- Langston Hughes always seemed to know exactly who he was, and those knowledges helped A B
make him one of the most respected writers in the United States. (TOEFL) C D
- Classification is a useful approach to the organization of knowledges in any field. (TOEFL)
前面两道托福题的目的显然在于考核考生是否已掌握了 knowledge 为不可数名词这一基本知识(第一题中的 those knowledges 应改为 that knowledge, 第二题中的 knowledges 应改为 knowledge)。但是下面的实例却把 knowledge 用作可数名词, 这是怎么回事呢? Finally, a knowledge of statistics is required by every type of scientist for the analysis of data. (A Course in Basic Scientific English, p.7) 最后, 为了对数据进行分析, 统计学知识是各种类型的科学家所必须的。
当 knowledge 泛泛地指“知识”时, 它是个不可数名词, 不能与不定冠词 a(an) 连用。例如:
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Knowledge is power. (Prov) 知识就是力量。
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All knowledge comes to us through our senses ... (EED) 所有的知识都是通过我们的五官进入我们的大脑的……
但是,当 knowledge 指一个人对某一具体事物或具体学科的知识时,可以与不定冠词 a (an) 连用(不管有无定语):
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He has an extensive knowledge of English. (AEG) 他有广博的英语知识。
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He has a wide knowledge of history. (JED) 他有广泛的历史知识。
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A knowledge of languages is always useful. (PEG) 关于语言的知识总是有用的。
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A knowledge of several languages essential to the study of comparative literature because without them one can read books translation. (TOEFL)
请做下面的英语试题：
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Many people agree that ____ good knowledge of English is a must in ____ international trade today. A. a; 不填 B. the; an C. the; the D. 不填; the(全国高考,96-13)
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One way to understand thousands of new words is to gain ____ good knowledge of basic word formation. A. / B. the C. a D. one(上海高考,02-21)