Page 77 - bingx

MUHI English; Empowering Your English

Task 17
Study Paired Conjunctions: Both ... And; Not Only ... But Also; Either ... Or; Neither ...
Nor.

(a) Both my mother and my sister are here. Two subjects connected by both ... and
take a plural verb, as in (a).
(b) Not only my mother but also my sister is here. When two subjects are connected by not
(c) Not only my sister but also my parents are here. only ... but also, either ... or, or neither ...
(d) Neither my mother nor my sister is here. nor, the subject that is closer to the verb
(e) Neither my sister nor my parents are here. determines whether the verb is singular or
plural.
Not only ... but also is used for emphasis
or to indicate surprise. It should be used
sparingly.
(f) The research project will take both time and Notice the parallel structure in the exam-
money. ples. The same grammatical form should
(g) Sue saw not only a fox in the woods but also follow each part of the paired conjunc-
a bear. tions.
(h) I’ll take either chemistry or physics next quar-
ter. In ( f): both+ noun+ and+ noun
( i ) That book is neither interesting nor accurate. In (g) : not only + noun + but also + noun
In (h) : either + noun + or + noun
In ( i) : neither+ adjective + nor+ adjective
NOTE: Paired conjunctions are usually
used for emphasis; they draw attention to
both pars of the parallel structure.

Task 18
Read the text and circle the paired conjunction

Let me tell you a little bit of story about my family. I’m living with my parents and twin
sisters Susan and Suzie. I love them very much, because they are all unique on their
own. For example, both my father and mother love reading book. There are massive
collections of encyclopedias, novels, journals is our house. But surprisingly, neither
Susan nor Suzie enjoys reading. They either enjoy playing music or painting. Not only
about hobbies, but also appearance. Both my father and mother are dark skinned. But
the twins not only born with light skin but also they are taller than everybody in the
house. Weird story, isn’t it?

Task 19
Complete the sentences with is/ are.
1. Both the teacher and the student are here.
2. Neither the teacher nor the student here.
3. Not only the teacher but also the student here.
4. Not only the teacher but also the students here.
5. Either the students or the teacher planning to come.
6. Either the teacher or the students planning to come

71