3. 既可表示单数意义也可表示复数意义的集合名词
family(家庭),team(队,队员),class(班,班上的全体学生),crowd(人群),government(政府),crew(乘务员),committee(委员会),audience(听众),public(公众)等集合名词,当它们表示整体意义时,表单数意义,当它们强调个体意义时,表示复数意义:
Her family is a large one. 她的家庭是一个大家庭。
Her family are all tall. 她的一家人都很高。
The team is the best in the league. 这个队在联赛中打得最好。
The football team are having baths. 足球队队员们在洗澡。
It was late, but the audience was increasing. 时间很迟了,但听众人数却在增加。
The audience were all moved to tears. 听众都感动得流了泪。
【注】有时没有特定的语境,用单复数谓语均可以:
The audience was (were) very excited by the show. 观众对演出甚感激动。
The public has (have) a right to know what's in the report. 公众有权知道这篇报告的内容。