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)