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Correlative conjunctions: Parallel or not?
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
Correlative conjunctions: Spot the parallel structure!
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
“That” is a tricky one
Source: Our Languages blog (posts from our contributors)
When to use or omit “that”
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
The parts of speech: Introduction
Traditional grammar classifies words based on eight parts of speech: the verb, the noun, the pronoun, the adjective, the adverb, the preposition, the conjunction and the interjection. Each part of speech explains not what the word is, but how the word is used. In fact, the same word can be a noun in one sentence and a verb or adjective in another. The next examples show how the part of speech of a word can change from one sentence to the next. Following these examples is a series of sections on the individual parts of speech and an exercise. Example Explanation Books are made of ink, paper and glue. In this sentence, books is a noun, the subject of the sentence. Joe waits patiently while Bridget books the tickets. Here books is a verb and its subject is Bridget. We walk down the street. In this sentence, walk is a verb and its subject is the pronoun we. The letter carrier stood on the walk. In this example, walk is a noun that is part of a prepositional phrase describing where the letter carrier stood. The town council decided to build a new jail. Here jail is a noun, which is the object of the infinitive phrase to build. The police officer told us that if we did not leave immediately he would jail us. Here jail is part of the compound verb would jail. The parents heard high-pitched cries in the middle of the night. In this sentence, cries is a noun acting as the direct object of the verb heard. Their colicky baby cries all night long and all day long. Here cries is a verb that describes the actions of the subject of the sentence, i.e. the baby. The next sections explain each of the parts of speech in detail. When you have finished looking at them, you might want to test yourself by trying the exercise. The details Verb - Next Page Noun Pronoun Adjective Adverb Preposition Conjunction Interjection Review exercise: Parts of speechSource: HyperGrammar 2 (basics of English grammar)
“Whether” or “whether or not”: Do you know the rule?
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
correlative conjunctions: either … or
On this page Parallelism with “either … or” Agreement in “either … or” Additional information Parallelism with “either … or” The correlative conjunction either … or co-ordinates two or more words, phrases or clauses. Note that the constructions following these correlatives should be parallel in structure. That is, if you use a noun after one, you must use a noun after the other; if you use a prepositional phrase after one, you must use a prepositional phrase after the other; and so on. Either she goes or I go. I did not communicate with the deputy minister either by telephone or by letter regarding this matter. For dessert, you can have either ice cream, lemon pie or chocolate cake. Agreement in “either … or” When you use this conjunction to join two or more subjects, make sure that the verb agrees in number with the nearest subject. Either you or your brother needs to leave early to pick Dad up at the airport. Either my mom, my dad or my grandparents drop me off at school. Additional information Correlative conjunctionsSource: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
verb agreement: compound subjects with “and”
When two subjects are joined with the conjunction and or both…and, the compound subject is usually plural and takes a plural verb: The hiker and the cyclist enjoy the great outdoors. [1 hiker + 1 cyclist = 2 people; the verb enjoy is plural] Both Gina and I are planning a trip to Sicily. [Gina + I = 2 people; the verb are planning is plural] Both tourism and history await you on the Champlain Route! [tourism + history = 2 things; the verb await is plural] However, it sometimes happens that two subjects joined by and form a singular subject: Drinking and driving is dangerous. [Drinking and driving is a single activity; the verb is is singular.] The senior writer and editor was promoted to the position of editor-in-chief. [The senior writer and editor is a single person; the verb was is singular.] Macaroni and cheese seems to be popular among students in residence. [Macaroni and cheese is a single dish; the verb seems is singular.]Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
correlative conjunctions
