核心问题
a group of Ns 作主语时,其谓语动词是用单数,还是用复数?
词典解答
按照英语惯用法, a group of Ns 作主语时, 其谓语动词通常要用复数。这就是说, 这里遵循的是概念一致的原则。请看下面的实例:
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A group of children were playing tag. (Thorndike) 一群孩子在玩捉人游戏。
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A group of us have decided to hire a boat and travel through Holland by canal. (PEU) 我们一群人决定租一只船，在运河上游览荷兰。
但是, 当 a group of Ns 做主语时也有人使用单数动词, 如上条中的例句。
这里应当指出, the(this) group 作主语时, 其谓语动词要用单数:
This group, among whom are Jean and Eddie, certainly were the life of the party. (TOEFL)
(应将 were 改为 was)