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集合名词作主语的主谓一致问题

2011-07-11来源:和谐英语

集合名词作主语的主谓一致问题

 

一、必须用复数的情形

police(警察),people(人),cattle(牛,牲口), clothes(衣服)等集合名词作主语时,谓语总是用复数。如:

My clothes were soaked. 我的衣服都湿透了。

The police are looking into the complaint. 警察在了解这项投诉。

Too few people are interested in such music nowadays. 如今对这种音乐有兴趣的人太少了。

二、必须用单数的情形

clothing(衣服),poetry(诗歌),baggage / luggage(行李), furniture(家具),scenery(景色),jewellery(珠宝),equipment(设备)等不可数的集合名词用作主语时,其谓语用单数形式。如:

Furniture is chiefly made of wood. 家具主要是由木材制造。

Poetry was blooming in China in the Tang dynasty. 中国的诗歌在唐代十分盛行。

3. 可用单数或复数的情形

family(家庭),team(队员),class(班上的全体学生),crowd(人群),government(政府),crew(乘务员),committee(委员会),audience(听众),public(公众)等集合名词用作主语时,其谓语既可用单数,也可用复数:当它们被视为整体时,谓语用单数;当它们强调个体时,谓语用复数。如(www.hxen.net):

My family is very large. 我家人很多。(视为整体)

His family are waiting for him. 他家里人在等他。(强调个体成员)

注:有时没有特定的上下文,用单数或复数谓语区别不大。如:

The public are [is] requested not to leave litter in the park.要求公众在公园不要乱扔东西。