问
An earthquake sometimes causes great damages. 据说这个句子有错误,请给予解释。
答
damage 作“损失”“损坏”解时,是不可数名词,不能用作复数。例如:
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The accident didn't do much damage to either of the motorcars. 那两辆汽车在交通事故中都未受严重损坏。
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Serious damage was caused by the fire. 这次火灾造成严重损失。
damages 可以说是与 damage 完全不同的一个词, LDCE 把 damage 和 damages 编排成两个不同的词条。damages 的意思是“赔偿金”。
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They sued for damages. 他们起诉要求赔偿金。
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The court ordered him to pay £ 1500 damages to the person he had hurt. (LDCE) 法院判他向被他伤害的人支付 1500 英镑赔偿金。