PARALLEL CONSTRUCTIONS
1. Coordinate conjunctions
and: in addition
but: however
or: alternatively
nor: and neither
yet: however
She tried and succeeded.
They tried but did not succeed.
Did you go out or stay at home?
I did not see it, nor did they.
The sun is warm, yet the air is cool.
2. Correlative conjunctions
He is both intelligent and good-natured.
both ... and
I will either go for a walk or read a book.
either ... or
He is neither rich nor famous.
neither ... nor
He had hardly begun to work, when he was interrupted.
hardly ... when
If that is true, then what happened is not surprising.
if ... then
no sooner ... than No sooner had I reached the corner, than the bus came.
not only ... but also She is not only clever, but also hard-working.
I would rather go swimming than go to the library.
rather ... than
scarcely ... when Scarcely had we left home, when it started to rain.
what with ... and What with all her aunts, uncles and cousins, she has many relatives.
Have you decided whether you will come or not?
whether ... or
3. Subordinate conjunctions
As
1. because: As he is my friend, I will help him.
2. when: We watched as the plane took off.
After
1. later in time: After the train left, we went home.
Although or though
1. in spite of the fact that: Although it was after midnight, we did not feel tired.
Before
1. earlier than: I arrived before the stores were open.
Because
1. for the reason that: We had to wait, because we arrived early.
For
1. for, because: He is happy, for he enjoys his work.
If
1. on condition that: If she is here, we will see her.
Since
1. from a past time: I have been here since the sun rose.
2. as, because: Since you are here, you can help me.
So or so that
1. consequently: It was raining, so we did not go out.
2. in order that: I am saving money so I can buy a bicycle.
3.I am saving money so that I can buy a bicycle.
Supposing
1. if: Supposing that happens, what will you do?
Than
1. used in comparisons: He is taller than you are.
Unless
1. except when, if not: Unless he helps us, we cannot succeed.
Until or till
1. up to the time when: I will wait until I hear from you.
Whereas
1. because: Whereas this is a public building, it is open to everyone.
2. on the other hand: He is short, whereas you are tall.
Whether
1. if: I do not know whether she was invited.
While
1. at the time when: While it was snowing, we played cards.
2. on the other hand: He is rich, while his friend is poor.
3. although: While I am not an expert, I will do my best.
As if
1. in a similar way: She talks as if she knows everything.
As long as
1. if: As long as we cooperate, we can finish the work easily.
2. while: He has lived there as long as I have known him.
As soon as
1. immediately when: Write to me as soon as you can.
As though
1. in a similar way: It looks as though there will be a storm.
Even if
1. in spite of a possibility: I am going out even if it rains.
In case
1. because of a possibility: Take a sweater in case it gets cold.
Or else
1. otherwise: Please be careful, or else you may have an accident.
So as to
1. in order to: I hurried so as to be on time.
Differing Prepositions and Conjunctions
Meaning
for this reason
in spite of this
at the time when
in a similar way
Preposition
because of
despite
during
like
Conjunction
because
although
while
as if
In the following examples, the objects of the prepositions, and the verbs of the
subordinate clauses are underlined.
Preposition: They were upset because of the delay.
Conjunction: They were upset because they were delayed.
Preposition: Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves.
Conjunction: Although it rained, we enjoyed ourselves.
Preposition: We stayed indoors during the storm.
Conjunction: We stayed indoors while the storm raged.
Preposition: It looks like rain.
Conjunction: It looks as if it will rain.
4. Connecting adverbs
.
accordingly: so
also: in addition
besides: in addition
consequently: so
furthermore: in
addition
He was very persuasive; accordingly, I did what he asked.
She is my neighbor; she is also my best friend.
I like the job. Besides, I need the money.
She had a fever; consequently, she stayed at home.
You should stop smoking. Furthermore, you should do it at
once!
He is a good friend. Hence, I was not embarrassed to ask him
hence: for that reason
for help.
We wanted to arrive on time; however, we were delayed by
however: but
traffic.
likewise: in addition
The region is beautiful. Likewise, the climate is excellent.
moreover: in addition She is very intelligent; moreover, she is very ambitious.
nevertheless: but
They are proud. Nevertheless, I like them.
