【问】 rain是不可数名词,为什么前面可以带不定冠词(a rain),而且还有复数形式(rains)呢? 【答】 rain作“雨”解时是不可数名词,不能带不定冠词,而且也没有复数形式。 1. Rain is much needed. 非常需要雨。 2. Rain fell at intervals throughout night. 雨断断续续地下了一整夜。 3. We have had too much rain this summer. 今年夏天雨下得太多。 如果带有不定冠词,则其意义就会发生变化。或者是指具体的“一阵雨”、“一场雨”(此时常常带有定语),或者是用作比喻义:“雨点般的东西”。 1. A cold rain was drizzling down. 正下着寒冷的蒙蒙细雨。 2. There was a light rain falling. 下了一场小雨。 3. There was a heavy rain last night. (OSD) 昨夜下了一场大雨。 4. You can't go home in this rain. (EED) 你不能在这场雨中回家。 5. A rain of arrows fell on the soldiers. 雨点般的箭落在战士们身上。 6. a rain of tears (bullets,questions) 雨点般的泪水(子弹、问题) rains则是指“大阵雨”、“雨季”,尤其指热带地区的“雨季”: The rains have started early this year. (LDCE) 今年雨季来得早。