ERRORS WITH CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
Correlative
conjunctions are two-part adjectives. Errors usually involve an incorrect
combination of the two
parts,
such as neither . . . or or not only . . . and. Anytime you see a sentence containing correlative
conjunctions,
you should be on the lookout for this type of error. This is an easy error to
spot!
Correlative Conjunctions
either
. . . or
neither
. . . nor
both
. . . and
not
only . . . but also
whether
. . . or
Another error
is the use of both . . . and to join three elements.
Sample Items
X rays
have important applications , not only in medicine and in industry
.
The correct answer is (C). The
correct pattern is not only . . . but also.
The air
that surrounds our planet is both odorless , colorless, and invisible.
The correct answer is (D). Because both . . . and can only be used to join two
elements, the
word both must
be eliminated to correct the sentence.
ERRORS WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS
The
conjunction and is correctly used to show addition; or is
used to show choice between alternatives; but is used to show contrast or
opposition.
Sample Item
Brakes and
clutches serve very different functions in an automobile, and their principles
of operation
are nearly
the same.
The correct answer is (C). The first
clause discusses how brakes and clutches are different; the
second
clause discusses how they are the same. Therefore, the conjunction joining them
must show
contrast. Choice (C) should
read but.
Focus: Identifying
errors involving conjunctions
Directions: For Sentence
Completion items, mark the answer choice that correctly completes the
sentence.
For Error Identification items, circle the underlined portion of the sentence
that would not
be
considered correct.
1. Model airplanes can be guided both by control
wires or by radio transmitters.
A B C D
2. Specialty stores, unlike department stores, handle only one line
of merchandise__________ a limited number of closely related lines.
(A) either
(B) but
(C) instead
(D) or
3. Thomas Eakins studied not only painting__________ anatomy when
he was training to become an artist.
(A) moreover
(B) but also
(C) as well
(D) and
4. Information in a computer
can be lost because it is not longer stored or because it is
stored but
A B C D
cannot
be retrieved.
5. A mosaic is a picture done from small bits of either
colored glass or tile.
A B C D
6. Although topology is the youngest branch of geometry, __________
is considered the most sophisticated.
(A) but it
(B) soit
(C) it
(D) however it
7. John Lancaster Spaulding was not only a religious
leader and also a social reformer
A B C D
8. In 1923, Jean Toomer wrote a book titled Cane that
combined fiction __________ poetry to describe the experience of being black in
the United States.
(A) and
(B) to
(C) also
(D) or
9. Although fish can hear,
they have neither external ears or eardrums.
A B C D
10. In all animals, whether simple and complex,
enzymes aid in the digestion of food
A B C D
11. Endive can be used __________ as a salad green or as a cooking
vegetable.
(A) such
(B) both
(C) either
(D) neither
12. The two most common methods
florists are used to tint flowers are the spray method and the
A B C
Absorption method.
D
13. Beekeepers can sell both the honey and the beeswax
that their bees produces
. A B C D
14. Glucose does not have to be digested,__________ it can be put
directly into the bloodstream.
(A) so
(B) while
(C) and since
(D) such
15. The human brain is often compared to a computer, and such
an analogy can be misleading
A B C D
16. Not only rust corrodes the surface of metal, but
it also weakens its internal structure
A B C D
.17. Natural fiber comes from either animal __________ plant sources.
(A) or
(B) otherwise
(C) and
(D) nor
18. A work of science fiction generally uses scientific
discoveries and advanced technology, either
A B
real
or imaginary, as part of their plot.
C D
19. Community theater not only provides entertainment for
local audiences as well as furnishes a
A B
creative outlet for
amateurs interested in dram
C D
20. Paint is ____________________________used to protect wood.
(A) not only the substance
(B) the substance which is not
only
(C) not only a substance which
is
(D) not the only substance