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Paired Conjunctions – Quiz 1
Paired Conjunctions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of paired conjunctions in English sentences. It covers concepts such as either...or, neither...nor, both...and, and their usage to express choice or contrast. The test also assesses skills in identifying correct paired conjunctions for expressing logical connections between actions and negation with alternatives.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
You may choose ..... the blue t-shirt ..... the green one, but you look great with the green one.
A) Both-and.
B) Neither-nor.
C) Either-or.
D) Not only-but also.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You may choose ..... the blue t-shirt ..... the green one, but you look great with the green one." presents a choice between two options: the blue t-shirt and the green one. The correct conjunction to use here is "either-or," which indicates that only one of the two choices can be selected.
-
Option A (Both-and):
This would imply both items are chosen, which contradicts the sentence's structure.
-
Option B (Neither-nor):
This implies a negative choice between options, which is not what the sentence conveys.
-
Option C (Either-or):** Correct. It properly indicates that one of two choices can be made.
-
Option D (Not only-but also):** This would imply both items are chosen, which again contradicts the sentence's structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; implies both options are selected.
Option B:
Incorrect; implies a negative choice between options.
Option C:
Correct. Indicates one of two choices can be made.
Option D:
Incorrect; implies both items are chosen.
2.
She wants not only to take a trip to Europe but she also would like to travel to Asia.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She wants not only to take a trip to Europe but she also would like to travel to Asia." is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the proper paired conjunction after "but." The correct form should be: "She wants not only to take a trip to Europe but also to travel to Asia."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence requires the addition of "also" for grammatical correctness.
Option B:
Incorrect. Option B is not correct as it does not address the necessary correction in the sentence structure.
3.
She would like neither to see a movie or to go bowling.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She would like neither to see a movie or to go bowling." is incorrect because it should use the conjunction "nor" instead of "or". The correct form would be: "She would like neither to see a movie nor to go bowling."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence uses "or" incorrectly with "neither." It should use "nor."
Option B:
Correct. This is the only option that identifies the error in the original sentence.
4.
I don't have much money so ..... we go to Europe ..... we go to Australia.
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I don't have much money so ..... we go to Europe ..... we go to Australia." indicates a choice between two options: going to Europe or going to Australia. The paired conjunction "Either...Or..." is used to present alternatives, which fits the context perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Either...Or... is correct as it presents alternatives.
Option B:
Both...And... suggests both options are true simultaneously, which doesn't fit the context of a choice.
Option C:
Not only...But also... implies that both actions occur together, not in an alternative sense.
Option D:
Neither...Nor... is used to negate two options, which isn't applicable here.
5.
..... the principal ..... the teachers are giving the students a day off. They are very happy.
A) No sooner/than.
B) Not only/but also.
C) Neither/nor.
D) Either/or.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D) Either/or is correct because the sentence structure indicates a choice between two alternatives: "the principal" and "the teachers." This fits the usage of either/or, which is used to present two options or possibilities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No sooner/than does not fit here as it is used for sequences of events, not choices.
Option B:
Not only/but also is used to add emphasis and introduce a second related idea, which is not the case in this sentence.
Option C:
Neither/nor is used when negating two options, which does not apply here as there is no negation involved.
Option D:
Either/or correctly presents the choice between "the principal" and "the teachers."
6.
She likes ..... study ..... work. She just expects that her parents support all her expenses.
A) Both/and.
B) Neither/nor.
C) Not only/but also.
D) No sooner/than.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She likes ..... study ..... work." requires a paired conjunction to connect the two nouns "study" and "work". The correct answer is
B) Neither/nor.
This pairing indicates that she does not like either of these activities. "Neither/nor" is used when negating two or more alternatives.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Both/and - Incorrect, as it would imply she likes both study and work.
Option B:
Neither/nor - Correct, indicating she does not like either activity.
Option C:
Not only/but also - Incorrect, as this pairing is used to emphasize two or more alternatives in a positive sense.
Option D:
No sooner/than - Incorrect, as these are not paired conjunctions and do not fit the context of the sentence.
7.
She is ..... Indonesian ..... Malaysian. She's Indian.
A) Both and.
B) Either or.
C) Neither nor.
