a series of…作主语谓语动词用单数还是用复数

人教版高中英语必修一第一单元有个短语:a series of(一连串的;一系列;一套)。请问当 a series of... 用作主语时,谓语动词用单数还是用复数。如下面一句用的是复数 have,可以用单数 has 吗?

A series of attacks have sharpened fears of more violence. 一连串的袭击事件增加了人们对发生更多暴力事件的担心。

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最佳答案 2016-04-01 18:15

series 虽为复数形式,但可以表示单数意义,即单数与复数同形。series用作主语时,谓语通常用单数,但在现代英语中有时也用复数。如:

The lecture series falls [fall] naturally into three parts. 该系列讲座可自然分成3部分。

▲a series of 用作主语时,谓语也可以用单数或复数。如:

——用单数的例子

A series of robberies has shaken up residents of the neighborhood. 接连发生的抢劫案使这一地区的居民深感不安。

A series of bribery scandals has cut a swathe through the government. 一连串的受贿丑闻使政府遭到重创。

A new series of wildlife programmes has started on Monday evenings. 一档新的野生动物节目已经在每周一晚上播出。

——用复数的例子

A whole series of problems have arisen one after another. 一系列的问题接连出现了。

A series of attacks have sharpened fears of more violence. 一连串的袭击事件增加了人们对发生更多暴力事件的担心。

A series of missed opportunities have badly weakened the company. 一系列的机会错失大大削弱了该公司的实力。

——用单数或复数均可的例子

A series of attacks has [have] sharpened fears of more violence. 一系列的攻击使人们更加担心会有更多的暴力。

I have to attend a series of meetings which has [have] nothing to do with my work. 我不得不要参加一系列与我的工作无关的会议。

▲如果其前有明显的表示复数意义的修饰语,则其后要用复数谓语,比较:

A series of lectures is scheduled. 一个系列演讲已安排好了。

Two series of lectures are scheduled. 两个系列演讲已安排好了。

This new series is beginning next week. 这个新连续剧下周开始播映。

These new series are beginning next week. 这些新连续剧下周开始播映。

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其它 2 个回答

曾克辉  
擅长:英语考试

同意两位老师的分析,当“a series of+名词”用作句子的主语时,谓语的确可以用复数形式。又如:

A series of setbacks have put the whole project in jeopardy. 一系列的挫折使整个项目面临失败。《柯林斯高阶英汉双解学习词典》

但是,用单数形式更常见。正如黎老师所说,“a series of + 复数名词作主语时,其谓语动词要用单数,这是英语测试的要求。” 所以,建议初学者在使用时最好选择单数形式。关于此类主谓一致问题, 章振邦《新编英语语法概要》(1985年7月版,P.83)有如下定义:

如果主语是由“a poortion of, a series of, a pile of, a panel of +名词”构成,不管名词类别为何,谓语动词通常用单数。例如:

A large portion of the products (大部分产品) is to be exported

A series of accidents (一系列事故) has been reported lately.

A pile of logs (一堆木头) was set beside the hearth (炉边)


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黎反修   - 英语翻译 (已退休)
擅长:数词用法,存在句,英语考试

a series of + 复数名词作主语时,其谓语动词要用单数,这是英语测试的要求。但是,在英语原著中有时也会看到a series of + 复数名词使用动词复数的实例:

A series of profit downgradings were shrugged off.(Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English, p.185) 一系列的利润下降没有被重视。(摘自赵振才编著的《英语常见问题解答大词典》增订版第四版p.1310)

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  • 马正修   提出于 2016-03-16 08:41

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