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规则9
主语的单复数决定谓语动词的单复数

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。


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:

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。


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 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? Hcx050PusZUlBrHNDtXJU8avMyT3kOROZUNqqNpW3BsZ00AlD44S/8/vy7iqwF+E

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