八、class, group, family等集合名詞作主語
class, team, group, family, couple, club, enemy, army, government, company, firm, crowd, college, university, department等集合名詞作主語時,采用意義一致:視作整體時是單數,若指構成各個集體的各個成員時是復數。如:
His family is a big one. 他的家庭是個大家庭。
Your family are quite well,I hope. 希望你家里人都好。
九、trousers等由兩部分組成的復數名詞作主語
trousers, glasses, shorts(短褲), stockings(長襪),gloves等作主語時,謂語動詞用復數,但若a pair of trousers之類的結構作主語時,謂語動詞的數由pair的數來決定。如:
The trousers don't fit him, they are too small. 這條褲子他穿不合身,太小了。
This pair of shoes fits you better. 這雙鞋子對你更合適。
Two pairs of your trousers are still at the cleaner's. 你的兩條褲子還在洗衣店里。
十、sheep, means等單復數同形的名詞作主語
means (方法手段),works(工廠),sheep, fish, aircraft(飛機)等單復數同形的名詞作主語時,采用意義一致的原則:指一種方法或一家工廠時,謂語動詞用單數,否則用復數。如:
Every possible means ________ to prevent the air pollution, but the sky is still not clear. (上海卷)
A. is used B. are used
C. has been used D. have been used
【分析】答案選C。由every可知,主語means是單數,排除B和D;由語境可知用現在完成時的被動語態,排除A。
十一、表示度量衡的復數名詞作主語
表示時間、距離、度量、重量、金額等的復數名詞作主語,被看作整體時,謂語動詞用單數;但若與pass, go by等連用,指時間的流逝,或者與spend, waste等連用,指時間或金錢的花費時,謂語動詞用復數。如:
Five minutes is enough to do this exercise.
Six months have passed, and we still have no news of them. 六個月過去了,我們依然沒有他們的消息。
十二、population作主語
population作主語,謂語動詞一般用單數,但若前面有分數、百分數或者表語是復數時,謂語動詞用復數。如:
Three fifths of the population here are workers. 這里五分之三的人是工人。
The population in these villages still uses well water. 住在這些鄉村里的人依然飲用井水。