103 單數形式的名詞作主語時謂語動詞的形式 Track 100
一般來說,單數名詞作主語,謂語動詞用單數形式,這符合英語中的語法一致原則。但此種情況也有例外,現詳細歸納如下:
(1)Many a + 可數名詞單數,雖為復數概念,但作主語時謂語用單數形式
例句
a. Many a boy and girl has made such a funny experiment.
b. There is many an error that he has neglected.
c. Many a man and (many a) woman has wished that they had a better education.(Many men and women have…)
(2)More than one +可數名詞單數,是復數概念,但作主語時謂語用單數形式
a. There is more than one answer to this question.
b. More than one topic has been discussed at the meeting.
與此類似的另外一個結構:more +復數名詞+than one,作主語時謂語用復數形式。例如:
c. More topics than one have been discussed at the meeting.
d. More persons than one were killed.
(3)One/A+單數名詞+ or two作主語時,謂語用單數形式
但注意:“One or two + 復數名詞”作主語時,謂語用復數形式。
a. A word or two is misused in the sentence.
b. One or two words are misused in the sentence.
(4)對于集體名詞,如party,crowd,class,team,family,crew,government,committee,audience,public等,在作主語時,謂語的數要視情況而定
若集體名詞被看成一個整體,則謂語用單數形式;若集體名詞被看成是由具體若干成員組成的,則謂語用復數形式。
試比較:

集體名詞police,militia(民兵),cattle,people等作主語時,謂語常用復數形式;集體名詞mankind,humanity作主語時,謂語常用單數形式。
Police in Guangdong Province are investigating an organized cheating operation in Dianbai County of the province during national college entrance exams.
(5)“the + 形容詞或過去分詞”作主語時,謂語動詞的形式
1)若表示抽象概念,謂語用單數形式。
a. The good in him overweighs the bad.
他身上的優(yōu)點比缺點多。(抽象概念)
b. The best is yet to come.
好戲還在后頭。
c. The beautiful is not always the same as the good.
2)若表示一類人,則為復數概念,作主語時謂語用復數形式。
a. The blind are unfortunate.
b. The oppressed are to rise one day.
3)有時需根據上下文來判斷。
a. The deceased was his mother. (表示單個人)
b. The deceased were ten farmers.