Twelve were boys.

8.不定式/動(dòng)名詞/從句作主語(yǔ)時(shí)的主謂一致。

①單個(gè)不定式或動(dòng)名詞作主語(yǔ)，謂語(yǔ)用單數(shù)。兩個(gè)或兩個(gè)以上互不關(guān)聯(lián)的事，謂語(yǔ)用復(fù)數(shù)。兩個(gè)或兩個(gè)以上密切關(guān)聯(lián)為一件事，謂語(yǔ)用單數(shù)。如，

●To die for the people is a worthy death.

●Looking after the children is my full time job.

●When and where to hold the meeting is unknown.

Playing basketball and swimming are his favorite sports.打籃球和游泳是他最?lèi)?ài)的運(yùn)動(dòng)。

Going to bed early and getting up early is a good habit.早睡早起好習(xí)慣。

②單個(gè)從句作主語(yǔ)時(shí)，謂語(yǔ)用單數(shù)。兩個(gè)或兩個(gè)以上，謂語(yǔ)用復(fù)數(shù)。由what引導(dǎo)的主語(yǔ)從句，根據(jù)整個(gè)謂語(yǔ)部分的意思確定謂語(yǔ)首詞的數(shù)，因?yàn)椋瑹o(wú)法從what從句本身看出來(lái)單/復(fù)數(shù)what本身表示單數(shù)或復(fù)數(shù)意義都可以。

●Which of them was right was quite clear to us.

●When men first made use of electricity is not exactly known.

What we need is more time.（根據(jù)表語(yǔ)time，謂語(yǔ)首詞用單數(shù)）

What we need are doctors. （根據(jù)表語(yǔ)doctors，謂語(yǔ)首詞用復(fù)數(shù)）

What he says and does do not agree.他的言行不一致。（單數(shù)）

What he says and does does not concern me.他的言行與我無(wú)關(guān)。（復(fù)數(shù)）

※鏈接：其它章節(jié)中講到的主謂一致。1.總稱名詞和專(zhuān)有名詞作主語(yǔ)時(shí)的主謂一致，參看第三章第三節(jié)冠詞在總稱名詞/專(zhuān)有名詞前的用法。2.不定代詞(+of)作主語(yǔ)時(shí)的主謂一致，參看第四章第四節(jié)不定代詞的用法總表。3.“the+形容詞”作主語(yǔ)時(shí)的主謂一致，參看第八章第二節(jié)“the+形容詞”的用法。4.定語(yǔ)從句的引導(dǎo)詞作主語(yǔ)時(shí)的主謂一致，參看第十一章第五節(jié).what/which/that引導(dǎo)的定語(yǔ)從句。