零部件都很贵，如显卡。）

The mechanic needed to buy some special components to repair the engine of the vintage car.（这名机械师需要购入一些特殊的零部件来修理这辆老式汽车的发动机。）

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

Jiaying问题中的最后一个词 “ingredient” 可以用来指 “食材或原料”。听两个例句。

ExamplesI like to cook with fresh ingredients. I think they taste better.（我喜欢用新鲜食材做饭。我觉得它们的味道更好。）

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

Jiaying好了，总结一下：名词 “factor” 的意思是 “因素”，强调 “事实或情况对结果产生的影响”。 “Element、component” 和 “ingredient” 都可以指 “情况、计划、事件或决定等的要素，成分”，表达这个含义时三者几乎没有区别。其中，“element” 经常用来谈论抽象事物，指 “故事、电影等创作想法的元素”。“Component” 还有 “（电子或机械）零部件” 的意思。 “Ingredient” 还可以表示 “食材或原料”。

NeilRemember, if you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can email us too! Our email address is: [email protected]

Jiaying你也可以通过微博向我们提问。我们的微博账号是 “BBC英语教学”。谢谢收听 “你问我答” 节目。我是佳莹。再会！

NeilBye.