英語里有時將復數名詞用作修辭手段，以加強語氣或表示夸張。

如：

A thousand pities! 真令人遺憾!

He is full of cares and fears. 他盡是擔驚受怕。

In spite of all his assurances, he did not come. 他盡管再三保證要來，但并沒有來。

Charges of vagrancy were lodged against the transcient. 這個流浪漢被控以流浪罪。

Church services were held at eleven. 11時做了禮拜。

It’s been ages since we met. 我們好久不見了。