the Whites family come from England.
是說整個(gè)家庭的成員都來自英格蘭,這里強(qiáng)調(diào)整體,用單數(shù).
當(dāng)集體名詞看作整體時(shí),用單數(shù)；著重強(qiáng)調(diào)組成該集體的各個(gè)成員,用復(fù)數(shù).
集體名詞作主語時(shí)
a） mankind/humanity/man（人類）作主語的時(shí)候,謂語動(dòng)詞一般用單數(shù)形式Only man is knows how to cook.b） 由people,police,cattle,youth等集體名詞作主語的時(shí)候,謂語動(dòng)詞用復(fù)數(shù)形式
The cattle are grazing in the field.c） Family,croud,class,public,enemy等集體名詞作主語的時(shí)候
i.若當(dāng)整體看,則謂語動(dòng)詞用單數(shù)形式Our class is very diligent.
ii.若他們表示的人或者事物當(dāng)作若干個(gè)個(gè)體來看,謂語動(dòng)詞則用復(fù)數(shù)形式When I came into the room,his family were watching TV.
iii.A family/group/class作主語時(shí),謂語動(dòng)詞用單數(shù)families/groups/classes作主語時(shí),謂語動(dòng)詞用復(fù)數(shù)
A group is coming to the zoo.