The ascent was dangerous. Nonetheless, he decided to attempt
nonetheless: but
it.
otherwise: if not, or
We should consult them; otherwise, they may be upset.
else
It is a long way to the beach. Still, it is a fine day to go
still: but
swimming.
then: 1. next,
We went shopping, then we had lunch.
afterwards
2. so
If you are sure, then I must believe you.
therefore: for that
I was nervous; therefore, I could not do my best.
reason
He travelled as quickly as possible. Thus, he reached Boston
thus: so, in this way
the next day.
Similar to And
also
Similar to But
however
Similar to So
accordingly
besides
furthermore
likewise
moreover
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
consequently
hence
therefore
thus
Exercise
1. Paying attention to the meanings of the sentences, and to the presence of inverted word
order, fill in the blanks with the correct coordinate conjunctions chosen from the pairs given in
brackets. For example:
I would like to come, ___ I do not have time. (but, nor)
I would like to come, but I do not have time.
He has not written, ___ has he called me. (but, nor)
He has not written, nor has he called me.
1. I opened the door _________ looked out. (and, yet)
2. She was not in the back yard, _________ was she upstairs. (or, nor)
3. The sun had set, _________ it was still light outside. (or, yet)
4. Do you know his address _________ telephone number? (but, or)
5. He has not arrived yet, _________ have they. (and, nor)
6. I read the book, _________ did not understand it. (but, or)
7. We searched diligently, ________ found nothing. (or, yet)
8. I invited him _________ his friends. (and, but)
2. Paying attention to the expressions used in the following sentences, fill in the blanks with the
words and, but also, nor, or, than, then and when, as appropriate. For example:
We should either walk quickly __ take the bus.
We should either walk quickly or take the bus.
I had scarcely sat down ____ the telephone rang.
I had scarcely sat down when the telephone rang.
1. I have both respect _________ admiration for them.
2. Hardly had I finished reading over the problem, _________ the answer leapt to my mind.
3. It will rain either today _________ tomorrow.
4. He could not decide whether to tell the truth _________ keep silent.
5. It was not only a beautiful day, ___________ the first day of Spring.
6. If you follow the instructions, __________ you should have no difficulty.
7. He is neither proud _________ condescending.
8. What with one thing _________ another, it was very late by the time we left the house.
9. No sooner had I opened my eyes, _________ I remembered where I was.
10. Scarcely had I heard the news, _________ my friend arrived.
11. I do not know whether he has seen the movie before ________ not.
12. I would rather wait here _________ risk missing the bus.
13. She could find the book neither at the Library, _________ at the bookstore.
14. No sooner had I opened the window, _________ a butterfly flew into the room.
15. The crowd was both large _________ enthusiastic.
3. Paying attention to the meanings of the sentences, fill in the blanks with the correct
subordinate conjunctions or similar expressions chosen from the pairs given in brackets. For
example:
I went for a walk _______ the sun was shining. (because, otherwise)
I went for a walk because the sun was shining.
Do you know _______ the stores are open today? (as if, whether)
Do you know whether the stores are open today?
1. We recognized her at once, ____________ we had not seen her for years. (although, in case)
2. He kept reading ___________ he fell asleep. (for, until)
3. The moon will rise ____________ the sun sets. (as soon as, than)
4. It looks ____________ the train will be late. (while, as though)
5. ____________ she got her degree, she became a teacher. (After, Than)
6. We will not go skiing ____________ the weather is good. (as if, unless)
7. ____________ he left, he made sure he had his keys with him. (Before, For)
8. ____________ I told the truth, you would not believe me. (Even if, So that)
9. They have known her ___________ she was a child. (until, since)
10. I must leave now, ____________ I have a great deal of work to do. (as, than)
11. What shall we do ____________ it rains? (or else, supposing)
12. ____________ you read this book, you would be sure to enjoy it. (If, Until)
13. The door was open, ____________ we could hear everything. (in case, so)
14. I studied more ____________ he did. (than, whereas)
15. We packed a lunch, ____________ we knew we would soon be hungry. (lest, for)
16. I will join you, ____________ the weather is fine. (providing, than)
17. ____________ he is very busy, he is seldom at home. (Or else, Because)
18. We must hurry, ___________ we will be late. (so that, or else)
4. For each of the following sentences, paying attention to the structure of the sentence, fill in
the blank with either the conjunction or the preposition given in brackets. For example:
_______ my warning, they went ahead with their plan. (Although, Despite)
Despite my warning, they went ahead with their plan.
