Use Parallel Structure With Paired Conjunctions

Skill

Use Parallel Structure With Paired Conjunctions

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The paired conjunctions both ... and, either ... or, neither ... nor, and not only ... but also require parallel structures.

I know both where you went and what you did.
Either Mark or Sue has the book.
The tickets are neither in my pocket nor in my purse.
He is not only an excellent student but also an outstanding athlete.

The following is not parallel and must be corrected:

He wants either to go by train or by plane.✱

It is not correct because to go by train is not parallel to by plane. It can be corrected in several ways:

He wants either to go by train or to go by plane.
He wants to go either by train or by plane.
He wants to go by either train or plane.

When you are using these paired conjunctions, be sure that the correct parts are used together. The following are incorrect:

I want both this book or that one.
Either Sam nor* Sue is taking the course.

These sentences are incorrect because the wrong parts of the paired conjunctions are used together. In the first example, and should be used with both. In the second example, or should be used with either.

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

EXERCISE 25:

Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should be parallel. Circle the word or words that indicate that the sentence should have parallel parts. Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. _I_ According to the syllabus, you can either write a paper or you can take an exam.
  2. _C_ It would be both noticed and appreciated if you could finish the work before you leave.
  3. _____ She would like neither to see a movie nor to go bowling.
  4. _____ Either the manager or her assistant can help you with your refund.
  5. _____ She wants not only to take a trip to Europe but she also would like to travel to Asia.
  6. _____ He could correct neither what you said nor you wrote.
  7. _____ Both the tailor or the laundress could fix the damage to the dress.
  8. _____ He not only called the police department but also called the fire department.
  9. _____ You can graduate either at the end of the fall semester or you can graduate at the end of the spring semester.
  10. _____ The movie was neither amusing nor was it interesting.

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