英语中的一致问题

 一、单数名词与谓语动词的一致

        单数集体名词被视为一个整体时,用单数形式的谓语动词;被视为若干个个体时,则用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. The class consists of twenty-five boys and twenty girls.这个班由25名男生和20名女生组成。
2. The class are doing experiments.全班学生正在做实验。
3. Our family has lived in this house for over 100 years.我们家族的人住在这屋子里已经超过100年了。
4. His family are all well.他家的每个成员身体都很好。
5. The enemy is/are advancing towards the castle.敌军正向城堡进发。
6. The school's teaching staff is/are excellent.该校的教师队伍是优秀的。

        有些单数集体名词,即所谓的“群体名词”,如police, people, militia, cattle等,英式英语多用复数形式的谓语动词,而美式英语则多用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. The police are making enquiries about the murder.警方正在调查那起谋杀案。
2. There were many people present at the meeting.许多人参加了这个会议。
3. The militia are all out drilling for the National Day parade.民兵们都出来操练,准备参加国庆游行。
4. Cattle were grazing on the village common.牛在村中公地上吃草。

    “more than one+单数名词”结构上虽有复数意义,但习惯上多要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. More than one answer is to your question.你的问题答案不只是一个。
2. More than one question was asked.提出的问题不只一个。
3. More than one student has failed the exam.不只一个学生考试不及格。

    more+复数名词+than one”结构却多要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. More members than one have protested against the proposal.反对这项提议的会员不止一个。
2. More persons than one were invited.被邀请的不止一个人。

“a(n)+单数名词+or two”结构要求用单数动词。

1. A day or two is enough.一两天就够了。
2. A servant or two or three was to accompany them.将有一个或两个或三个仆人去陪他们。

    “one or two+复数名词”结构则要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. One or two reasons were suggested.提出了一两条理由。
2. One or two friends are coming this evening.今天晚上有一两个朋友要来。

   “many a(n) +单数名词”结构要求用单数形式的谓语动词,这种结构多用于正式文体。

1. Many a fine man has died in that battle.许多优秀士兵死于那次战役。
2. Many a page in this book is missing.这本书缺了许多页。
3. Many a famous pop star has been ruined by drugs.很多著名的流行音乐歌星都因使用毒品而毁了自己。
4. Many a large and big business has been built up from small ones.很多大企业都是从小规模发展起来的。
5. Many a bright idea has been hit on by accident.许多好主意都是偶然想到的。

   在“两个形容词+一个单数名词”结构中,单数名词如有复数意义,则应用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. English and French grammar are not very difficult to learn.英语语法和法语语法不很难学。
2. The red and the white rose are both beautiful.红玫瑰和白玫瑰都很美。

 

二、复数名词与谓语动词的一致

·  含双数概念的复数名词要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

1.      Are your kitchen scales accurate?你的家用天平准吗？
2.      His glasses are muddy.他的眼镜是模糊的。

·  含复数概念的复数名词要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. My funds are a bit low at present.我的资金现在不多。
2. Here are some new pairs of shoes.这里有几双新鞋。

·  含单数概念的复数名词要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1.  His works is rather small.他的工厂非常小。
2.  No news is good news.没有消息就是好消息。

·  表时间、距离和金额的复数名词要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. A hundred miles is a long distance.100英里是一段很长的距离。
2. Twenty years is a long time in one's life.20年在人的一生中是很长的一段时间。
3. 20,000 dollars is not a small sum of money.2万美元不是一笔小数目。

·  外来的复数名词常要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. The agenda for Monday's meeting has not yet reached me.我还没有收到星期一的会议议程。
2. This data is very interesting.这项数据很有意思。

·  以-ics结尾表学科的复数名词一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词,但这类名词如果转义表示具体实践活动、性能和现象等则要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

1. Statistics is taught in many colleges.许多大学教统计学。
2. Physics is his main subject.物理学是他的主科。
3. Statistics prove nothing in this instance.统计数字在这一事例上不说明问题。
4. His politics are very radical.他的政治观点很激进。

·  以-s结尾的某些表疾病的复数名词,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. German measles is a dangerous disease for pregnant women.风疹对于孕妇是一种危险的疾病。