On this page Definition of “correlative conjunction” Parallelism with correlative conjunctions Agreement in correlative conjunctions Additional information Definition of “correlative conjunction” The word conjunction comes from a Latin root meaning “join.” In grammar, a conjunction is a joining word. A correlative conjunction is a two-part conjunction: it consists of two words or phrases that are used to join sentence elements of equal value. Here are some of the most common ones: both … and Both Ryan and Meg like skiing Whistler. either … or Luis will live either in Spain or in Portugal. neither … nor Neither you nor I have to work tomorrow. not only … but also Maria not only sings but also plays guitar. Parallelism with correlative conjunctions Since the elements joined by correlative conjunctions are of equal value, it’s important to make them parallel in structure—that is, to use the same grammatical structure for each element. Here are some examples of parallelism with correlative conjunctions: two noun phrases You should enter both the date and the time. two prepositional phrases My keys are either on my desk or in my coat pocket. two verbs The candidate who missed the appointment neither called nor emailed to explain his absence. two verbal phrases It is vital not only to know the law but also to follow it. Here is an example of a poorly structured sentence: Lise either went to the weight room or the sauna. As you can see, the above sentence isn’t parallel. Because either is followed by an entire predicate (went to the weight room) and or is followed only by a noun phrase (the sauna), the two halves of the structure are not balanced. To make the structure parallel, we could rewrite the sentence in any of the following ways: Lise went either to the weight room or to the sauna. [two prepositional phrases] Lise went to either the weight room or the sauna. [two noun phrases] Lise either went to the weight room or had a sauna. [two predicates] Agreement in correlative conjunctions When correlative conjunctions are used to join two or more subjects, the verb should agree in number with the nearest subject. Either Ashley or her assistants are accepting the award. “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Additional information Correlative conjunctions: Both … and Correlative conjunctions: Either … or Correlative conjunctions: Neither … nor Predicate Quizzes Correlative conjunctions: Parallel structure Correlative conjunctions: Parallel or not?Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Conjunction
You can use a conjunction to link words, phrases and clauses, as in the following examples: I ate the pizza and the pasta. Call the movers when you are ready. Co-ordinating Conjunctions Use a co-ordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so or yet) to join individual words, phrases and independent clauses. Note that you can also use the conjunctions but and for as prepositions. Each of the highlighted words below is a co-ordinating conjunction. Lilacs and violets are usually purple. In the above example, the co-ordinating conjunction and links two nouns. This movie is especially interesting to feminist film theorists, for the screenplay was written by Mae West. In the example above, the co-ordinating conjunction for links two independent clauses. Jack claimed that he spent most of his youth dancing on rooftops and swallowing goldfish. In the above example, the co-ordinating conjunction and links two participle phrases (dancing on rooftops and swallowing goldfish). Subordinating Conjunctions A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and indicates the nature of the relationship(s) between the independent clause(s) and the dependent clause(s). The most common subordinating conjunctions are after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether and while. Each of the highlighted words in the following examples is a subordinating conjunction. After she had learned to drive, Alice felt more independent. The subordinating conjunction after introduces the dependent clause after she had learned to drive. If the paperwork arrives on time, your cheque will be mailed on Tuesday. Similarly, the subordinating conjunction if introduces the dependent clause if the paperwork arrives on time. Gerald had to begin his report again when his computer crashed. The subordinating conjunction when introduces the dependent clause when his computer crashed. Midwifery advocates argue that home births are safer because the mother and baby are exposed to fewer people and fewer germs. The dependent clause because the mother and baby are exposed to fewer people and fewer germs is introduced by the subordinating conjunction because. Correlative Conjunctions Correlative conjunctions, which always appear in pairs, link equivalent sentence elements. The most common correlative conjunctions are both . . . and, either . . . or, neither . . . nor, not only . . . but also, so . . . as, and whether . . . or. (Technically, correlative conjunctions consist simply of a co-ordinating conjunction linked to an adjective or adverb.) The highlighted words in the following examples are correlative conjunctions. Both my grandfather and my father worked in the steel plant. In this sentence, the correlative conjunction both . . . and links the two noun phrases that act as the compound subject of the sentence (my grandfather and my father). Bring either a Jello salad or a potato salad. Here the correlative conjunction either . . . or links two noun phrases (a Jello salad and a potato salad). Corinne is trying to decide whether to go to medical school or to go to law school. Similarly, the correlative conjunction whether . . . or links the two infinitive phrases (to go to medical school and to go to law school). The fire destroyed not only the school but also the neighbouring pub. In this example, the correlative conjunction not only . . . but also links the two noun phrases (the school and the neighbouring pub) that act as direct objects. Note that some words that function as conjunctions can also act as prepositions or adverbs.Source: HyperGrammar 2 (basics of English grammar)
“Whether” or “whether or not”: Do away with “or not”?
