基本概念
在英语中,“year–old” 和 “years old” 都用于描述年龄,但它们的语法功能和位置不同。
“years old” —— 作表语
当年龄信息出现在句子的谓语部分(通常跟在 be 动词之后),使用 “years old”:
- She is 5 years old.
- My brother is 12 years old.
- The baby is only 6 months old.
注意:即使年龄是 1 岁,也说 “1 year old”(单数)。
“year–old” —— 作定语(复合形容词)
当年龄信息放在名词前作定语修饰名词时,需使用连字符连接,形成复合形容词 “year-old”,且始终用单数 “year”:
- a 5-year-old girl
- a 12-year-old boy
- a 1-year-old puppy
⚠️ 注意:即使年龄大于 1,也必须用 “year” 而不是 “years”!
常见错误示例
- ❌ a 5-years-old child → ✅ a 5-year-old child
- ❌ He is 5-year-old → ✅ He is 5 years old
- ❌ She is a 3 years old girl → ✅ She is a 3-year-old girl
小结
- 作表语(be 后)→ 用 years old(注意单复数)
- 作定语(名词前)→ 用 year-old(带连字符,year 永远单数)