CONJUCTIONS

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