many a與more than one作主語時謂語的數

many a的意思是“許多”，more than one的意思是“不止一個”，從意義上，它們表示復數，但用作主語時，謂語卻習慣上用單數。如：

■ many a

Many a fine man has died in that battle. 許多優秀的士兵死于那次戰役。

Many a ship has been wrecked on those rocks. 許多船只毀于那些礁石之上。

Many a young man has tried and failed. 很多年輕人都試過，而且失敗了。

Many a successful store has paid its rent cheerfully. 許多成功的店鋪都非常樂意地付了房租。

■ more than one

More than one man has been dismissed. 不止一人被解雇了。

More than one person is involved in this. 與此事有牽連的人不止一個。

If things don’t get better, more than one person is going to have to find a new job. 如果情況沒有好轉，需要另謀新工作的就不是個別人了。

比較：

Many a boy likes swimming.=Many boys like swimming. 許多男孩子喜歡游泳。

More than one student has read the book.=More students than one have read the book. 不止一個學生讀過這書。