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
correlative conjunctions: both … and
The correlative conjunction both … and co-ordinates two or more words, phrases or clauses. Parallelism with “both … and” Note that the constructions following these correlatives should be parallel in structure. That is, if you use a phrase after one, you must use a phrase after the other; if you use a verb after one, you must use a verb after the other; and so on. Incorrect: Ann enjoyed camping both on the mountains and prairies. [one phrase and one noun] Correct: Ann enjoyed camping both on the mountains and on the prairies. [both phrases] Incorrect: Nenad liked both to cycle and jog. [one to-infinitive and one bare infinitive] Correct: Nenad liked both to cycle and to jog. [both to-infinitives] Correct: Nenad liked to both cycle and jog. [both bare infinitives] Additional information Correlative conjunctionsSource: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
coordinating conjunctions
The word conjunction comes from a Latin root meaning “join.” In grammar, a conjunction is a joining word. A coordinating conjunction is a joining word that connects things of equal value. It may join two or more nouns (or pronouns), verbs, adjectives, adverbs, phrases or clauses. Seven coordinating conjunctions The word fanboys is a memory tool that makes it easy to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions in English. This word is an acronym formed from the first letters of the seven conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. And, but and or are the three most commonly used coordinating conjunctions. They can be used to join almost any two or more words or word groups: Josh, Sarah and Rashid (3 nouns) slowly and carefully (2 adverbs) tried but failed (2 verbs) on private land but beside the school (2 phrases) light or heavy (2 adjectives) We can walk to town, or we can take the bus. (2 clauses) Yet can be used in the same ways as but to join two contrasting ideas; however, yet gives more emphasis to the contrast. The winning team returned home, tired yet happy. Alanna was groggy from jet lag, yet she sang brilliantly. Nor means “and not”; it is used to join independent clauses, but it requires a change in word order: part of the verb (or sometimes the entire verb) comes before the subject. He did not call, nor did he send a text message. [= and he did not send a text message] For is similar in meaning to because—it is used between independent clauses to show that the second idea is the cause of the first one: We set up camp early, for we were tired from the hike. [Means because we were tired…] So is similar in meaning to therefore—it is used between independent clauses to show that the second idea is the result of the first one: We were tired from the hike, so we set up camp early. [Means therefore, we set up camp early] Punctuation with coordinating conjunctions When a coordinating conjunction is used between any two words, phrases or dependent clauses, a comma is not ordinarily used before the conjunction: small yet strong quickly but accurately in June or in July after we eat and before we leave However, when two independent clauses (sentences) are joined with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is usually needed before the conjunction: I found John reading in the living room, and we left for the party in one car. Marika cooks tasty Hungarian dishes, but she also loves recipes from other ethnic groups. Note: For rules on joining more than two items, see the tip serial comma.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
subordinating conjunctions
The word conjunction comes from a Latin root meaning “join.” In grammar, a conjunction is a joining word. Definition A subordinating conjunction is a joining word that connects two clauses of unequal value. (A clause is a word group containing a subject and a verb.) The clause that begins with the subordinating conjunction is called a subordinate (or dependent) clause. It is less important than the other clause, which is called the main (or independent) clause. Example For example, consider these two clauses: Audrey lit up a cigarette. Henry grabbed the fire extinguisher. Although they are grammatically equal, these two independent clauses don’t express equally important ideas. The second clause seems to be the main idea, and the first clause seems merely secondary. We can join these clauses of unequal value into a single sentence by placing the subordinating