插在主语和谓语间的其他成分不影响谓语动词的单复数。例如:
在关系从句中,one of…或类似的表达之后使用谓语的单数形式是一个很常见的错误。
each , either , everyone , everybody , neither , nobody , someone 应后接单数形式动词作谓语。例如:
Everybody thinks he has a unique sense of humor.
每个人都觉得他有一种独特的幽默感。
Although both clocks strike cheerfully, neither keeps good time.
虽然两只钟都敲得很响,但没一只是准的。
当 none 表示“没有一个”或“一个都不”时,谓语动词应为单数形式。例如:
当 none 指代一个以上的人或物时,谓语动词通常用复数形式。例如:
None are so fallible as those who are sure they're right.
坚信自己正确的人最易犯错。
以 and 连接,由两个或两个以上用and连接的名词构成的主语通常需要搭配复数形式动词作谓语。例如:
The walrus and the carpenter were walking close at hand.
海象和木匠紧挨着,一路并排向前走。
但某些复合主语,尤其是某些惯用语,以及由each或every修饰的复合主语通常被视为一个不可分割的整体,因此需要搭配单数形式的谓语动词。例如:
The long and the short of it is…
总而言之……
Bread and butter was all she served.
她端上来的只有面包和黄油。
Give and take is essential to a happy household.
互相忍让是家庭幸福的关键。
Every window, picture and mirror was smashed.
窗户、画和镜子都被砸得一个不剩。
当一个单数主语通过 with , as well as , in addition to , except , together with 或 no less than 与其他名词相连时,谓语动词仍用单数形式。例如:
His speech as well as his manner is objectionable.
他的发言和态度都令人生厌。
系动词的单复数也应与主语保持一致。例如:
What is wanted is a few more pairs of hands.
需要多几个人手。
The trouble with truth is its many varieties.
真理的问题在于版本太多。(真理之所以难以掌握是因为其表现形式多种多样。)
有些名词看似复数,实际上是单数,因此要搭配单数形式的谓语动词。例如:
Politics is an art, not a science.
政治是一门艺术,而不是科学。
The Republican Headquarters is on this side of the tracks.
共和党的总部在路的这一边。
但是:
The general's quarters are across the river.
将军的住所在河对面。
对于这种特殊情况,写作者只能注意积累惯用语。比如一本书的内容(contents)是单数概念,而一个罐子里装的东西(contents)则既可能是单数也可能是复数,这取决于罐子里的东西具体是什么。是果酱?还是玻璃弹子?