a pack of...的意思是“一群;一帮”,它用作主语时,谓语动词用单数还是用复数呢?如:
A pack of thieves ______(be) caught by the police last Saturday.
曾老师:
你的这个句子的谓语动词既可以用复数were,也可以用单数was。当“a pack of+复数名词”作主语侧重整体时,谓语动词用单数;若侧重个体,谓语动词用复数。如:
A pack of cigarettes lasts him two days. 一包香烟够他抽两天的。《简明英汉词典》
This pack of clothes is mine. 这包衣服是我的。《简明英汉词典》
A pack of reporters were waiting outside. 一群记者正在外面等着。《朗文当代英语词典》
A pack of journalists was waiting outside the White House. 一群记者正在白宫外面等着。《剑桥高级学习词典》
▲ 请看以下高中教材中的两个例句:
高中英语第一册“A Little Hero”(试用版)
A group of Italian soldiers was advancing slowly towards the position of the enemy. (侧重整体)
高中英语第一册“A Little Hero”(1985版)
A group of Italian soldiers led by a captain were advancing slowly toward the position of the enemy.(侧重个体)
黎老师:
a pack of...的意思是“一群;一帮”,它用作主语时,谓语动词多用单数,也可以用复数。例如:
A pack cigarettes lasts him two days. 一包香烟够他抽两天的。(席玉虎主编《英语常用词用法详解大词典》)
A pack of reporters were waiting outside. 一群记者等在外面。(《朗文高级英语应试词典》p.2207)