(1)就近原則
①由并列結(jié)構或連詞(either…or, neither…nor,not…but, not only…but also, or等)連接的并列主語,謂語動詞與靠近的那個名詞或代詞保持一致。
Neither his parents nor Tom is at home.
湯姆和他的父母都不在家。
注:“either…or,neither…nor,or”連接的兩個主語若是一單一復,最好將復數(shù)主詞放在后面而接復數(shù)動詞。
②在倒裝句和there be句型中,謂語動詞與后面的第一個主語保持一致。
There is a book and some pens on the desk.
桌子上有一本書和幾支鋼筆。
There comes the bus.汽車來了。
③在定語從句中,關系代詞作主語,其謂語動詞應與它所指代的先行詞保持一致。
I know the man who is talking to my father.
我認識那個正在和我父親談話的人。
④在強調(diào)句中,連接代詞又在句中作主語,這時它應與被強調(diào)的主語保持一致。
It is Mary's brother who was injured in the car accident.
是瑪麗的哥哥在車禍中受傷了。
(2)意義一致原則
①當主語與謂語動詞之間插入along with,with,as well as,together with, no less than,besides,except, but, including等短語時,謂語動詞不受這些插入語的干擾,依然和主語保持一致。
I,along with my sister,am going to Shanghai next month.
我,還有我姐姐,打算下個月去上海。
②英語中有一類單、復數(shù)同型的詞(people,means,sheep,deer,fish等),其單、復數(shù)取決于它在句中的含義。
All of the people in the country have been prepared for the great reformation.
這個國家的人都已經(jīng)為大變革作好了準備。
③多數(shù)情況下,由“what”引導的名詞性從句作主語時,其后的謂語動詞通常用單數(shù)形式。
What I want to say is just “Take care!”我只想說:“多保重!”
④當主語與all, none, any,some等不定代詞、形容詞連用時,應根據(jù)具體句意,來決定其后的謂語動詞的單復數(shù)。
All I know about this company is what he told me yesterday.
我對這家公司的了解都是昨天他告訴我的。