·  复数书名一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. Dickens' American Notes was published in 1842.狄更斯著的《美国日记》出版于1842年。
2. The Arabian Nights is well known to us.《一千零一夜》对我们来说是非常熟悉的。

·  有些复数名词既可用复数形式的谓语动词,亦可用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. Where are/is your manners?你怎么不讲礼貌？
2. His whereabouts are/is unknown.没有人知道他

 

三、并列主语与谓语动词的一致

·  当“名词+and+名词”结构表示一种事物或一种概念时,用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. The poet and writer has come.那位诗人兼作家来了。
2. Trial and error is the source of our knowledge.不断尝试是我们获得知识的源泉。

·  当“each/every+单数名词+and+each/every+单数名词”结构应分作两个单独结构看待时,应用单数形式的谓语动词。

1. Every hour and every minute is important.每一小时,每一分钟,都很宝贵。
2. Each boy and each girl has an apple.每个男孩和女孩都有一个苹果。
3. Every boy and every girl is taught to read and write.每个男孩和女孩都受到读书写字的教育。

·  在“名词/代词+or+名词”结构后的谓语动词一般应与or后的名词/代词一致。

1. Mr. Jones or I am to speak at the meeting.会上由琼斯先生或我来发言。
2. A cigar or a cigarette is very enjoyable.来一支雪茄或香烟挺带劲的。
3. A boy or two girls are at home.一个男孩或两个女孩在家。

·  “either+名词/代词+or+名词/代词”结构要求谓语动词一般应与or后的名词或代词一致。

1. Either Tom or his brothers have to shovel the snow.不是汤姆,就是他的兄弟们必须把雪铲去。
2. Either you or I am going to be in charge of this matter.不是你就是我将负责这件事。
3. Either your watches or mine is wrong.不是你们的表不准,就是我的表不准。

·  “not only+名词/代词+but(also)+名词/代词”结构要求谓语动词一般应与but (also)后的名词或代词一致。

1. Not only students but also their teacher is in the classroom.不仅有学生,他们的老师也在教室里。
2. Not only my brother but also I am good at painting.不仅我的兄弟擅长绘画,我也画得很好。

·  “neither+名词/代词+nor+名词/代词”结构要求谓语动词一般应与nor后的名词或代词一致。

1. Neither he nor they are mistaken.他和他们都没有错。
2. Neither I nor he is in favour of her marriage.我和他都不赞成她的婚姻。
3. Neither Jack nor I have seen this film.杰克和我都没有看过这部电影。
4. Neither the teacher nor his students know how to work out the problem.老师和他的学生都做不出那道

四、“名词/代词+with+名词/代词”结构与谓语动词的一致

·  “名词/代词+with+名词/代词”结构一般要求谓语动词应与第一个名词或代词一致。

1. A woman with two children has come.一位妇女带着两个孩子来了。
2. The girl with dark hair and brown eyes is his sister.那个黑发棕眼的女孩是他的妹妹。

·  与with类似的词还有as,like,but,plus,besides,except,without,including等。

1. All students but Tom are taking examination.除了汤姆,所有的学生正在参加考试。
2. All of us,including me,have been totally committed to the cause.我们大家,包括我在内,都在致力于该事业。

五、名词/代词+as well as+名词/代词”结构与谓语动词的一致

·  “名词/代词+as well as+名词/代词”结构一般要求谓语动词与第一个名词或代词一致。

1. The students as well as the teacher were present at the meeting.学生和他们的老师出席了会议。
2. Tom as well as two of his friends was invited to the party.汤姆以及他的两个朋友被邀请参加了晚会。
3. His parents as well as he treat me very well.他父母和他对我都很好。
4. The teacher as well as the students is interested in the lecture.老师和同学对这个讲座很感兴趣。

·  类似的短语还有added to,along with,as much as,combined with,in addition to,in company with,more than,no less than,rather than,together with等。

