1.一群相似也相關(guān)的個(gè)體結(jié)合而成的集合體的名稱稱為集合名詞.如：family(家庭), class(班級(jí)), police(警察), cattle(牛), clothing(衣服), jewelry(珠寶)等.
2.集合名詞指整體時(shí)被看作單數(shù)名詞；集合名詞指整體的構(gòu)成分子時(shí)被看作復(fù)數(shù)名詞.
The class has elected its leader.
這個(gè)班選出了它的班長(zhǎng).
The class are interested in his lecture.
班上學(xué)生對(duì)他的講座都很感興趣.
3. a/the/this/that+集合名詞+of,這是將若干相同的個(gè)體合在一起的表達(dá)方式,也可將集合名詞變成復(fù)數(shù).
Don’t believe a word he is saying; it’s all a pack of lies.
他說(shuō)的話一點(diǎn)也別信,那全是一派胡言.
a pack of cigarettes
一包香煙
a bundle of sticks
一捆棍子
a flock of birds
一群鳥(niǎo)
a pile of newspapers/books
一堆報(bào)紙(書(shū))
a gang of robbers
一群強(qiáng)盜
a herd of cows
一群乳牛
4.如果所采取的行動(dòng)是“一致的”,則是指團(tuán)體,屬于單數(shù),作主詞時(shí)用單數(shù)動(dòng)詞.若是各做各的動(dòng)作或各有各的主意等類似的情節(jié),則指組成分子,屬于復(fù)數(shù),作主詞時(shí)用復(fù)數(shù)動(dòng)詞.
My family has agreed to take a trip during the holiday.
我們家一致同意假期外出旅游.
My family are not in agreement on where to go.
對(duì)于去哪里我們家人持不同意見(jiàn).