A　scheme　is　proposed　for　generating　entangled　W　states　with　four　cavity　modes.　In　this　scheme,　we　send　a　V-type　three-level　atom　through　two　identical　two-mode　cavities　in　succession.　After　the　atom　exits　from　the　second　cavity,　the　four　cavity　modes　are　prepared　in　the　W　state.　On　the　other　hand　we　can　obtain　three-atom　W　states　by　sending　three　V-type　three-level　atoms　through　a　two-mode　cavity　in　turn.　The　present　scheme　does　not　require　conditional　measurement,　and　it　is　easily　generalized　to　preparing　2n-mode　W　states　and　n-atom　W　states.　©　2007　Chin.　Phys.　Soc.　and　IOP　Publishing　Ltd.