Correlative Conjunction Identification Quiz

1. Which words in the sentence form a correlative conjunction pair: 'Both the cat and the dog enjoy naps'?

The / and

Both / the

Both / and

Cat / dog

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join equal grammatical elements. 'Both/and' is used here to join two subjects ('cat' and 'dog').

Explanation

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join equal grammatical elements. 'Both/and' is used here to join two subjects ('cat' and 'dog').

2. The correlative conjunction pair used to link two negative ideas is:

The pair 'neither/nor' is always used to negate two options or two items, meaning zero of the choices are true or possible.

Explanation

The pair 'neither/nor' is always used to negate two options or two items, meaning zero of the choices are true or possible.

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3. Correlative conjunctions always connect clauses, never single words or phrases.

True

False

This is false. Correlative conjunctions can connect single words (e.g., apples and oranges), phrases (e.g., in the morning or at night), or entire clauses, as long as the elements are grammatically equal.

Explanation

This is false. Correlative conjunctions can connect single words (e.g., apples and oranges), phrases (e.g., in the morning or at night), or entire clauses, as long as the elements are grammatically equal.

4. Which sentence correctly uses the correlative conjunction ‘either/or’?

She is either talented or she is dedicated.

She is either talented, and she is dedicated.

She is neither talented or she is dedicated.

She is either talented but she is dedicated.

The correlative pair 'either/or' is used to present a choice between two equally possible options. The structure is correctly maintained around the elements being joined ('talented' and 'dedicated').

Explanation

The correlative pair 'either/or' is used to present a choice between two equally possible options. The structure is correctly maintained around the elements being joined ('talented' and 'dedicated').

5. Select the common correlative conjunction pairs from the list. (Select all that apply)

Either/or

Neither/nor

Although/yet

Both/and

Either/or,' 'neither/nor,' and 'both/and' are all standard correlative conjunction pairs that function to join equal parts of a sentence. 'Although/yet' is not a fixed pair.

Explanation

Either/or,' 'neither/nor,' and 'both/and' are all standard correlative conjunction pairs that function to join equal parts of a sentence. 'Although/yet' is not a fixed pair.

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6. What correlative pair is used to emphasize that both options are true: ‘Not only is he smart, but he is also kind’?

Not / but

Not only / also

Not only / but also

He / he

The complete correlative conjunction used for emphasis and addition is 'not only/but also,' which links two equally important ideas.

Explanation

The complete correlative conjunction used for emphasis and addition is 'not only/but also,' which links two equally important ideas.

7. Complete the correlative conjunction pair: ‘I could not decide _______ I wanted cake _______ pie.’

The pair 'whether/or' is used to express a doubt or a choice between two possibilities (cake or pie), often within a statement about the speaker's uncertainty.

Explanation

The pair 'whether/or' is used to express a doubt or a choice between two possibilities (cake or pie), often within a statement about the speaker's uncertainty.

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8. The pair ‘both/and’ means that only one of the linked options is possible.

True

False

This is false. The pair 'both/and' is used specifically to show addition, meaning that both of the linked options or elements are included or true.

Explanation

This is false. The pair 'both/and' is used specifically to show addition, meaning that both of the linked options or elements are included or true.

9. Which option is the second word of the correlative pair beginning with ‘neither’?

Or

And

Nor

Not

The complete correlative pair used to negate two choices is 'neither/nor.'

Explanation

The complete correlative pair used to negate two choices is 'neither/nor.'

10. In the sentence ‘We will visit both France and Italy this summer,’ which elements are joined by the correlative pair? (Select all that apply)

The words 'will' and 'visit.'

The independent clauses.

The nouns 'France' and 'Italy.'

The verbs 'visit' and 'travel.'

The correlative conjunction 'both/and' is placed before the two noun objects ('France' and 'Italy') to link them together as equal elements in the sentence.

Explanation

The correlative conjunction 'both/and' is placed before the two noun objects ('France' and 'Italy') to link them together as equal elements in the sentence.

11. Which correlative pair means 'neither this one nor that one'?

Either/or

Whether/or

Both/and

Neither/nor

The pair 'neither/nor' is the only one that expresses a complete negation of two options, meaning that no option applies.

