名词means的意思比较简单,但它单复数问题、所构成的短语值得我们认真学习。另外,这个词也是常常出现在考试中的,应该很好掌握。

1.means作为名词指“方法,手段”。比如:The move is a means to fight crime.这个行动是打击犯罪的一种手段。His job is his sole means of livelihood.他的工作是他唯一的谋生手段。

The army had perfected the use of terror as a means of controlling the population.军队已经能很好地利用恐怖手段来控制这里的人们。

2.难点。

means的单复数形式相同。难点在于,means作主语时指一种方式,则谓语动词用单数。means指多种方式时,则谓语动词用复数。

3.要点

Means表示“方式”时,means of后面可以跟名词。比如:a mean sof communication.一种联系方式。如果用way的话,way of后面不跟名词,多要用V+ing 形式。比如:This is the best way of doing it.这是做此事最好的方法。

4.短语

*by all means 意思是“尽一切办法,务必”。比如:

If you enjoy reading, then by all means do that whenever you want.如果你喜欢阅读,不管什么时候,都要想尽一切办法去读。If you're ready for it, however, then by all means go for it.如果你准备好了,无论如何,尽一切可能去做。

*by no means 意思是“绝不,并没有”。比如:

That was by no means the end of the matter.事情绝不可能到此为止。The inquiry is by no means cut and dried.调查之事远未盖棺定论。

The merger is by no means a done deal yet.合并之事远未成定局。She is by no means an inexperienced teacher.她绝不是个毫无经验的教师。

*by means of 意思是“用,依靠”。比如:

By means of modern technology we are able to communicate with each other instantly.通过现代技术,我们可以即时通信。This is a two-year course taught by means of lectures and seminars.这是一门通过讲座和研讨会形式讲授的两年制课程。