英语里有时将复数名词用作修辞手段，以加强语气或表示夸张。如：
A thousand pities! 真令人遗憾!
He is full of cares and fears. 他尽是担惊受怕。
In spite of all his assurances, he did not come. 他尽管再三保证要来，但并没有来。
Charges of vagrancy were lodged against the transcient. 这个流浪汉被控以流浪罪。
Church services were held at eleven. 11时做了礼拜。
It’s been ages since we met. 我们好久不见了。
