means作主语且有every, each等词修饰时，谓语动词用单数；有some, several, many, few等词修饰时，谓语动词用复数。Radio and television are important means of communication.

无线电和电视是重要的通信手段。

Please find an alternative means of transport.

请另外找一种运输方式。

Every means has been tried. 每种方法都试过了。

All means have been tried. 所有方法都试过了。

She could not speak, but made her wishes known by means of signs.她不会说话，但她用手势表达了她的愿望。

高手过招

(1)单项填空

-May I have a look at your book?

- .

A. By this means B. By all means

C. By this way D. By any means

（2）翻译句子

①这绝非解决问题的良计。

②他借助一根绳子慢慢地下来了。

解析： (1) 选B。by all means意为"一定；当然可以"，符合句意。

(2)①This is by no means a good way to solve the problem.

②He let himself down slowly by means of a rope.

3. majority

n. 大多数；大半

A/The majority of doctors agree that smoking is extremely harmful to health.

大多数医生认为吸烟对健康极为有害。

The majority was/were in favour of the proposal.

多数人赞成这个建议。

常用结构：

be in the/a majority 构成大部分/大多数

a majority over sb. 超过对方的票数

联想拓展

major adj.&n. 较大的；主要的；主修，专攻

minority adj.&n. 少数；少数民族；未成年

高手过招

(1)单项填空

Every means been tried and all well now.

A. have; go B. has; go

C. has; goes D. have; goes

（2）完成句子

English speakers form the (大多数) of the population.

(3)用适当的介词填空

①Among the members of the committee those who favour the changes are