M.G 5 U.4 L.2 GR.

M.G 5 U.4 L.2 GR.

SB.P 56 /57

Both...And, Not Only...But Also, Either...Or, Neither...Nor

Both...and, not only...but also, either...or, and neither...nor are all paired conjunctions. They are used to link two words, phrases, or clauses of the same type.

For example, nouns are linked with nouns, adjectives are linked with adjectives, and verbs are linked with verbs.

My favorite animated film is either Toy Story or Simba.

He is not only hardworking, but also intelligent.

When connecting two subjects with both...and, be sure to use a plural verb.

Both my father and his boss were present in the meeting. 

When connecting two subjects using either...or, not only...but also, or neither...nor, the choice to use a singular or plural verb depends on the subject that is closer to the verb.

Neither my uncle nor my brothers want to see that documentary.

Neither my brothers nor my uncle wants to see that documentary. 

Independent Clauses with And, But, Or, So, and Yet

An independent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and verb. It expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence.

I ordered the engine part online.

Two or more independent clauses can be combined with coordinating conjunction words, like and, but, or, so, and yet.

I ordered the engine part online, but now I can’t find the confirmation number.

The conference hall wasn’t air-conditioned, so I demanded a refund.

I liked the book, yet I hated the DVD film.

Note: When a sentence includes two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.