主谓一致是指主语与谓语在数上要一致。把握主谓一致问题,考生主要解决的是对不同结构的主语单复数的认定,进而选择适当的谓语。
1.主谓一致常出现在主谓倒装结构中。如:
Just outside the ruins is a magnificent building surrounded by tall trees.
Although a great number of houses in that area are still in need of repair, there has been improvement in the facilities.
2.主语与谓语之间有定语从句或其他结构修饰,所以距离较远,考生易误认主语。如:
The amount of pressure which the materials are subject to affects the quality of the products.
3.关系代词做主语的定语从句中,谓语的数要与先行词一致。如:
Despite much research, there are still certain elements in the life cycle of the insect that are not fully understood.
There are many valuable services which the public are willing to pay for, but which do not bring a return in money to the community.
4.动名词短语、不定式短语、名词性从句做主语,谓语用单数。如:
Buying clothes is often a time-consuming job because those clothes that a person likes are rarely the ones that fit him or her.
To understand the situation completely requires more thought than has been given thus far.
5.主语带有(together/along)with, such as, as well as, accompanied by, including, rather than 等附加成分, 谓语的数不受附加成分的影响。如:
The president of the college, together with the deans, is planning a conference for the purpose of laying down certain regulations.
6.表示时间、距离、金额、重量、面积、体积、容积等度量的名词短语做主语时,谓语用单数。
7.某些固定结构中谓语的数:
a great many + 可数名词复数 谓语用复数
many a + 可数名词单数 谓语用单数
a number of +可数名词复数 谓语用复数
the number of +可数名词复数 谓语用单数
the majority of +可数名词复数 谓语用复数
each/every +可数名词单数 谓语用单数
neither/either of +可数名词复数 谓语用单数
more than one +可数名词单数 谓语用单数
one and a half +可数名词复数 谓语用单数
the greater part of
a large proportion of
50% of
谓语的数与of后面的名词一致
one third of
plenty of
the rest of