The two heads of state issued a joint statement. 两国元首发表了一项联合声明。
两个疑问:
1. state 前为什么没有用冠词?
2. state 为什么没有用复数形式?
head of state / Head of State 是英语中的惯用搭配,意思是“国家领导人”“政府首脑”,其复数形式为 heads of state / Heads of State(state 前习惯上不用冠词)。又如:
(1) the official residence of the Head of State. 国家元首的官邸
(2) his dual role as head of the party and head of state. 他作为政党领袖和国家元首的双重身份
(3) The heads of state met to discuss the peace plan. 国家首脑们在一起讨论和平建议。
(4) The treaty still has to be ratified by EU heads of state. 这个条约仍然得由欧盟首脑来批准。
(5) A meeting of Commonwealth heads of state will be held next month. 英联邦首脑会议将于下月召开。
(6) She is in negotiation with other heads of state on the question of oil prices. 她正在就石油价格同其他国家领导人进行磋商。
(7) The head of state addressed the nation over the radio. 这位国家元首通过广播向全国发表了讲话。
(8) The new head of state should be chosen by an 87 member representative council. 新的国家元首应该由包括87名成员的代表委员会选出。