Content 還是 contents 呢?

Content 主要當名詞和形容詞用,用作名詞時有攸關對錯的單複數之分,即 content 和 contents,因為兩者的意思和用法皆不同,使用時不可不慎。單數的 content 是個不可數名詞,意為「(文章、電影、電視節目、演講等的) 內容);(網站、光碟、隨身碟等的) 內容」。例如:

  • This film’s adult content is not suitable for young children. (這部電影的成人內容對兒童不宜) (正)
    This film’s adult contents are not suitable for young children. (誤)
  • Several well-known websites have closed down because of the high cost of producing original content. (數個知名網站因製作原創內容的成本過高而關門大吉了) (正)
    Several well-known websites have closed down because of the high cost of producing original contents. (誤)

除上述意思外,單數的 content 還意為「(物質) 含量」,但這個 content 卻是可數名詞,只是要用單數,沒有複數型。例如:

  • Chocolate has a high fat content; it’s not good for your health. (巧克力的脂肪含量很高,對你的健康無益) (正)
    Chocolate has high fat contents; it’s not good for your health. (誤)
  • John usually eats a breakfast cereal with a high sugar content. (約翰經常吃含糖量很高的早餐麥片) (正)
    John usually eats a breakfast cereal with high sugar contents. (誤)
  • The vitamin and mineral content of fruit and vegetables is high. (蔬果的維生素和礦物質含量很高) (正)
    The vitamin and mineral contents of fruit and vegetables are high. (誤)


複數型 contents 意為「(書籍或雜誌的) 目錄;(書籍、雜誌、信件、文件等的) 內容;所容納的東西,內容物」。例如:

  • I can’t find the chapter on K-pop in the contents. (我在目錄中找不到探討韓國流行音樂的那一章) (正)
    I can’t find the chapter on K-pop in the content. (誤)
  • The contents of the document need to be revised substantially. (這份文件的內容需要大幅修訂) (正)
    The content of the document needs to be revised substantially. (誤)
  • The contents of the letter remain secret. (這封信的內容仍然保密) (正)
    The content of the letter remains secret. (誤)
  • Peter sold the apartment and its contents. (彼得把公寓和裡面的東西都賣了) (正)
    Peter sold the apartment and its content. (誤)
  • The contents of her handbag spilled all over the floor. (她手提包裡的東西掉了一地) (正)
    The content of her handbag spilled all over the floor. (誤)

Content 亦可當形容詞用,意為「滿足的;滿意的」,但不可放在名詞之前修飾名詞,只能放在 BE 動詞及其他連綴動詞之後,其後通常接介系詞 with 或不定詞。例如:

  • Tom seems quite content with (his) life. (湯姆似乎對生活很滿足)
  • Benjamin was perfectly content with his work. (班潔明對自己的工作十分滿意)
  • Teresa seems fairly content to live with Bill. (泰瑞莎好像相當滿意跟比爾生活在一起)
將本文加入書籤.

發表迴響