conjunction as at the beginning of the less important idea: As Audrey lit up a cigarette, Henry grabbed the fire extinguisher. The first clause is now a subordinate, or dependent, clause. It is no longer grammatically equal to the main clause because it cannot stand alone. For that reason, it must be joined to the main clause so that the two clauses form a single sentence. (Left by itself, a subordinate clause is a fragment, a common type of sentence error.) Common subordinating conjunctions Some of the most common subordinating conjunctions are shown below, grouped into categories according to the relationships they express. (In the examples, the subordinate clauses are in square brackets, and the conjunctions are in italics.) Cause: as, because, since [Because Heinrich’s joints were creaking], he oiled them. Comparison: as, than Lacey won’t win the contest by eating perogies faster [than Hank can count]. Condition: if, provided (that), unless [If you plot revenge], be prepared to dig two graves. (Chinese proverb) Concession: although, (even) though, whereas, while [Although Gordon watered his cactus regularly], it didn’t thrive. Manner: as, as if, as though Sylvester looked pleased, [as if he had swallowed a canary]. Place: where, wherever [Wherever the mice laugh at the cat], there you will find a hole. (Portuguese proverb) Purpose: in order that, so that Jessica is learning to moonwalk [so that she can become an astronaut]. Time: after, as, before, once, since, till, until, when, while Greta’s letters have been less regular [since she moved to Come-by-Chance]. Other: that (used to introduce a clause that functions as a noun) After her offer to lend him a toque, Eric suspected [that Lauren didn’t like his new haircut]. Subordinating conjunctions vs. prepositions Some subordinating conjunctions (especially those expressing time) can also act as prepositions. As prepositions, they introduce a phrase without a subject and verb: after work before closing time since our arrival until lunchtime As conjunctions, they introduce a clause containing a subject and verb: after you get off work before the bank closes since we arrived until lunch is servedSource: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
and, as well as
As well as can be used as a conjunction to join items in a series—but it’s not simply a synonym for and. The conjunction as well as differs from and in two important ways. First, it acts like the correlative conjunction not only…but also, putting an unequal emphasis on the items it joins. The item following as well as has less emphasis than the item before it: The service was prompt as well as efficient. [The emphasis is on prompt.] The conjunction and, in contrast, joins items of equal value and emphasis: The service was prompt and efficient. [There is equal emphasis on prompt and efficient.] Second, while and can join several items, the conjunction as well as by itself cannot connect more than two. If we add a third item to the series, we have to use the conjunction and to join at least two of the items. We can do this in either of the ways shown below. The easiest method is simply to use and by itself to join the whole series, putting an equal emphasis on all three items: The service was prompt, courteous and efficient. Another method is to use and in combination with as well as, putting less emphasis on the item(s) that appear after as well as: The service was prompt and courteous, as well as efficient. [The emphasis is on prompt and courteous.] The service was prompt, as well as courteous and efficient. [The emphasis is on prompt.] Do not use as well as in place of the conjunction and in a series of three or more items: The service was prompt, courteous and efficient. [not prompt, courteous as well as efficient]Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
by reason of the fact that, by virtue of the fact that
To write more concisely, use the conjunction because to replace the wordy expression by reason of the fact that or by virtue of the fact that. Wordy: Jackie couldn’t finish the yard work by reason of the fact that it rained all weekend. Concise: Jackie couldn’t finish the yard work because it rained all weekend. Wordy: By virtue of the fact that the meeting ended early, Chris was able to get in a game of golf. Concise: Because the meeting ended early, Chris was able to get in a game of golf.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Conjunctions: Coordinating, subordinating or correlative?
