crowd 表示“人群”“观众”等,是一个集合名词,它涉及两个方面的单数与复数:
一是作主语时谓语动词的单数与复数:若用作主语,谓语用单数(看作整体时)或复数(考虑其个体成员时)均可。如:
The crowd was orderly and quiet. 人群很有秩序,也很安静。
The crowd were running in all directions. 人群往四面八方跑去。
The crowd move [moves] on, and no one tries to stop it. 人群向前移动,谁也没试图阻止。
二是其相应的代词是用单数还是复数:其代词可以用单数(看作整体时)也可以用复数(考虑其个体成员时)。如:
The crowd howled its displeasure. 人群怒吼着表示不满。
The crowd cheered their favorite horse. 众人为他们喜爱的马加油。
同crowd并用的动词,要看它是作为一个整体还是作为一个个的个体而采取复数或单数形式。例如:
The crowd was dispersed. 人群被驱散了(是整群人而不是一个个的个人被驱散)。
The crowd were waving their flags. 人群挥舞着旗帜(是由一个个的单个人组成)。