1. Mr Smith,together with his wife,is to arrive on the evening.史密斯先生和夫人将于晚间抵达。

六、“表部分的名词+of+名词”结构与谓语动词的一致

·  “one of+复数名词”结构后的定语从句要求谓语动词应与复数形式的谓语动词一致。

·  Singing is one of the activities which generate the greatest enthusiasm.唱歌是会激起最大热情的活动之一。
This is one of the most interesting questions that have been asked.这是问得最有趣的问题之一。

·  “a pair of+复数名词”结构多要求用单数形式的谓语动词,以与整个的pair一致；如强调其个别成员时,亦可用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  A pair of homemade cotton shoes is displayed in glass cases.一双自制布鞋摆放在玻璃橱里。
A pair of trousers was found under the bed.在床下找到了一条裤子。
A pair of gloves is a nice present.一双手套是一件很好的礼物。
A pair of thieves were conspiring to rob us.有两个盗贼预谋盗窃我们的东西。
A pair of robbers were trying to kidnap his wife.两个强盗正试图绑架他的妻子。

·  “a part of+名词”结构中,如名词为单数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如名词为复数,一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  A part of his income goes on books,but he thinks it's well spent.他的收入有一部分花在买书上,可是他认为这是值得的。
A part of the story is not true.这一则报道有一部分是不真实的。
A part of the apples are bad.有一部分苹果是坏的。
A part of the textbooks have arrived.一部分教科书已经运到了。

·  “a/this group of+复数名词”结构可用单数形式的谓语动词,亦可用复数形式的谓语动词,前者强调整体,后者强调各个组成部分。类似group的集体名词还有crowd(人群)、flock(羊群)、file(一列)等。

·  This group of chemicals behave(s) in the same way.这一组化学品起同样的作用。
A group of farmers were transplanted to the island by the government.一批农民被政府迁到这个岛上居住。
A flock of birds comes over,and the hunting starts.一群鸟飞过来,打猎开始了。
A flock of customers were waiting for the store to open.一群顾客在等候着商店开门。

·  “a number of+复数名词”结构应用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  A number of well-known public characters were cleverly hit off by the entertainer.一些著名的社会人士被这位演员模仿得惟妙惟肖。
A number of planes were circling overhead.数架飞机在上空盘旋。
A number of airmen were decorated for their distinguished services.许多飞行员由于功勋卓著而获得奖章。
A number of forged banknotes are in circulation.市面上有一定数量的伪钞在流通。
A large number of people have applied.已有很多人申请。
A number of new products have been successfully trial-produced.许多新产品已试制成功。
A great number of problems have arisen.出现了许多问题。

·  “the number of+复数名词”结构要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  The number of bicycles is increasing.自行车的数量越来越多。
The number of colleges has grown after the war.战后学院的数量有所增加。
The number of students in universities has jumped.大学生的数量已大幅度增加。
The number of tourists has increased greatly in recent years.近年来旅游者的人数大大增加了。
The number of wild animals on the earth is dwindling.地球上野生动物的数量正日渐减少。
The number of positive numbers is infinite.正数的数目是无穷的。
The number of chairs in the room is ten.屋内共有10把椅子。

·  “the number of+复数名词”结构要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  The number of bicycles is increasing.自行车的数量越来越多。
The number of colleges has grown after the war.战后学院的数量有所增加。
The number of students in universities has jumped.大学生的数量已大幅度增加。
The number of tourists has increased greatly in recent years.近年来旅游者的人数大大增加了。
The number of wild animals on the earth is dwindling.地球上野生动物的数量正日渐减少。
The number of positive numbers is infinite.正数的数目是无穷的。
The number of chairs in the room is ten.屋内共有10把椅子。

·  “an average/a total of+复数名词”结构要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  An average of 9000 persons pass here every day.每天平均有9000个人经过此地。
A total of twenty letters were received last month.上个月共收到20封信。
A total of twenty people were killed.共有20人被杀。

·  “the average/total of+复数名词”结构,要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  The average of articles received each month is 50.每月平均收到50篇文章。
The average of 4,5,and 12 is 7.4、5、12这三个数的平均数是7。
The total of letters received last month was 100.上月共收到100封信。

·  “a lot/mass/heap of+复数名词”结构一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  A lot of ships were just outside of the harbor when the hurricane hit.飓风袭来时,不少的船还在港外。
A mass of people were working there.许多人正在那里劳动。
A heap of apples were seen in there.在那里看到有大量的苹果。