D) Not only but also.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She is ..... Indonesian ..... Malaysian. She's Indian." uses a contrast between the options given, indicating that she cannot be both or either of the first two options but is specifically identified as Indian. This makes "Neither nor" (Option C) the correct choice because it expresses exclusivity and contradiction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Both and - Incorrect; implies she can be Indonesian and Malaysian, which contradicts the statement.
Option B:
Either or - Incorrect; suggests a choice between two options, not an exclusive contradiction.
Option C:
Neither nor - Correct; indicates exclusivity and contradiction, fitting the context of the sentence.
Option D:
Not only but also - Incorrect; implies she can be both Indonesian and Malaysian, which contradicts the statement.
8.
..... Jackie ..... Kim were able to help her friend with the problem. She is still sad.
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D, "Neither Nor ," is correct because the sentence indicates that both Jackie and Kim helped her friend, which contradicts the use of "Neither" (which would imply neither did anything). The conjunction "Both And " in Option B correctly conveys that Jackie and Kim both assisted.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Either Or " is incorrect as it suggests a choice between Jackie or Kim, which isn't the case.
Option B:
"Both And " would be correct if the sentence stated that neither helped, but since both did help, this option is wrong.
Option C:
"Not only But also " implies an additional action beyond what was mentioned, which isn't applicable here.
Option D:
"Neither Nor " is incorrect as it would imply neither helped, but the sentence states that both did help.
9.
Choose the sentence that uses correctly the paired conjunction.
A) I can't neither accept it nor deny it.
B) I can neither accept it nor deny it.
C) I can either accept it nor deny it.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the paired conjunction "neither...nor" correctly. This construction is used to join two negative alternatives, and in this case, it means that the speaker cannot accept nor deny something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of neither/nor; should be "I can neither accept it nor deny it."
Option B:
Correct usage of "neither...nor" to form a negative alternative.
Option C:
Incorrect pairing; "either...nor" is used for alternatives, not negatives.
Option D:
Not needed as Option B is correct.
10.
I like ..... to sing vallenato, ..... to spend my spare time practicing salsa dance
A) Neither / nor.
B) No sooner / than.
C) Scarcely / when.
D) Not only / but also.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a paired conjunction to connect two related actions: liking to sing vallenato and spending spare time practicing salsa dance. "Not only / but also" is the correct choice because it properly links these two activities, indicating that both are enjoyable pursuits.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Neither / nor does not fit as it suggests a negative statement about both actions.
Option B:
No sooner / than is used to indicate immediate sequence and does not apply here.
Option C:
Scarcely / when implies something happens right after another, which is not the intended meaning in this sentence.
Option D:
Not only / but also correctly connects both activities as related preferences.
11.
Which paired conjunction is correct?
A) You can neither listen to it in English or read it in English.
B) You can either listen or read it in English.
C) You can either listen to it or read it in English.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the paired conjunction "either...or" properly, which is used to present two alternatives. The phrase "listen to it" and "read it" are both correctly modified with the infinitive form starting with "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of "neither"; should be "either." Also, "or read it in English" is redundant.
Option B:
Missing "to" before "listen," making the infinitive form incomplete. "Or read it in English" is redundant.
Option C:
Correct use of "either...or" with proper infinitives.
Option D:
Not applicable as Option C is correct.
12.
The movie was neither amusing nor was it interesting.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The movie was neither amusing nor was it interesting" is grammatically correct and uses the paired conjunction "neither...nor." This construction properly pairs two negative elements, indicating that the subject (the movie) did not possess either of the qualities mentioned.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence is correctly structured using a paired conjunction.
Option B:
Correct. This option accurately identifies the grammatical correctness of the sentence.
13.
Neither my dad ..... my brother want to see that film.
A) Both.
B) Nor.
C) And.
D) Or.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Neither my dad ..... my brother want to see that film" is a negative statement involving two subjects: your dad and your brother. The correct conjunction here is
Nor
, which is used to connect the second subject when neither of them performs an action. This follows the structure of "neither/nor + auxiliary verb + subject."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Both - Incorrect, as it implies both subjects perform the action.
Option B:
Nor - Correct, as it properly connects the second subject in a negative statement.
Option C:
And - Incorrect, as it would imply both subjects want to see the film, which contradicts the sentence's meaning.
Option D:
Or - Incorrect, as it is used for alternatives and does not fit the structure of this negative statement.
14.
She is ..... beautiful, but also smart.
