fire的可數(shù)性(可數(shù)還是不可數(shù))
1. 泛指一般意義的“火”,是不可數(shù)名詞。如:
Paper catches fire easily. 紙很容易著火。
Playing with fire is dangerous. 玩火危險。
比較以下各句(注意動詞與介詞的不同搭配):
The house was on fire. 房子著火了(著重狀態(tài))。
The house took [caught] fire. 房子著火了(著重動作)。
He set fire to the house. =He set the house on fire. 他放火燒了房子(著重動作,且強調(diào)有意放火)。
2. 表示具體意義的“火災”或“爐火”等,是可數(shù)名詞。如:
A fire took place in that street. 那條街發(fā)生了火災。
There were several fires in this city last month. 上個月這個城市發(fā)生了好幾起火災。
It’s too cold, and I’ll make [build, light] a fire in the room. 我要屋里生個火。
但是,即使表示“火災”,若不是指具體的一起的“火災”,而是指意義較為抽象的“火災”,它也通常是不可數(shù)名詞。如:
Look out for fire. 小心火災。
In case of fire ring the bell. 萬一發(fā)生火災,請按鈴。
3. 香煙、火柴、打火機等的“火”,在英語中不能用 fire 來表示,而用 light。如:
Can you give me a light, please? 勞駕,能借個火嗎?