·  “this/the kind/sort of+名词”结构一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如用复数名词,则亦可用复数形式的谓语动词,以强调名词的复数概念。

·  This kind of newspaper is alternative press.这种报纸是非正统性报刊。
She's the sort of woman who always says the right things.她是一个说话总能恰到好处的女人。
The kind of apples you mean are large and sour.你说的那种苹果又大又酸。

·  “these/those kinds of+名词”结构一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  These kinds of trees are nice if you like them.要是你喜欢,这几种树就很好。
Those kinds of car(s) were produced ten years ago.那些种类的汽车是10年前生产的。

·  “what kinds of+单数名词”结构要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  What kinds of oranges are sour?哪些种类的橙子是酸的？

·  “the rest/remainder of+名词”结构要求何种谓语动词形式应依据名词的数而定。名词是单数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如名词是复数,一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  The rest of the story needs no telling.故事的其余部分就不必讲下去了。
The rest of the old man was happy.这位老人的晚年很幸福。
Some agree with Jim,but the rest of us agree with Sam.我们这些人中有些人赞成吉姆,但其余的人都赞成萨姆。
He stayed at home and the rest of the boys were out at play.他留在家里,其余的男孩都在外面玩。

·  “percent of+名词”结构中如名词是单数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；名词如是复数,一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词;如强调percent所表示的抽象概念,即使后面是复数名词,亦要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  Thirty percent of the liquor is alcohol.这酒含30%的酒精。
More than 70 percent of my time has been spent in teaching.我的时间70%以上用在了教学上。
Only 60 percent of the work was done yesterday.昨天只干了60%的活。
About 20 percent of the students are absent today.今天有大约20%的学生缺席。

·  “分数+of+名词”结构中如名词是单数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如名词是复数,一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词;如强调分数所表的抽象概念,则要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  About three-fourths of the surface of the earth is sea.地球表面的大约四分之三是海水。
About one third of the books are worth reading.这些书中大约有三分之一值得一读。
Only about one-third of the class is going to make it next year.班里明年会升级的人大约只有三分之一。

·  “most/plenty of+名词”结构中如名词是单数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如名词是复数,一般要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Most of his time is spent travelling.他大部分时间都在旅行。
Most of the foreign embassies are clustered in this area.大多数的外国使馆都集中在这个地区。
Most of us are members of the committee.我们大多数人是委员会的成员。
Plenty of space is needed.需要大量的空间。
Plenty of people have come.来了很多人。
Plenty of chairs are needed.需要许多把椅子。

·  “most of+集体名词”要求谓语动词应依据该名词指整体或指成员而定。

·  Most of the population there was young.那里的居民大都很年轻。
Most of my family are musicians,it is in the blood.我家里的人大都是音乐家,是世传的。
Most of the audience were college students.观众大都是大学生。

·  “worth of+名词”结构不论名词是单数还是复数,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词,与worth一致。但当worth表示金额时,其后的谓语动词往往与其前表金额的名词的数一致。如表金额的名词是复数,其后常用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  The worth of this painting is estimated at a half million dollars.这幅画估计值50万美元。
The worth of men like Galileo is not always understood while they are alive.像伽利略这样的人在世时并不总是被人理解。
Thousands of pounds' worth of damage have been done to the apple crop.苹果收成的损失以千镑计。
Nearly a thousand pounds worth of cigarette were stolen.大约价值1000英镑的香烟被盗。

七、名词化的形容词和过去分词作主语与谓语动词的一致

·  名词化的形容词和过去分词作主语如表单数意义,就要求用单数形式的谓语动词；如表复数意义,则要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  The true is to be distinguished from the false.真实应与虚假相区别。
The dispossessed are demanding their rights.被剥夺者在要求归还他们的权利。

·  有些名词化的形容词和过去分词有复数形式,要求用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  The Christians are believers in Christ.基督教徒就是基督的信徒。
The newlyweds are now spending their honeymoon abroad.新婚夫妇正在国外度蜜月。

