maths

maths — noun

1. the science that uses numbers, shapes, and symbols to study quantities, patterns

1.名詞A2
釋義

the science that uses numbers, shapes, and symbols to study quantities, patterns, and relationships in the world, often taught as a school subject

例句

Yuna has always found maths easier than English or history.

comparison structure: easier than [other subject]

The maths textbook for next term covers algebra and geometry.

collocation: maths textbook covers [topic]

同義詞
  • mathematics

    the full, more formal term for the same subject; 'maths' is the everyday abbreviation

  • arithmetic

    a narrower branch focusing only on numbers and basic operations (addition, subtraction, etc.), not the whole subject

用法筆記

In British English, 'maths' is uncountable and takes a singular verb: 'Maths is my favourite lesson.' The American equivalent is 'math'.

常見錯誤

❌The maths are very difficult today.
✅Maths is very difficult today.
💡In British English, 'maths' as a school subject takes a singular verb, not a plural one.
❌I have math class at nine.
✅I have maths class at nine.
💡In British English, the shortened form is 'maths', not 'math'.

2. the use of the word 'maths' with a plural verb to refer to the results of calcul

2.名詞C1
釋義

the use of the word 'maths' with a plural verb to refer to the results of calculations rather than the subject as a field of study

例句

The maths suggest that the company will make a loss this year.

plural verb: 'maths suggest' (not 'suggests')

Niran checked the figures twice, but the maths still did not add up.

idiom: 'the maths did not add up'

同義詞
  • figures

    a more general term for numerical data; 'the figures suggest...' is a common alternative to 'the maths suggest...'

  • calculations

    the results of working with numbers; 'the calculations show...' is a more explicit alternative

文法句型

the maths + plural verb (suggest / show / indicate)

用法筆記

This plural verb usage is much rarer than the uncountable sense. It typically occurs with verbs like 'suggest', 'show', 'indicate', or the fixed phrase 'the maths do/does not add up'.

常見錯誤

❌The maths is against us.
✅The maths are against us.
💡When 'maths' refers to the results of calculations, it can take a plural verb, unlike the subject sense.