Essentials 101

Section 3: Conjunctions > Pair-Word

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L13: Pair-Word Conjunctions

Certain conjunctions are word pairs that can be separated.

both...and
either...or / neither...nor
not only...but also

Important Points About Pair-Word Conjunctions

1. Both words in the conjunction should be present. Do not leave out one part of the conjunction.
   
   
   INCORRECT: Paul is not only tall but strong.
   CORRECT: Paul is not only tall but also strong.
   
   
2. When a singular and a plural subject are joined by the pair-word conjunctions either/or, neither/nor and not only/but also, the verb will agree with the subject closest to the verb.
   
   
   INCORRECT: Neither his brother nor his sisters was there.
   CORRECT: Neither his brother nor his sisters were there.
   CORRECT: Neither his sisters nor his brother was there.
   
   
3. Elements joined by pair-word conjunctions should be parallel.
   
   
   INCORRECT: I like both reading and to write.
   CORRECT: I like both reading and writing.

Which one is correct?

Frank not only plays basketball but also tennis.
Frank plays not only basketball but also tennis.

The second sentence is correct. In the first sentence, because plays is part of an element joined by the conjunction, it must be part of the other element as well.

Frank not only plays basketball but also plays tennis.

If the same verb applies to both elements, it should come before the conjunction and need not be repeated.

Frank plays not only basketball but also tennis.

If different verbs apply to each element, these verbs must follow the conjunction words.

Frank not only draws pictures but also makes pottery.

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