原书主词条 · 2 个连续词条

law and order

原书 PDF 第 815 页

law and order¹

问

$\frac{\text{Gatherings of more than}}{\text{A B}}$ three persons were prohibited purposely in the name of the law and order. (TOEFL)

据说本题的错误是 D(the law and order)。但我不知它错在何处。

答

根据英语惯用法,当意义相反或相近的两个名词放在平行结构里的时候,通常不用冠词。如,day by day, husband and wife, face to face。上题中的 the law and order 应改为 law and order。类例:

Law and order has been established. (CGEL)

法律和秩序已经建立起来。

(参见 father and son)

law and order²

问

Law and order has been established.

Law and order 为并列主语,其谓语动词为什么用单数?

答

有时候, and 所连接的两个抽象名词并不是表示两个事物, 而是表示一个完整的概念, 如 trial and error(反复试验法, 正误试验法), patience and politeness(忍耐与谦让——一种美德)。在这种情况下, 谓语动词照例是使用单数的(参见 trial and error)。