Advanced Composition for Sept. 30, at Pearson ALC, School District 40, New Westminster

PEARSON ADULT LEARNING CENTRE
Advanced Composition
Correlative Conjunctions: Two Part Conjunctions
September 30, 1999

Correlative conjunctions have two parts. The most common are the following: "either . . . or", "neither . . . nor", "not only . . . but also", and "both . . . and". These conjunctions can connect either sentences or similar structures (words and phrases of the same kind). We'll learn one of these tonight.

Examples of one Correlative Conjunction in Action

Either I will come, or I will call you. (Two sentences are joined: "I will come. I will call you.") q I will either come or call you. (Two verbs are joined: "come" and "call")

Note the punctuation rule here: when joining two sentences, use a comma; when joining similar structures do not.

He has either lost his watch or misplaced it.

When using a verb with two auxiliaries "either" is placed after the first verb. (as above)

	Also, when joining two subjects, if both are singular then use the singular after "or". Either my roommate or I am going to go to the party.
	If both subjects are plural, the verb is plural after "or". Either my parents or my sisters are going to visit.
	If one subject is plural, and one is singular, the verb agrees with the subject closest to "or". Either my parents or my sister is going to visit me.

Assignment:
Write a paragraph about a choice you needed to make. Use "either . . .or" to join two subjects, to join two sentences, and to join two verbs with auxiliaries. You can write about choosing a car, a school, a country, or whatever you like. Read a sample Teacher Writing on this topic.

Go to Assignment Archive for older assignments.