科技英语写作常见语法错误11.ppt

科技英语写作常见语法错误 Subject-Verb Agreements Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses ?Dangling Modifiers （垂悬修饰语） Awkward Omissions of Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs Subject-Verb Agreements 例1 Application of this technique to studies on phytoplankton biomass and its environments are described. [说明] The subject is “application”, which is singular. Application of this technique to … is described. 例2 Growth and isolation of M13 virus was described →Growth and isolation of M13 virus were described. Exception A subject that is plural in form but singular in effect takes a singular verb. 例3 The name and address of each contributor is given on the title page. 例4 Research and development is attracting a growing number of young scientists. However, when two or more subjects are joined by “or”, the verb takes the number of the closest subject. Application or uses were noted. Uses or application was noted. Collective nouns take a singular verb when the group as a whole is meant, they take a plural verb when individuals of the group are meant. The series is arranged in order of decreasing size. [说明] Refers to the series as a unit. A series of compounds were obtained. [说明] Refers to each compound. Experimental data that we obtained are compared with previously reported results. [说明] Refers to the data as individual results. After the data are distributed, we can meet to discuss them. →After the data is distributed, we can meet to discuss it. [说明] Refers to the whole collection of data as one unit. None of the samples was soluble. →None of the samples were soluble. [说明] Refers to individuals. This group of workers are well aware of their responsibilities. →This group of workers is well aware of its responsibilities. [说明] Refers to the group as a unit. Units of measurement are treated as collective nouns and therefore take a singular subject. The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent were added. →The mixture was stirred, and 5 mL of diluent