A) Both.
B) Either.
C) Neither.
D) Not only.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She is ... beautiful, but also smart" requires a conjunction that connects two positive attributes: beauty and intelligence. The correct choice here is "Not only," as it properly introduces the first of these paired qualities.
-
Option A (Both):
Incorrect because "both" would imply that she possesses both qualities equally, which isn't necessarily the case in this sentence.
-
Option B (Either):
Incorrect because "either" is used to choose between two options and doesn’t fit here.
-
Option C (Neither):
Incorrect as it negates both attributes, which contradicts the positive nature of the sentence.
-
Option D (Not only):
Correct because it introduces one quality before listing another, indicating that she possesses multiple qualities.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect for choosing between two attributes equally.
Option B:
Incorrect for making a choice between options.
Option C:
Incorrect as it negates the positive qualities mentioned.
Option D:
Correct for introducing multiple positive attributes.
15.
Michael had ..... seen the phone ..... the book after class, someone must have stolen them.
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence indicates that Michael had not seen the phone and the book after class, suggesting both items were missing. "Neither...Nor" is used to connect two negative statements, which fits this context perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Either Or ." - Incorrect for connecting two negatives.
Option B:
"Both And ." - Incorrect as it implies both items were seen, not missing.
Option C:
"Not only But also ." - Incorrect for the same reason as Option B; it suggests both items were present.
Option D:
"Neither Nor ." - Correct for indicating absence of both items.
16.
..... soccer ..... cyclying are popular in Colombia.
A) No sooner/than.
B) Not only/but also.
C) Neither/nor.
D) Both/and.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "soccer and cycling are popular in Colombia" uses the conjunction "and," which is correctly paired with "both." Both "and" and "both" are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance. In this context, both soccer and cycling are equally important activities mentioned.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No sooner/than - This pair is incorrect as it does not fit the context of listing activities.
Option B:
Not only/but also - While this conjunction can be used to list items, "both" better fits when both items are equally important and listed together.
Option C:
Neither/nor - This pair is incorrect as it negates the activities mentioned.
Option D:
Both/and - Correctly pairs the activities, indicating they are equally popular.
17.
According to the syllabus, you can either write a paper or you can take an exam.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The statement "According to the syllabus, you can either write a paper or take an exam" is a clear example of using the paired conjunction "either...or," which indicates two alternatives. This usage is grammatically correct and properly employs the conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The statement uses the paired conjunction "either...or" correctly, presenting two mutually exclusive options.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence structure is accurate and follows proper English grammar rules for using paired conjunctions.
18.
He didn't say hello and he didn't smile.
A) He didn't neither said hello nor smiled.
B) He neither said hello nor smiled.
C) He either said hello or smiled.
D) He neither didn't say hello nor smiled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the paired conjunction "neither...nor" correctly to express that both actions (saying hello and smiling) did not occur. This matches the original sentence structure precisely.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect use of "neither...nor"; "neither" should not be repeated.
Option B:
Correct usage of paired conjunction "neither...nor".
Option C:
Incorrect; uses "either...or" which implies one or the other, not both did not happen.
Option D:
Incorrect rephrasing that does not use a paired conjunction properly.
19.
Is this couch ..... comfortable ..... cheap?
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
Both and is used to connect two positive ideas that are true simultaneously. In the sentence, "Is this couch comfortable cheap?" both adjectives (comfortable and cheap) describe the same object (the couch), making it appropriate to use both and.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Either or is used for choices between two options, not suitable here.
Option B:
Both and correctly connects two positive attributes describing the same object.
Option C:
Not only but also typically introduces a second idea that complements the first, which isn't necessary in this context.
Option D:
Neither nor is used for negative choices, not applicable here.
20.
Not only do we want to go .....
A) Both my laptop and my cell phone on holiday.
B) But we also have enough money.
C) Or we will have to hire somebody new.
D) And I are coming next week.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the paired conjunction "not only... but also," which is a common structure to emphasize two related ideas. This pair indicates that both parts of the statement are important and should be considered together, enhancing the sentence's flow and emphasis.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it introduces a new idea without pairing with "not only."
Option B:
Correct; uses "not only... but also" to pair ideas.
Option C:
Incorrect; introduces an alternative scenario rather than continuing the paired structure.