八、短语、从句、句子作主语与谓语动词的一致

·  短语用作主语时,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  No news is good news.没有消息就是好的消息。
In the evening is best for me.对我最适合的是晚上。

·  从句用作主语时,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  What he has said leaves much for us to think about.他说的话发人深省。
Because they are dead languages is no reason why they should be ignored in academic circles.不应因它们是死的语言而就在学术界忽视它们。

·  句子用作主语时,一般要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  “How do you do?” is not a question but a greeting.“你好。”不是一个问题,而是一个问候语。

九、倒装结构中主语与谓语动词的一致

·  在倒装结构中,主语即使是复数名词,或者有时在单数形式的谓语动词后有一连串并列的名词,往往也用单数形式的谓语动词,尤其在非正式英语中。

·  On the mother's side comes teachers also one actor.母系亲属中出了许多教师,也出了一位演员。
Her face wore a puzzled,troubled,nervous look,in which was mingled fear,sorrow,depression,distrust,a trace of resentment and a trace of despair.她的神色显得不解、苦恼、不安,其中还交织着恐惧、忧伤、沮丧、不信任、一丝愤懑和一丝绝望。

·  在“there is/was”的结构中,也常可接复数名词,因为人们常常是先说出there is/was后才想及后面的名词的,但多用在口语中。

·  There's hundreds of people on the waiting list.等候登记的有数百人。
As for risks,there's risks in pretty near everything you do in this world.至于风险,在这个世界上,不论你做什么事,几乎都有风险。

十、代词与谓语动词的一致

·  all用作主语时,可随其具体含义选用单数形式或复数形式的谓语动词。

·  All is wrong.都错了。
All was silent.万籁俱寂。
All were young.都很年轻。
All were silent.大家都不吭声。
All were present at the meeting.全都到会了。

·  some可随其具体含义选用单数形式或复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Some of this seems to be rather good.这个东西的某些部分似乎相当好。
Some of the mountains in South America have not yet been mapped out.南美洲的一些山脉尚未在地图上标出来。
Some of the older workers were retired early.有些老工人提前退休。

·  any用作主语时,随其具体含义选用单数形式或复数形式的谓语动词。

·  I don't think any is left.我想没有剩下的了。
I don't think any of them have seen me.我想他们之中没有人看见我。

·  each of后接复数名词或代词时一般用单数形式的谓语动词,但有时也可用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Each of us has a company car.我们每人都有一辆公司的车。
Each of you have to work together with one heart.你们大家要齐心合力。
Each of the jobs were planned by him. 每一项工作都是他安排的。

·  either用作主语时,一般应用单数形式的谓语动词,但在非正式英语中“either of+复数名词/代词”结构之后则可用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Either is correct.这两者任何一个都对。
I don't think either of them have arrived.我想他们两个都没到。

·  every和everyone一般用单数形式的谓语动词,但有时也可用复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Every possibility has been exploited to establish a number of schools.利用一切可能性建立了许多学校。
Every 100 households have 90 television sets in this city.在这个城市里,每一百户就有90台电视机。
Everyone knows it.大家都知道这件事。/Everyone is not present.并非每个人都来了。
Everyone were questioned.大家都受审了。
Everyone who had been in the neighborhood of the robbed orchard were questioned.被抢果园邻近居住的每一个人都被盘问了。
Everyone in her family frowns on the marriage.她家里的每个人都对这桩婚事不满。
Everyone in the house were in their beds.这一家人都在睡觉。

·  many之后一般须要求用复数形式的谓语动词,但在many's/was the time/thing,etc.(that)...这一固定结构中则要求用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  Many's the time I've thought of leaving.好多次我都想离去。
Many was the time I ate at that restaurant.我在那个饭馆里吃过许多次。

·  most用作主语时,可选用单数或复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Most of our food comes from plants.我们大多数食品都来源于植物。
Most of the apples are bad.大多数苹果都烂了。

·  neither可跟单数或复数形式的谓语动词。

·  Neither of my parents is a teacher.我父母都不是教师。
I have two hats but neither fits me properly.我有两顶帽子,但对我都不合适。
Neither of them are welcome. 他们两人都不受欢迎。

