Syntax - semináře zápisky

1. Paired conjunctions.

Combine the following into sentences that contain parallel structure. Use both ... and; not only ... but also; either ... or; neither ... nor.

1. He does not have a pen. He does not have paper.

→ He has neither a pen nor paper.

1. Ron enjoys horseback riding. Bob enjoys horseback riding.

→ Not only Ron, but also Bob enjoys horseback riding. Both Ron and Bob enjoy horseback riding

1. You can have tea, or you can have coffee.

→ You can have either tea or coffee.

1. Arthur is not in class today. Ricardo is not in class today.

→ Neither Arthur nor Ricardo is/are in the class today. (singular = formal, plural = less formal)

1. Arthur is absent. Ricardo is absent.

→ Both Arthur and Ricardo are absent./ Not only Arthur but also Ricardo is absent.

1. We can fix dinner for them here, or we can take them to a restaurant.

→We can either fix dinner for them here or take them to a restaurant.

1. She wants to buy a Chevrolet, or she wants to buy a Toyota.

→ She wants to buy either Chevrolet or a Toyota.

1. The leopard faces extinction. The tiger faces extinction.

→ Not only the leopard but also the tiger faces extinction./Both the leopard and the tiger faces extinction.

1. The library doesn’t have the book I need. The bookstore doesn’t have the book I need.

→ Neither the library nor the bookstore have the book I need.

1. We could fly, or we could take the train.

→We could either fly or take the train.

1. The president’s assistant will not confirm the story. The president’s assistant will not deny the story.

→The president’s assistant will neither confirm nor deny the story.

1. Coal is an irreplaceable natural resource. Oil is an irreplaceable natural resource.

→Both coal and oil are irreplaceable natural resources

1. Smallpox is a dangerous disease. Malaria is a dangerous disease.

→ Both smallpox and malaria are dangerous diseases. /Not only smallpox but also malaria is dangerous disease.

1. Her roommates don’t know where she is. Her brother doesn’t know where she is.

→ Neither her roommate nor her brother knows/know where she is.

1. According to the news report, it will snow tonight, or it will rain tonight.

→ According to the news report, it will either snow or rain tonight.

EXERCISE:

What is wrong with these sentences?

1. Either John will call Mary or Bob.

Either John or Bob will call Mary. John will call either Mary or Bob.

1. Not only Sue saw the mouse but also the cat.

Sue saw not only the mouse but also the cat. Not only Sue but also the cat saw the mouse.

1. Both my mother talked to the teacher and my father.

Both my mother and father talked to the teacher. My mother talked to both the teacher and my father.

1. Either Mr. Anderson or Ms. Wiggins are going to teach our class today.

Either Mr. Anderson or Ms. Wiggins is going to teach our class today.

1. I enjoy not only reading novels but also magazines.

I enjoy reading not only novels but also magazines.

1. Oxygen is plentiful. Both air contains oxygen and water.