“many a＋單數(shù)可數(shù)名詞”形式上為單數(shù),但意義上為復(fù)數(shù)(意為“許多”),若用作主語(yǔ),其謂語(yǔ)通常與形式一致而不與意義一致(即謂語(yǔ)用單數(shù)).如：
Many a student has seen the film.許多學(xué)生看過這部電影.
Many a fine man has died in that battle.許多優(yōu)秀的士兵死于那次戰(zhàn)役.
Many a ship has been wrecked on those rocks.許多船只毀于那些礁石之上.
Many a young man has tried and failed.很多年輕人都試過,而且失敗了.
Many a successful store has paid its rent cheerfully.許多成功的店鋪都非常樂意地付了房租.
注：“many a＋單數(shù)名詞”是一個(gè)十分正式的結(jié)構(gòu),在口語(yǔ)或非正式文體中一般都用 many＋復(fù)數(shù)名詞”代之.