【问】 John，as much as his brothers ____(was，were) responsible for the loss.

我拿不准，这里应选was，还是应选were。

【答】 as much as，如同as well as一样，被看作是准并列连词，因此谓语动词的数决定于第一个名词的数。在上例里，John是单数，故谓语动词应用单数(was)。类例：

The Minister，as much as the trades union is responsible for the present impasse.

部长，同工会一样，要对目前的僵局负责。