Explanation

The pair 'neither/nor' is the only one that expresses a complete negation of two options, meaning that no option applies.

12. Identify the second word in the correlative pair that starts with 'not only': 'She is not only a dancer, _______ a singer.’

The complete correlative pair is 'not only/but also,' which functions to add an additional piece of information with emphasis.

Explanation

The complete correlative pair is 'not only/but also,' which functions to add an additional piece of information with emphasis.

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13. The words in a correlative pair must always connect words of the same grammatical type (e.g., noun with noun, verb with verb).

True

False

This statement is true. A key rule for correlative conjunctions is parallel structure: the elements following the first conjunction must match the type of element following the second conjunction.

Explanation

This statement is true. A key rule for correlative conjunctions is parallel structure: the elements following the first conjunction must match the type of element following the second conjunction.

14. Which words form the correlative pair in the sentence: ‘The hike was neither easy nor short’?

Neither / nor

Was / short

Easy / short

The / hike

The pair 'neither/nor' is the correlative conjunction, used here to join two equal adjectives ('easy' and 'short') to show that both descriptions are negative.

Explanation

The pair 'neither/nor' is the correlative conjunction, used here to join two equal adjectives ('easy' and 'short') to show that both descriptions are negative.

15. Which sentences use a correct correlative conjunction pair? (Select all that apply)

I will take either the red pen or the blue one.

Not only the students but also the teacher enjoyed the field trip.

We were both tired nor sleepy after the game.

Whether you agree or you disagree, the decision is final.

A uses 'either/or' correctly for choice. B uses 'not only/but also' correctly for addition. D uses 'whether/or' correctly for expressing uncertainty between two outcomes. C incorrectly mixes 'both' with 'nor.'

Explanation

A uses 'either/or' correctly for choice. B uses 'not only/but also' correctly for addition. D uses 'whether/or' correctly for expressing uncertainty between two outcomes. C incorrectly mixes 'both' with 'nor.'

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16. The main function of the correlative pair ‘whether/or’ is to show:

Addition

Cause and Effect

Contrast

Doubt or Choice

The pair 'whether/or' is used to present two choices or outcomes that are being considered, often expressing doubt or uncertainty about which one is true or possible.

Explanation

The pair 'whether/or' is used to present two choices or outcomes that are being considered, often expressing doubt or uncertainty about which one is true or possible.

17. The correlative pair both/and is primarily used to show a relationship of _______.

The pair 'both/and' functions to add and emphasize that two separate elements, clauses, or ideas are equally true or included.

Explanation

The pair 'both/and' functions to add and emphasize that two separate elements, clauses, or ideas are equally true or included.

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18. The pair ‘not only/but also’ must be used to link two contrasting ideas.

True

False

This is false. 'Not only/but also' is used to show addition and emphasis, not contrast. 'But' might imply a slight surprise, but the function is additive.

Explanation

This is false. 'Not only/but also' is used to show addition and emphasis, not contrast. 'But' might imply a slight surprise, but the function is additive.

19. Which sentence uses a correlative conjunction pair to express two possibilities that are not true?

She either went to the store or stayed home.

She both went to the store and stayed home.

She neither went to the store nor stayed home.

She went to the store, but she stayed home.

The 'neither/nor' pair correctly shows that both the option of going to the store and the option of staying home are negated.

Explanation

The 'neither/nor' pair correctly shows that both the option of going to the store and the option of staying home are negated.

20. Identify the correlative conjunctions that link two verbs in these sentences. (Select all that apply)

She both sings and plays the guitar.

You can either study or watch TV.

He neither washed the dishes nor put away the clothes.

Not only is he tired, but he is also hungry.

In A, 'sings/plays' are joined. In B, 'study/watch' are joined. In C, 'washed/put away' are joined. D joins adjectives ('tired/hungry').

Explanation

In A, 'sings/plays' are joined. In B, 'study/watch' are joined. In C, 'washed/put away' are joined. D joins adjectives ('tired/hungry').

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Pair Recognition: Identifying Correlative Conjunction Pairs Quiz