Conjunctions used in Pairs
Conjunctions used in Pairs :
Conjunctions, used in pairs, are called Correlative Conjunctions or Correlatives.
Some Conjunctions are used in pairs. The following conjunctions are used always in pair in which they appear below.
1. Either…..or….
2. Neither……nor….
3. Both……and….
4. Not only……but also…..
5. Though……yet…..
6. Whether…….or…..
7. If……or……
EITHER…….OR…..
Either (Conjunction) is used to begin a list of two or more possibilities separated by OR.
1. It is either a boy or a girl.
2. Either say you're sorry or else get out.
3. It is either blue, red or green. I don't remember.
4. You can come either now or late.
5. You can come now or you can come later.
6. Either Mary or her friend found it.
7. You can have either coffee or tea.
8. I am not quite sure what colour her dress was.
9. It was either orange or yellow.
10. He wants either a knife or a chisel.
11. You can either come with me now or walk home.
NEITHER……NOR…..
Neither is used before the first of two or more choices separated by NOR. (not either)
1. She neither drinks, smokes, nor eats fish.
2. Neither my wife nor I was there.
3. Jane has not been to Delhi and Marie also has not been there.
4. Neither Jane nor Marie has been to Delhi.
5. It is an animal. An elephant is neither a fish nor an insect.
6. It happened a month ago. It happened neither yesterday nor the day before.
7. I trust neither the minister nor his assistant.
(Neither + noun)…….(Nor + noun)
BOTH……AND…..
(BOTH…..AND…..) (NOT ONLY….BUT ALSO…..)
1. Seetha both plays the harmonium and sings. (Both + verb) (and + verb)
2. Seetha plays both the harmonium and the piano. (Both + noun + noun)
3. Seetha both plays the piano and she sings. (Not correct - informal)
1. We visited both Delhi and Agra.
2. She spoke with both kindness and understanding.
3. I not only respect her, but also love her.
4. I can both write and speak well in English.
5. We are not only friends, but also lovers.
6. We both love and respect her.
7. He is not only a robber, but also a philanthropist.
THOUGH…..YET…..
Though - (conjunction)
Though = In spite of the fact that
Though = even if
1. Though it is hard work, I really enjoy it.
2. Even though it is hard work, I really enjoy it.
3. Hardworking though I was, there was no money to pay the bills.
AS THOUGH = AS IF
She sounds as though she's got a sore throat.
Yet (conjunction) – (but even so) or (but)
1. She is a funny girl. Yet you can't help liking her.
2. Though he is suffering a lot, he does not complain.
WHETHER……OR……
Whether - (conjunction) : if……or not….
1. He asked me whether she was coming.
2. I haven't decided whether to do it or not.
3. I will go whether you come or stay at home.
4. I asked him whether or not he was coming.
5. I do not care whether you go or stay.
6. Meera asked Maran whether he preferred tea or coffee.
7. Ask him whether he is a Tamilian or a Malayalee.
8. I wonder whether he wants now or later.
9. I am doubtful whether she would be able to come.
10. It doesn't matter whether you wear a tie or not.
11. Ask Miss. Asha whether she speaks English.
12. Mr. Bali asked Baby whether she liked his new car.
13. Mrs. Lay asked the shopkeeper whether there would be any fresh bread the next day.
Note : IF can be used instead of WHETHER in meaning.
But, WHETHER is to be used before infinitives.
The question is whether to go or stay.
WHETHER is used after prepositions.
It all depends on whether she is ready or not.
WHETHER is used after nouns.
It is going to be your decision whether you go or stay.
WHETHER is also used WITH or NOT in sentences.
I asked her whether or not she was coming.
NOT ONLY……BUT ALSO…..
This is used to show a second choice as well as the first one.
1. Shakespeare was not only a writer, but also an actor.
2. Banumathy not only sings like an angel, but also acts wonderfully.
3. Not only is his wife foolish, but also obstinate.
Conjunctions used in Pairs
The Grammar Index
