un
un — noun
1. when people talk about the UN, they mean the United Nations — a worldwide group
when people talk about the UN, they mean the United Nations — a worldwide group of countries founded in 1945 that cooperate to prevent wars, raise living standards, and tackle international problems
Tendai works for the UN as a translator in Geneva.
the UN as a singular organization name
The UN has sent emergency food supplies to the flood victims.
UN + singular verb (has sent)
A special UN committee will investigate the human rights claims.
Lucas hopes to become a UN peacekeeper after he finishes his studies.
The UN Security Council voted to extend the peacekeeping mission.
- United Nations
the full, formal name; used especially in official documents and speeches
- the UN
the shortened form; used in everyday speech and news reports
文法句型
the UN + singular/plural verb
用法筆記
The UN can take either a singular verb («the UN has decided») or a plural verb («the UN have decided») depending on whether the emphasis is on the organization as a single body or its individual members. Singular is more common in American English.
常見錯誤
2. the French word for the number one, sometimes used in English sentences when tal
the French word for the number one, sometimes used in English sentences when talking about the French language, counting in French, or referring to French cultural contexts
Marie ordered 'un croissant' at the bakery while the tourists smiled at her French accent.
code-switching: French 'un' used within an English sentence
Wei followed the French recipe carefully and added un kilo de farine to the bowl.
The French menu listed 'un café' for one coffee, confusing Takeshi until the waiter explained.
Sofia said 'un billet' at the Paris station, and the clerk handed her one ticket.
用法筆記
This sense appears only in metalinguistic contexts where the speaker is explicitly referring to the French word itself, rather than using it as part of normal English speech. Typically set in italics or quotation marks in writing.
常見錯誤
un — adjective
- unpositive
- unnercomparative
- unnestsuperlative
1. relating to or belonging to the United Nations — used before a noun to describe
relating to or belonging to the United Nations — used before a noun to describe something done, controlled, or provided by the UN
UN peacekeeping forces have been stationed along the border since last year.
UN peacekeeping forces (attributive adjective)
The refugee camp receives financial support from several UN agencies.
Hari attended a UN conference on climate change in Nairobi.
UN officials are meeting this week to discuss the growing humanitarian crisis.
The damaged school was rebuilt using money from a UN development programme.
文法句型
UN + noun
用法筆記
This adjective only appears before a noun (attributive position). It is never used after a linking verb such as «is» or «are» — you cannot say *«the forces are UN».
常見錯誤
un — abbreviation
1. the short written form of 'United Nations', appearing in place of the full name
the short written form of 'United Nations', appearing in place of the full name on official documents, forms, badges, letterheads, and in written addresses or codes
The form asked me to write 'UN' in the box labelled 'Organisation Code'.
'UN' as a written code on a form
Yuki saw the letterhead with 'United Nations' above and 'UN' below in smaller type.
The security badge showed the letters UN in blue above the staff member's photo.
Write 'UN' rather than spelling out 'United Nations' when you fill in the address line.
The letterhead listed the organisation simply as ‘UN’ without spelling out the full name.
- United Nations
the full written form; used in formal documents where abbreviations are avoided