Singular & Plural

中文裡對於名詞的數目比較不講究,單複數形式經常是一樣的。而且也沒有細分所謂可數或不可數的名詞。但是英文的名詞,可分成「沒有複數形態」與「有複數形態」。

1. 沒有複數形態的名詞

必須換一個字來計數

不可數可數
vocabulary←→words
alphabet←→letters
slang←→words
staff←→members
crew←→members
advice←→suggestions
luggage←→bags
suitcases
scenery←→scenes
bread←→buns
rolls
pieces of toast
medicine←→pills
information←→facts
ideas
knowledge←→facts
ideas
personality
character
←→characteristics
2. 有複數形態的名詞
(1)下列字雖然可以是複數形式,但是『意思改變』了。如:
personality(個性)personalities(多重人格)
character(人格)/td>characters (戲裡的角色)
family(家庭,亦指家人)families(好幾個不同的家庭)
water(水)waters(海、湖)
(2)有些不可數名詞,用複數形態時,可指『不同種類』。如:
meatmeats
teateas
foodfoods
milkmilks
fruitfruits
fishfishes
experienceexperiences
【例句】
The students have learned many knowledges from their English teacher.*The students have learned many things from their English teacher.

The English slangs are very interesting.*The English slang is very interesting.

I can’t find all the informations I want in the book.*I can’t find all the information I want in the book.

He has wonderful personalities.*He has a wonderful personality.

John and his brother have totally different character.*John and his brother have totally different characters.

注意

從上面的說明,我們可以清楚的了解英文名詞單複數的用法。英文名詞可分成「沒有複數形態」與「有複數形態」。
1.名詞「沒有複數形態」:分成『可數』與『不可數』。
2.名詞「有複數形態」:可能會表示「意思改變」或者指「不同種類」。

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