·  none按理应要求用单数形式的谓语动词,但用复数形式的谓语动词的情况亦很多,并有日益增多之势。

·  None of them has got a handbook to tourists.他们谁也没搞到旅游指南。
None of us has ever seen such a design.我们谁也没见过这样的设计。
None of us is infallible.我们之中没有人是绝对不会错的。
None of us has bought a bike.我们当中没有一个人买自行车。
None of their promises have been kept.他们的诺言一个也没有信守。
None of us are cadres.我们之中没有一个是骨干分子。
None of us like the divorce of word and deed.我们没人喜欢言行不一。

·  疑问代词what用作主语时,如说话人不确知what的数或不强调数时,其后应用单数形式的谓语动词。

·  What's on the table?桌子上是什么东西？
What's in the sky?天上是什么？

十一、数词与谓语动词的一致

·  数词和动词可在语法上一致。

·  Seven and eight are fifteen.7加8等于15。
Three times one is three.3乘1等于3。

·  数词和动词也可在意念上一致。

·  Two and two is four.2加2等于4。
One half of the world's population are Asians.世界人口有一半是亚洲人。

十二、在“主系表”结构中的名词与名词的一致 > 

·  一般说单数名词主语与单数名词表语、复数名词主语与复数名词表语在语法上是完全一致的。

·  The foreign guest is a stranger in this city.这个外国朋友对这个城市不熟悉。
Students are good friends.学生们都是好朋友。

·  有时单数名词主语与复数名词表语、复数名词主语与单数名词表语在形式上不一致,而在逻辑上一致,即单数名词主语与复数名词表语一致或复数名词主语与单数名词表语一致。

·  Paul is friends with Bill.保尔和比尔友好。
The room seemed to be all nooks and corners.这房间好像尽是角落似的。
Hills are the opposite of valleys.山是谷的反面。
These stairs are a part of the bridge.这些台阶都是桥的一部分。

十三、在修饰与被修饰关系中的名词与名词的一致 

·  当一个名词用作定语修饰另一名词时,比如在复合名词中,前一个名词一般应用单数形式。

·  a bus stop 公共汽车站
apple trees 苹果树

·  当一个名词用作定语修饰另一名词时,用复数形式的情况也不少,须个别记忆。

·  a glasses frame 眼镜框
sports equipment 运动器材

·  用作定语的名词如指人,一般用单数形式,但woman和man用作修饰复数名词的定语时,则一般须用复数形式。

·  a boy friend 男友
girl students 女学生
men doctors 男医生
women teachers 女教师

 

十四、代词与名词的一致

·  一般说代词对名词的指代在数的形式上应当是一致的,偶尔也有不一致的情况。

·  The government had discussed the matter for a long time but they had shown no sign of reaching agreement.政府对此事已讨论很久,但仍无取得一致意见的迹象。
I slapped them on the back.我拍了拍他们的背。

·  all可要求用单数名词或复数名词,但“all+复数名词”有时意指“each+单数名词”。

·  All things are relative.一切事物都是相比较而存在的。
All things are interrelated and interact on each other.一切事物都是互相联系又互相作用的。
Craft of all types took part in the race.各种各样的船只都参加了比赛。
Trucks and cars flowed along the highway all day.卡车和轿车整天在公路上川流不息。
All cats have nine lives. 猫有九命。(all cats在此 = each cat)

·  another可要求用单数名词,但有时亦可要求用数词加复数名词。

·  The workers began to build another railway last month.上个月工人们开始铺筑另一条铁路。
He killed another man in a fight.在打斗中他把另一个人杀死了。
Where shall we be in another ten years?再过10年我们会在哪里？

·  some表单数时要求用单数名词,表复数意义时要求用复数名词。

·  The manager spoke at some length.经理讲话讲了好一会儿。
There is a table and some chairs in the room.屋里有一张桌子和几把椅子。
Some people like to lie on the beach,but I prefer to go sightseeing.有些人喜欢在海滩上躺着,但我喜欢去游览。

·  any表单数意义时要求用单数名词,表复数时要求用复数名词。如不确知则可用复数名词。

·  Treading on any part of this floor activates the alarm system.踩着地板的任何一部分都会触发警报系统。
If I make any mistakes,please point them out.如果我出了错,请指出。
Have you any animals?你养动物吗？

