主谓一致 Subject–Verb Agreement
主谓一致错误仍然相当常见，主要原因是对主语数的混淆。
➤ 当一个或多个介词短语位于主语和谓语之间时，主语的数可能会变得不清晰。
Application of this technique to studies on the phytoplankton biomass and its environments is described. (The subject is “application”, which is singular.)
➤ 当句子结构为“介词短语 + 谓语 + 主语”时，主语的数也可能被掩盖。
To the mixture were added KCl, HEPES, and water.
To the solution was added the parent compound.
➤ 由 “and” 连接的两个单数主语需要用复数谓语。
Growth and isolation of M13 virus were described.
例外：形态上为复数但意义上为单数的主语用单数谓语。此时复合主语作为一个整体。
Research and development is attracting a growing number of young scientists.
Its inventor and chief practitioner is a native son of Boston, Robert Coles.
Much inconsistency and confusion exists with technical documentation.
➤ 当两个或多个主语由 “or” 连接时，谓语动词的数与靠近的主语一致。
The median pH value or all of the pH values were used.
➤ 集体名词在表示整体时用单数谓语，此时通常前面带 “the”；当表示个体成员时用复数谓语，通常前面带 “a”。
| contents | majority | range |
|---|
| couple | number | series |
| dozen group | pair | variety |
The number of metal amides synthesized was the largest to date. (Refers to the number as a unit.)
A number of metal amides were synthesized. (Refers to each amide.)
The series of compounds was prepared to test the hypothesis. (Refers to the series as a unit.)
A series of compounds were tested. (Refers to each compound.)
The variety of materials tested was sufficient for comparative analysis. (Refers to variety as a unit.)
A variety of materials were tested for selective removal of 90Sr from nuclear waste solutions. (Refers to the materials individually.)
This group of workers is well aware of its responsibilities. (Refers to the group as a unit.)
This group of workers are willing to sign their names. (Refers to the individuals.)
➤ “Data” 可以作单数或复数名词。
After the data is printed and distributed, we can meet to discuss it. (将data作为一个整体来看待，作单数。)
Experimental data that we obtained are compared with previously reported results. (将data视为各个独立结果，作复数。)
➤ 计量单位通常被视为集体名词，使用单数动词。
The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent was added.
Five grams of NaCl was added to the solution.
Three weeks is needed to complete the experiment.
To the mixture was added 5 g of compound B.
Under high pressure, 5 volumes of solution A was added.
➤ 以 “-ics” 结尾且表示科学学科的名词通常作单数。
| dynamics mechanics kinetics physics mathematics thermodynamics |
| --- |
Mechanics involves the application of Newton’s three laws of motion.
The kinetics of electron transfer to and from photogenerated radicals was examined by laser flash photolysis.
The thermodynamics is governed by the positions of the valence and conduction bands.
➤ 含有 “each”、“every” 或 “everybody” 的复合主语使用单数动词。
Each flask and each holder was sterilized before use.
Every rat injected and every rat dosed orally was included.
Everybody in the group and every visitor is assigned a different journal each month.
➤ 有时这些词是隐含的，此类情况仍使用单数动词。
Each name and address is entered into the database.
➤ 如果复合主语的两个成分既不显式也不隐含包含 “each”、“every” 或 “everybody”，则谓语动词必须作复数。
Each student and all the professors were invited.
➤ 不定代词（或与不定代词 “one” 连用的形容词）可作句子主语。
- 作单数动词的包括：“each”, “either”, “neither”, “no one”, “every one”, “anyone”, “someone”, “everyone”, “anybody”, “somebody”, and “everybody”.
Each was evaluated for its effect on metabolism.
Neither disrupts the cell membrane.
Regarding compounds 1–10, every one reacts with the control agent.
Someone measures the volume every day.
- 作复数动词的包括： “several”, “few”, “both”, and “many”.
Several were evaluated for their effects on metabolism.
Few disrupt the cell membrane.
Regarding compounds 1 and 2, both react with the control agent.
Many were chosen to be part of the study.
- 可作单数或复数动词的包括：some, any, none, all, most（由介词宾语的数决定）
All of the money was stolen.
Most of the books were lost.
Not all the disks are here; some were lost.
➤ 当分数作主语时，介词宾语的数决定主语的数。
One-third of the precipitate was dissolved.
One-fourth of the electrons were excited.
➤ 当主语与表语名词数不一致时，动词取主语的数。（表语是 “to be” 动词的补语，指代与主语相同的对象）
The preparation and structure determination [复数主语] of these three compounds are the topic [单数表语名词] of this paper.
The topic of this paper [单数主语] is the preparation and structure determination [复数表语名词] of these three compounds.
谓语和助动词的疏漏 Awkward Omissions of Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs
➤ 复合句中的每个主语都必须有适当的谓语和助动词。
INCORRECT
The eluant was added to the column, and the samples collected in 10 mL increments.
CORRECT
The eluant was added to the column, and the samples were collected in 10 mL increments.
Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Expressions
➤ A phrase or clause is restrictive when it is necessary to the sense of the sentence; that is, the sentence would become pointless without the phrase or clause. Restrictive clauses are best introduced by “that”, not “which”.
It was necessary to find a blocking group that would react with the amino group but not with the hydroxyl group.
Comparison will be restricted to acetylene compounds that have the same functional end groups.
If the clauses beginning with “that” were deleted, the sentences would not convey the information intended. Therefore, the clauses are restrictive. Phrases can also be restrictive.
Reactions leading to the desired products are shown in Scheme 1.
If the phrase “leading to the desired products” were deleted, the sentence would not convey the information intended.
