Common Conjunction Errors: Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words used to connect equal elements within a sentence. Here are some common mistakes:

Using the Wrong Correlative Conjunction

• Incorrect: Neither you nor I are going to the party.
• Correct: Neither you nor I am going to the party.

Using Correlative Conjunctions Incorrectly with Nouns or Verbs

• Incorrect: Not only he is tall, but he is also strong.
• Correct: Not only is he tall, but he is also strong.

Practice Exercises:

1. Neither you nor I (is/are) going to the party.
2. Not only he is tall, but he is also strong.
3. Both John and Mary (is/are) coming.
4. Either you or I (is/are) going to the store.
5. Not only she is smart, but she is also beautiful.

Answers:

1. am
2. is, but
3. are
4. are
5. is, but

Correlative Conjunction Practice

Identify the correct correlative conjunctions in each sentence.

1. Neither you nor I (is/are) going to the party.
2. Not only he is tall, but he is also strong.
3. Both John and Mary (is/are) coming.
4. Either you or I (is/are) going to the store.
5. Not only she is smart, but she is also beautiful.
6. Either you or I (is/are) going to the party.
7. Both John and Mary (is/are) coming.
8. Neither you nor I (is/are) going to the store.
9. Not only she is smart, but she is also beautiful.
10. Either you or I (is/are) going to the party.

Answers:

1. am
2. is, but
3. are
4. are
5. is, but
6. are
7. are
8. am
9. is, but
10. are