·  both要求用复数名词。和all一样,both有时也有each的含义。

·  There are shops on both sides of the street.这条街的两侧都是商店。
Both parties agreed on the terms of the contract.双方同意了合同中的条件。

·  every要求用单数名词或复数名词。

·  Every morning he had exercises in the open air.他每天早晨在户外进行锻炼。
Every week we get together and compare ideas.我们每个星期碰头交换看法。
There are buses to the station every ten minutes.这个车站每10分钟有一趟公共汽车。

·  many一般皆要求用复数名词,但亦可要求用“a(n)+单数名词”。

·  Many things have happened since they came here.自从他们来这里以后,发生了许多事情。
Doctors have been fighting the disease for many years.大夫们多年来一直在和这种疾病做斗争。
Many a page in this book is missing.这本书缺了许多页。

·  no=not any,表单数意义时要求用单数名词,表复数意义时要求用复数名词。在不确定或不强调数时可数名词多用复数。

·  There's no building over there.那里没有任何建筑物。
A satisfied customer is one who has no complaints.感到满意的顾客通常是没有怨言的。
We have no classes on Sunday.星期日我们没有课。
No human beings could do that sort of thing. 没有人能做那样的事。

·  指示代词this和that一般接单数名词,但有时亦可后接一些复数名词。另外this和that用作主语时,其表语亦可是复数名词。

·  This book begins with a tale of country life.这本书以一个农村生活的故事开始。
I don't believe that man.我不相信那个人。
this woods 这个树林
this two weeks 这两个星期
This is bad manners. 这是不礼貌的行为。
That's two promises. 这已是两次保证了。

·  指示代词these和those一般皆要求后接复数名词,但亦可要求后接某些单数名词,如集体名词等。

·  these books 这些书
those days 那些日子
these gentry 这些绅士们

·  疑问代词what用作定语时,可要求用单数名词或复数名词。

·  What difference does it make?这有什么不同？
I don't know by what train Michael will go.我不知道麦克尔将坐什么火车去。
What books have you read?你读过什么书？

·  单数集体名词表其各个成员时,其定语从句的关系代词用who；单数集体名词表不可分割的整体时,其定语从句的关系代词用which。

·  a family who quarrel among themselves 一个常吵架的家庭
a family which dates back to the Norman Conquest一个可追溯至诺曼征服英国时代的家庭

十五、数词与名词的一致

·  “1以上的基数词+连字符+表时间的名词”结构用作定语时,其名词一般应用单数。如不用连字符,其名词则常用复数。

·  a five-second pause 一次5秒钟的停顿
a ten-minute break 一次10分钟的休息
a two-hour exam 一次2小时的考试
a three minutes drive 一段3分钟的路程
a three weeks training 3周的训练
ten years service 10年的工龄

·  当“1以上的基数词+连字符+表时间的名词+连字符+old”结构用作定语时,其名词一般用单数。但old如代之以其他形容词,则一般须用复数。

·  a five-year-old boy 一个5岁的男孩
my eighteen-month-old son 我的18个月大的儿子
a four-months-long winter 一个长达4个月的冬天

·  “一以上的基数词+连字符+表长度、距离等的名词”结构用作定语时,其名词一般用单数。

·  a twelve-inch ruler一把12英寸的尺子
a sixty-acre farm 一个占地60英亩的农场

·  在表示房子的高度时,常用单数名词storey(或story)表楼房的层次。而说人的高度时,一般应用复数feet,但在非正式文体中,人们亦常用单数 foot。

·  a ten-story building 一座10层高的楼
She's five feet eight inches tall.她身高5英尺8英寸。
She's only five foot four.她身高只有5英尺4英寸。

·  表重量的ton与数词连用时可用单数形式或复数形式。

·  a three-ton weight 重3吨之物
a 15 tons ship 一艘15吨的船

·  表价值的定语修饰note和bill等名词时,定语中名词用单数形式。

·  a ten-pound note 一张10英镑的钞票
a five-dollar bill 一张5美元的钞票