4. 谓语需用单数的情况
1)代词each以及由every, some, no, any等构成的复合代词作主语时,或主语中含有each, every时, 谓语需用单数。例如:
Each of us has a tape-recorder. 我们每人都有录音机。
There is something wrong with my watch. 我的表坏了。
2)当主语是一本书或一条格言时,谓语动词常用单数。例如:
The Arabian Night is a book known to lovers of English. 《天方夜谭》是英语爱好者熟悉的一本书。
3)表示金钱,时间,价格或度量衡的复合名词作主语时,通常把这些名词看作一个整体,谓语一般用单数。例如:
Three weeks was allowed for making the necessary preparations. 用三个星期来做准备。
Ten yuan is enough. 十元够了。
5.指代意义决定谓语的单复数
1)代词what, which, who, none, some, any, more, most, all等词的单复数由其指代的词的单复数决定。例如:
All is right. 一切顺利。
All are present. 人都到齐了。
2)集体名词作主语时,谓语的数要根据主语的意思来决定。如family, audience, crew, crowd, class, company, committee等词后,谓语动词用复数形式时强调这个集体中的各个成员,用单数时强调该集体的整体。例如:
His family isn't very large. 他家成员不多。
His family are music lovers. 他家个个都是音乐爱好者。
但集合名词people, police, cattle, poultry等在任何情况下都用复数形式。例如:
Are there any police around? 附近有警察吗?
3)有些名词,如variety, number, population, proportion, majority 等有时看作单数,有时看作复数。例如:
A number of +名词复数+复数动词。
The number of +名词复数+单数动词。
A number of books have lent out.
The majority of the students like English.
6.与后接名词或代词保持一致的情况
1)用half of, most of, none of, heaps of, lots of, plenty of 等引起主语时,谓语动词通常与of后面的名词/代词保持一致。例如:
Most of his money is spent on books. 他大部分的钱化在书上了。
Most of the students are taking an active part in sports. 大部分学生积极参与体育运动。
2)用a portion of, a series of, a pile of, a panel of 等引起主语时,谓语动词通常用单数。例如: A series of accidents has been reported. 媒体报道了一连串的事故。
A pile of lots was set beside the hearth. 炉边有一堆木柴。
3)如 many a 或 more than one 所修饰的短语作主语时,谓语动词多用单数形式。但由more than… of 作主语时,动词应与其后的名词或代词保持一致。例如:
Many a person has read the novel. 许多人读过这本书。
More than 60 percent of the students are from the city.百分之六十多的学生来自这个城市。