➤ A phrase or clause is nonrestrictive if it adds information but is not essential; that is, the sentence does not lose its meaning if the phrase or clause is deleted. Nonrestrictive phrases and clauses are set off by commas. Nonrestrictive clauses may be introduced by “who” or “which” but not by “that”.
Squalene, a precursor of cholesterol, is a 30-carbon isoprenoid.
This highly readable book, written in nontechnical language, surveys the field of chemistry by describing the contributions of chemistry to everyday life.
Moore, working at the Rockefeller Institute, developed methods for the quantitative determination of amino acids.
The current–voltage curves, which are shown in Figure 6, clearly demonstrate the reversibility of all four processes.
Several hazardous waste disposal sites are located along the shores of the Niagara River, which is a major water source.
Melvin Calvin, who won the Nobel Prize in 1961, elucidated the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis.
James Aberdeen, professor emeritus of Central State University, which has provided significant scholarship support to minority students over the years, made a generous contribution to the school’s building fund.
Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier is a modifying word or phrase that does not clearly and logically modify another word in the sentence. In scientific writing, the passive voice is often necessary (“the solutions were heated”; “melting points were determined”), but its use can lead to dangling modifiers.
➤ If a modifier precedes the subject of a sentence, it must modify that subject and be separated from it by a comma. Otherwise, it is a dangling modifier.
INCORRECT
Splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
CORRECT
Splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
INCORRECT
Upon splitting the atom, many new elements were discovered by Seaborg.
CORRECT
Upon splitting the atom, Seaborg discovered many new elements.
INCORRECT
When confronted with these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
CORRECT
When confronted with these limitations, we discontinued the experiments.
In light of these limitations, the experiments were discontinued.
INCORRECT
Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, the ortho hydrogens could be assigned to the high-frequency peak.
CORRECT
Understanding the effect of substituents on the parent molecules, we could assign the ortho hydrogens to the high-frequency peak.
INCORRECT
Using the procedure described previously, the partition function can be evaluated.
CORRECT
Using the procedure described previously, we can evaluate the partition function.
➤ In some cases, the passive voice can be used to correct a dangling modifier.
INCORRECT
After combining the reactants, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h.
CORRECT
After the reactants were combined, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h.
INCORRECT
After stirring the mixture, 5 mg of compound 2 was added.
CORRECT
After the mixture was stirred, 5 mg of compound 2 was added.
➤ Phrases starting with “based on” must modify a noun or pronoun that usually immediately precedes or follows the phrase. Use phrases starting with “on the basis of” to modify a verb.
INCORRECT
Based on resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the inter-ring separation were calculated.
CORRECT
On the basis of resonance enhancement and frequency shifts, changes in the inter-ring separation were calculated.
INCORRECT
Based on extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. (“Based on extensive study” modifies the noun “deficiency”, but this is not the meaning.)
CORRECT
On the basis of extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. (“On the basis of extensive study” modifies the verb “was attributed”.)
Style guidelines based on authoritative sources are included in this book. (“Based on authoritative sources” modifies the noun “guidelines”.)
➤ “Due to” means “attributable to”; use it only to modify a noun or pronoun directly preceding it in the sentence or following a form of the verb “to be”.
INCORRECT
Delays resulted due to equipment failure.
CORRECT
Delays due to equipment failure resulted.
The delays were due to equipment failure.
INCORRECT
This high value resulted due to the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
CORRECT
This high value is due to the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
This high value resulted from the high conversion efficiencies of the enzymatic reactor.
INCORRECT
Due to exposure to low levels of lead, children can be at risk for developmental problems.
CORRECT
Because of exposure to low levels of lead, children can be at risk for developmental problems.
Children can be at risk for developmental problems because of exposure to low levels of lead.
➤ Absolute constructions are words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically unconnected with the rest of the sentence in which they appear. They are sometimes called “sentence modifiers” because they qualify the rest of the sentence. They may occur anywhere in the sentence, and they are always set off by commas. They are not dangling modifiers.
Contrary to the excited-state situation, metal–metal bonding interactions in the ground states are weak.
The conclusions were premature, considering the lack of available data.
Judging from the spectral changes, exhaustive photolysis of compound 4 had occurred.
The conformations about the Re–Re bond, in addition, are different for all three complexes.
When necessary, the solutions were deaerated by bubbling nitrogen.
Clearly, alternative synthetic methods are possible.
The instructor having made her point, the discussion continued.
Absolute constructions often begin with one of the following words:
| concerning | judging |
|---|
| considering | provided |
| failing | providing |
| given | regarding |
- In mathematical papers, absolute phrases beginning with the words “assuming” and “taking” are often used as sentence modifiers.
Assuming that distance d is induced by the norm, M is a symmetrical and positively defined matrix.
Taking this value as an upper limit, the two shortest distances are sometimes too long for incipient hydrogen bonds.
- A subordinate or elliptical clause may be used as a sentence modifier.
The compound is stable in air, as we concluded from the experimental evidence.
The Mo 5s orbitals, as expected, interact strongly with the ligands.
- An introductory infinitive or infinitive phrase may be a sentence modifier.
To prepare compound 2, the method of Garner was followed.
Reflexive Pronouns
➤ Use the reflexive pronouns “myself”, “yourself”, “himself”, “herself”, “itself”, “ourselves”, and “themselves” only to refer back to a noun or another pronoun in the same sentence.
INCORRECT
Please send your manuscript to the associate editor or myself.
CORRECT
Please send your manuscript to the associate editor or me.
The associate editor herself will review your manuscript.
INCORRECT
My collaborators and myself will evaluate the results.
CORRECT
My collaborators and I will evaluate the results.
I will evaluate the results myself.
I myself will evaluate the results.
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【参考】
- 《The ACS Style Guide》 3E
