（A）There is no means of learning what is happening.
(B) Her means are small.
为什么在句(A)中用 is, 而在句(B)中用 are 呢?
当 means 作“方式”“方法”“手段”解时，它是一个单复数同形的名词。因此句(A)中的 means 既可理解为单数，也可理解为复数，故而可用 is 或 are。类例：
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Every means has been tried. 每种方法都试过了。
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All possible means have been tried. 所有可能的方法都试过了。
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This is a dangerous means. 这是一种危险的方法。
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Such means are unpleasant. 这类方法是令人不愉快的。
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The quickest means of travel is by plane. (LDCE) 最快的旅行方式是乘飞机。
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My ambitions are boundless, but my means is (are) limited. 我的目标是无止境的,但我的手段是有限的。
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Such a means was proposed yesterday in the three-point programme put forward by War on Want through its secretary Mr George Galloway. (The Guardian) 昨天，在“向贫穷宣战”组织通过其书记乔治·加洛韦先生提出的三点计划中，这种手段被提上了议事日程。（卫报）（译文引自《现代英语报刊阅读词典》）
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This means of transport is a very old one. 这种运输方式是很古老的一种。
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Several means of transport are available to you. 有几种运输方式可供你利用。
但是, 当 means 作“钱财”“资产”“经济实力”解时, 则永远是复数, 如你提出的句 (B), 故应填 are。类例:
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You might find out from Larry... what his means are. (G. B. Shaw) 从拉里那儿你会发现他的经济实力。
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Have you the means to support a wife? (LDCE) 你有钱财来养活妻子吗？请做下列英语试题：
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Many elderly people don't have the means to travel. A. wealth B. motivation C. desire D. courage
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Robert is a man of means. A. a thoughtful person B. a wealthy person C. a resourceful person D. a selfish person(EPT)
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Before the automobile, the horse-drawn carriage was the primary mean of private transportation. (TOEFL)
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In many places in China, ____ bicycle is still ____ popular means of transportation. A. a ; the B. / ; a C. the ; a D. the ; the(全国高考重庆卷,08-27)