有這樣一道題，請看看：

Every possible means ________ been tried，and we find only ________ this means can we do it well.

A. have，in B. have，by C. has，in D. has，by

此題應選 D。其余幾項均容易被誤選。這里主要涉及名詞means(方式，方法，手段)的用法與搭配：

1. 單復數同形(永遠有詞尾-s)。若用作主語，其謂語的數需根據句意來確定。比較：

All possible means have been tried. 所有可能的辦法都已經試過了。

Every possible means has been tried. 每種可能的辦法都已經試過了。

若句意不能明確地表明主語的單復數，其謂語則用單數或復數均可：

Is [Are] there any other means of doing it? 做這事還有其他的什么辦法嗎?

2. 表示以某種方式、方法或手段，用介詞by：

Only by this means can you do it well. 只有通過這種辦法你才能做好此事。

有時用 by means of，意為：用……，依靠……：

Thoughts are expressed by means of words. 思想靠語言來表達。

3. 表示做某事的方法或手段，多接“of+(動)名詞”：

But they had no means of cooking them. 但是他們沒有辦法來把它們煮熟。

Taking a plane is the quickest means of getting there. 去那兒最快的辦法是坐飛機。