Option D:
Incorrect; changes subject and tense, breaking the sentence structure.
21.
In the end, he had to choose .....
A) Or we will have to hire somebody new.
B) Not only wise to listen to your parents but also interesting.
C) But we also have enough money.
D) Either his career or his hobby.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it uses the paired conjunction "either...or," which is a grammatically appropriate construction for presenting two alternatives. This pair of conjunctions is used to indicate that only one of the options can be true or chosen, reflecting a clear choice between two options.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses "or" without forming a paired conjunction with another "or."
Option B:
Incorrect; it does not use any paired conjunctions.
Option C:
Incorrect; it uses "but," which is not a paired conjunction and does not form an alternative choice.
Option D:
Correct; it uses the appropriate paired conjunction "either...or."
22.
I fear ..... scary clowns ..... ghosts! Come fight me!
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I fear ..... scary clowns ..... ghosts! Come fight me!" uses a pair of items that are mutually exclusive, meaning the speaker is afraid of one or the other but not both. The correct paired conjunction to express this idea is "Neither...Nor," as it indicates a choice between two options where neither is preferred.
Option D) Neither Nor is correct because:
- It properly conveys mutual exclusivity.
- It fits the context of fearing two distinct things without overlap.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Either...Or" suggests a choice between two options, implying one or the other but not both. This is incorrect as the speaker fears both.
Option B:
"Both...And" implies that the speaker fears both scary clowns and ghosts, which contradicts the context of mutual exclusivity.
Option C:
"Not only...But also" suggests a progressive relationship where one leads to another. This is incorrect as it does not fit the mutually exclusive nature of the fear.
Option D:
"Neither...Nor" correctly expresses that the speaker fears neither scary clowns nor ghosts, but rather both are sources of fear.
23.
When we arrived at the hotel ..... was it very clean ..... very cheap!
A) Either Or .
B) Both And .
C) Not only But also .
D) Neither Nor .
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "When we arrived at the hotel ... was it very clean ... very cheap!" is comparing two positive attributes of the hotel: cleanliness and affordability. The correct conjunction to use here is "not only... but also," as it indicates that both conditions are true simultaneously.
-
Option A:
"Either... Or" suggests a choice between two options, which does not fit the context.
-
Option B:
"Both... And" could be used if we were stating that the hotel was clean and cheap, but it doesn't emphasize both qualities equally well as "not only... but also."
-
Option C:
"Not only... But also" correctly highlights that both cleanliness and affordability are true.
-
Option D:
"Neither... Nor" suggests neither condition is met, which contradicts the sentence's meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Either... Or indicates a choice between two options.
Option B:
Both... And states that both conditions are true but doesn't emphasize them equally well as "not only... but also."
Option C:
Not only... But also correctly highlights that both cleanliness and affordability are true.
Option D:
Neither... Nor suggests neither condition is met, which contradicts the sentence's meaning.
24.
Which sentence uses a possessive gerund correctly?
A) Dad said my earning an allowance depended on my chores.
B) Dad said me earning an allowance depended on my chores.
C) Dad's said my earning an allowances depended on my chores.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Dad said my earning an allowance depended on my chores.
This sentence uses the possessive gerund "my earning" correctly, showing possession and indicating that the action of earning belongs to the speaker. The structure is grammatically accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct use of a possessive gerund; shows ownership.
Option B:
Incorrect pronoun usage ("me" instead of "my"); should be "my earning".
Option C:
Spelling error in "allowances"; correct form is singular "allowance". Also, the structure does not use a possessive gerund correctly.
Option D:
None of the above are correct.
25.
Both Pizza ..... pasta are my favorit food.
A) And.
B) Either.
C) Or.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Both Pizza
And
pasta are my favorite food" uses the paired conjunction "both...and," which is correctly applied here to connect two items in a list that share a common attribute (being favorite foods).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Both...and is used appropriately to link two items.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Either" suggests a choice between options, not listing them together.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Or" would be used for alternatives, not for listing multiple items with a common attribute.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is identified in Option A.
26.
The trip was ..... amazing ..... life changing, too bad ..... Mikey ..... Jane could come.
A) Either Or / Both And .
B) Both And / Neither Nor .
C) Not only But also / Either Or .
D) Neither Nor / Either And .