Source: Quizzes on the Language Portal of Canada
verb agreement: compound subjects with “or”
When two or more subjects are joined by the conjunctions or, either…or, or neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearest the verb: Atsuko or Sam is bringing sushi. [The verb is is singular to agree with Sam.] Either Atsuko or her parents have made rice. [The verb have is plural to agree with parents.] Has either Atsuko or her parents made rice? [The verb has is singular to agree with Atsuko.] Neither Sam’s parents nor his sister has brought noodles. [The verb has is singular to agree with sister.] Neither Sam’s sister nor his parents have brought noodles. [The verb have is plural to agree with parents.]Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Test yourself—Commas that count: Necessary commas
Decide whether or not a comma is required where indicated. Read the article Commas that count: Necessary commas to help you out.1. Filled with loathing and trepidation, Jorge took one hesitant step after another[ ] advancing slowly and inexorably toward the pit of snakes.no comma requiredcomma (,)2. I don’t know about you[ ] but I would hire Claude to renovate the sunroom if he were available.no comma requiredcomma (,)3. Arthur, the first boy in his class to kiss a girl[ ] was immensely proud of his accomplishment.no comma requiredcomma (,)4. The Perfect Storm is the harrowing tale of how the Andrea Gail, a swordfishing boat[ ] disappeared during a historic gale at sea.no comma requiredcomma (,)5. Because she hated every article of clothing in her closet, Betty Jo cancelled her dinner party[ ] at the last minute.no comma requiredcomma (,)6. “Diving” Dave Olsen, the only person in town to swim across the lake in under twenty minutes[ ] won a community award for his accomplishment.no comma requiredcomma (,)7. People desire job satisfaction, and job recognition is one of the priorities HyperTech intends to stress[ ] as it enters a bigger marketplace.no comma requiredcomma (,)8. Despite her migraine[ ] Chantal showed up for the martial arts tournament and sparred harder than she ever had before.no comma requiredcomma (,)9. On Sunday we plan to snowshoe up the logging road to our favourite hot springs[ ] where we will soak and dream for hours.no comma requiredcomma (,)10. With a sparkle in her eye, a lilt in her voice and a skip in her step[ ] she became one of the most famous child stars ever, capturing the hearts of millions.no comma requiredcomma (,)Source: Peck’s English Pointers (articles and exercises on the English language)
correlative conjunctions: neither … nor
On this page Parallelism with “neither … nor” Agreement in “neither … nor” Additional information Parallelism with “neither … nor” The correlative conjunction neither … nor co-ordinates two or more words, phrases or clauses. Note that the constructions following these correlatives should be parallel in structure. That is, if you use a noun after one, you must use a noun after the other; if you use a noun phrase after one, you must use a noun phrase after the other; and so on. Neither Nova Scotia nor New Brunswick is involved in the project. Neither the hockey players nor the Toronto fans were happy with the final score. For dessert, you can have either ice cream, lemon pie or chocolate cake. Agreement in “neither … nor” When you use neither … nor to join two or more subjects, make sure that the verb agrees in number with the nearest subject. Neither my friends nor I am interested in modern art. Neither I nor my friends are interested in modern art. Additional information Correlative conjunctionsSource: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Test yourself—Controlling emphasis: Coordination and subordination
Is the sentence correct or does it contain a coordination or subordination problem? Read the article Controlling Emphasis: Coordination and Subordination to help you out.1. Old Mr. Langdon is known to his friends as Ace, and he has been playing poker for many decades and does not think that anyone might play better than he can, or at least he would never admit to it.is correcthas a problem2. While the coach believed that his players were not ready for the tournament, he decided the team should withdraw.is correcthas a problem3. Melissa used to be a sweet little girl, but ever since she turned 13, she has become moody and irritable.is correcthas a problem4. Richard, usually a rational man of science, believes that fate plays a stronger part in his life’s course than hard work or planning.is correcthas a problem5. The local sawmill, which burned to the ground yesterday in the most devastating fire the region has seen in over a century, produced cedar shakes and shingles.is correcthas a problem6. A federal court judge will examine the draft warrant and accompanying affidavit, and this will lead to a determination of whether there are reasonable grounds for a warrant, and if there are, the warrant will be issued.is correcthas a problemSource: Peck’s English Pointers (articles and exercises on the English language)
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