1. What are paired conjunctions?
Paired conjunctions consist of two words used together to connect related ideas or present alternatives. They can help structure a sentence and make a point, but they should be used prudently to avoid making sentences overly wordy.
2. List of common paired conjunctions and their usage in sentences
both...and
Both...and is used to connect two ideas or items that are seen as equally important in a sentence.
- She is both intelligent and creative.
- Both my sister and I enjoy playing tennis.
- She is both an excellent writer and a talented musician.
- The project requires both technical expertise and strong communication skills.
either...or
Either...or is used to present two alternatives in a sentence, and indicate that one of the two options is true, but not both.
- We can either go to the beach or go hiking this weekend.
- You can either call me or write me an e-mail.
- Either the exam was too difficult or the students were unprepared.
- I went shopping this morning but couldn’t find a pair of shoes to buy. They were either too big or too small for me.
neither...nor
Neither...nor is used to negate multiple options. It is a way of saying that two or more options are not true or relevant. For example, consider the sentence: “Neither John nor Jane likes coffee.” This means that both John and Jane do not like coffee.
- She neither drinks nor smokes.".
- I can neither forgive nor forget what he has done to me.
- I have neither the time nor the energy to deal with this problem right now.
- Neither the blue shirt nor the green one looks good on you.
- The White House neither confirmed nor denied the rumours of a potential cabinet reshuffle.
not only...but also
Not only...but also is used to link two pieces of information in a sentence to create a stronger emphasis on their importance. “She is not only a talented musician, but also a successful entrepreneur.” This sentence emphasizes that the person has two significant qualities, being a talented musician and a successful entrepreneur.
- Not only do smartphones help us stay connected with friends and family, but also provide access to valuable information and resources.
- Computers not only help us work faster and more efficiently but also enable us to communicate with people around the world.
- Recycling not only reduces waste in landfills but also conserves natural resources and protects the environment.
- Solar panels not only generate clean energy but also help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
whether...or
Whether...or can be used to present a choice or alternatives in a sentence.
- I don’t care whether he’ll break up with me or not.
- I still can’t decide whether to pursue a career in academia or in industry
- Whether you like it or not, you’ll have to complete your homework before going out to play with your friends.
- Whether you go by bus or by train, make sure to validate your ticket before your trip.
- Someone has to tell him the truth, whether it’s you or me.
- The museum offers a great learning experience whether you are interested in art or history.
as...as
As...as is used to express comparisons of equality between two elements or aspects. It is commonly used to indicate that two things are the same in a particular quality, degree, or manner. In a sentence, it can be used with adjectives, adverbs, or other comparative structures.
- She is as tall as her sister.
- He runs as fast as the wind.
- The cake was as delicious as the one we had last time.
- They arrived as early as we did.
- The movie was as entertaining as the book.
A
s...as can be used to make negative comparisons, emphasizing that one thing is not as much as another in degree, quantity, or extent. It is often used with adjectives or adverbs in negative sentences to compare two things.
- She is not as tall as her sister.
- The cake was not as delicious as the one we had last time.
just as...so too
Just as...so too is used to emphasize a similarity between two situations or actions. It helps to draw a comparison between two things that share a common feature, indicating that if one thing is true, the other thing is true as well.
- Just as teachers inspire students, so too do students inspire teachers.
- Just as a good diet contributes to a healthy lifestyle, so too does regular exercise.
- Just as exercise strengthens the body, so too does it improve mental health.
- Just as technology evolves over time, so too do people.
not...but
Not...but is used to show a contrast or an unexpected relationship between two elements in a sentence. It negates one element and emphasizes another, often provoking a surprise from the listener.
- She was not angry but rather disappointed with her test results.
- He is not a teacher but a student at the university.
- They are not twins but close friends who look alike.
- She did not go to Paris for vacation but for a business trip.
- The painting was not created with brushes but with the artist’s fingers.
the more...the more or the more...the less
The structure the more....the more or the more....the less is a comparative construction to show that one thing affects another.
- The more she practices the piano, the better she gets.
- The more he exercises, the healthier he feels.
- The more she practices the piano, the better she gets.
- The more you study, the less difficult the test will seem.
- The more I call my parents, the less homesick I feel.
3. Subject-verb agreement
Paired conjunctions often involve two subjects, so the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to it.
- Either the dogs or the cat is responsible for the mess. (The verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “cat” which is closer to the verb.)
- Neither the teacher nor the students were late for class. (The verb “were” agrees with the plural subject “students” which is closer to the verb.)
- Not only the students but also the teacher is excited about the field trip. (The verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “teacher” which is closer to the verb.)
- Both the book and the pen are on the table. (The verb “are” agrees with the plural compound subject “the book and the pen.”)
- Whether she or her friends attend the event, it will be fun. (The verb “attend” agrees with the plural subject “friends” which is closer to the verb.)
Share this content on social media