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The trip was ..... amazing ..... life changing, too bad ..... Mikey ..... Jane could come." uses paired conjunctions to connect ideas. The correct pairing is "Both and" for the first part of the sentence, indicating that both aspects (amazing and life-changing) are true. For the second part, "Neither nor" is appropriate because it expresses a negative scenario where neither person can attend.
Option B correctly pairs these conjunctions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect pairing of either/or with both/and.
Option B:
Correct pairing of both/and and neither/nor.
Option C:
Incorrect use of not only/but also, which is for sequential actions or states rather than a choice between two negatives.
Option D:
Incorrect pairing of neither/nor with either/or, which does not fit the context.
27.
Complete the sentences.-you are grounded!!! you will ..... use the cellphone ..... the computer for one week! you have to have good behavior at school!
A) Either / or.
B) Not only / but also.
C) Neither / nor.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Neither / nor.
Neither / nor is used to connect two negative ideas, which fits the context of the sentence where no positive action (neither using the cellphone nor using the computer) is allowed. The other options do not fit: "Either / or" suggests a choice between two options, "Not only / but also" implies both actions are required, and "None of above" is incorrect as one option does apply.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Either / or - Suggests a choice between using the cellphone or computer.
Option B:
Not only / but also - Implies both actions are required, which is not the case here.
Option C:
Neither / nor - Correctly connects two negative ideas, fitting the context of grounding.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect as Option C applies.
28.
My birthday is December 1st and I want to hike. On that date, I will ..... hike Ijen ..... Bromo.
A) Both and.
B) Either or.
C) Neither nor.
D) Not only but also.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My birthday is December 1st and I want to hike. On that date, I will ..... hike Ijen ..... Bromo." requires a paired conjunction to connect the two hiking options. The correct answer is
Option B: Either or.
This pairing indicates a choice between two alternatives without implying both activities are done together.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Both and - Incorrect, as it implies doing both hikes simultaneously, which doesn't fit the context of choosing one activity over another on the same day.
Option B:
Either or - Correct, indicating a choice between two hiking options.
Option C:
Neither nor - Incorrect, as it implies not doing either hike, which contradicts the intention to go hiking.
Option D:
Not only but also - Incorrect, as it suggests both hikes are done together, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence.
29.
Complete the sentences.-I have only 20 reais. I can buy ..... soda ..... milkshake with this hamburger. I'm sad!
A) Neither / nor.
B) Either/or.
C) Not only / but also.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a paired conjunction to express the idea that the person can choose between two options: buying soda or milkshake with their hamburger. "Either/or" is used to indicate a choice between two alternatives, which fits perfectly in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Neither / nor - This conjunction is used for negative statements and does not fit the context of making a choice.
Option B:
Either/or - Correct. It indicates a choice between two options, which fits the sentence structure.
Option C:
Not only / but also - This conjunction is used to add more information and does not fit for expressing a choice between two items.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect because "Either/or" is the correct answer.
30.
I like this film, ..... i hate the ending
A) But.
B) And.
C) So.
D) Yet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I like this film, But I hate the ending" uses a paired conjunction to contrast two related ideas: liking the overall film and disliking its ending. The word "But" effectively introduces a contrasting idea, maintaining grammatical coherence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "But" is used to introduce a contrast.
Option B:
Incorrect. "And" would imply both ideas are positive or related without contradiction.
Option C:
Incorrect. "So" implies a result, not a contrast.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Yet" is also correct but less common in this context compared to "But".
Frequently Asked Questions
What are paired conjunctions?
Paired conjunctions, such as "either...or" and "neither...nor," are used to connect two words or phrases that have a mutually exclusive relationship.
How do paired conjunctions differ from other types of conjunctions?
Paired conjunctions are distinct because they typically introduce options that cannot both be true at the same time, unlike coordinating conjunctions which connect elements with equal importance.
Can you give an example of a paired conjunction?
Certainly! The construction "either...or" is a paired conjunction, as it presents two options that are mutually exclusive, such as "You can either go to the park or stay home."
What role do possessive gerunds play in sentences?
Possessive gerunds, such as "my running" or "her singing," can be used to modify nouns and indicate ownership or association, but they are not directly related to paired conjunctions.
Why are paired conjunctions important in writing?
Paired conjunctions help clarify choices and relationships between ideas, making the text more precise and easier to understand by highlighting mutually exclusive or complementary options.