________ the sun was shining, the water was cold. (Although, Despite)
Although the sun was shining, the water was cold.
The price of oranges is high, __________ frost damage. (because, because of)
The price of oranges is high, because of frost damage. (because, because of)
I went to see the play, _______ it had good reviews. (because, because of)
I went to see the play, because it had good reviews. (because, because of)
1. We stayed up late, ____________ we were tired. (although, despite)
2. They went swimming, ____________ the coldness of the water. (although, despite)
3. I enjoy the course, ____________ the professor is a good teacher. (because, because of)
4. She looks ___________ your sister. (as if, like)
5. Please wait ___________ I make a phone call. (during, while)
6. Did you hear any noises ____________ the night? (during, while)
7. It looked ____________ we would not be able to leave until the next day. (as if, like)
8. We all felt tired ____________ the hot weather. (because, because of)
9. I read a book ___________ I was waiting. (during, while)
10. Her eyes shone _____________ stars. (as if, like)
11. They managed to work together, ___________ their differences of opinion. (although,
despite)
12. I left home early, ____________ I had to do several errands. (because, because of)
13. He speaks about the subject ____________ he were an expert. (as if, like)
14. We rested ____________ the hottest part of the day. (during, while)
15. ____________ she lost her way twice, she arrived safely. (Although, Despite)
16. ____________ their interest in comets, they decided to study astronomy. (Because, Because
of)
5. Paying attention to the meanings of the sentences, fill in the blanks with the correct
connecting adverbs chosen from the pairs given in brackets. For example:
Will you come with me? _________ I shall have to go alone. (Also, Otherwise)
Will you come with me? Otherwise I shall have to go alone.
She is kind. _______, she is rather forgetful. (However, Consequently)
She is kind. However, she is rather forgetful.
1. The work was new to me. ____________, it did not seem difficult. (Consequently,
Nevertheless)
2. Continue along Queen Street. ____________ turn left. (Then, Therefore)
3. It was very misty. ______________, we could not get a clear view of the mountain. (Hence,
However)
4. We had walked several miles. ____________, we did not feel tired. (Accordingly, Still)
5. She is a talented actress. ____________, she is very beautiful. (Moreover, Thus)
6. We take the bus every day. __________, we are familiar with the bus route. (Nevertheless,
Thus)
7. The child was sleepy. ______________, we went home early. (Otherwise, Therefore)
8. The food was delicious. _____________, the service was excellent. (Likewise, Nevertheless)
9. We looked everywhere. _____________, we could not find the keys. (However, Thus)
10. The book is long. _____________, the vocabulary is difficult. (Consequently, Furthermore)
11. Luckily, the moon was bright. ______________, we could not have seen the path.
(Accordingly, Otherwise)
12. He is old. _____________, his mind is still active. (Nonetheless, Therefore)
6. Paying attention to the structure of the sentences, fill in the blanks with the conjunctions or
connecting adverbs given in brackets. Make sure that the sentences conform to the rules of
correct formal English. For example:
It was very hot. ____________, we decided to go swimming. (Consequently, So)
It was very hot. Consequently, we decided to go swimming.
It was very hot, __ we decided to go swimming. (Consequently, So)
It was very hot, so we decided to go swimming.
1. I have invited him. ____________, I have invited his sister. (Also, And)
2. He walked up to the door ____________ knocked. (and, likewise)
3. The bus fare is expensive; ____________, I prefer to walk. (so, therefore)
4. She is well-educated. ____________, she has very good manners. (And, Besides)
5. I would rather travel by train, ___________ the bus leaves earlier. (but, however)
6. We were born in this village; ____________, we know everyone here. (hence, so that)
7. Put less wood on the fire, ___________ it will be too smoky. (or, otherwise)
8. They got off the train. __________ they began to search for a hotel. (And, Then)
9. She studied for many months; ____________, she knew the material thoroughly.
(consequently, so that)
10. The weather was hot; ____________, the air was humid. (and, moreover)
11. Please come with us, ____________ I can introduce you to my friends. (thus, so that)
12. The sun was warm, ____________ a cool breeze blew in from the sea. (but, however)
13. I have read this book before; ____________, I do not remember the plot. (but, however)
14. They were hot ____________ tired. (also, and)
15. The door was locked; ____________, we would have waited inside. (or, otherwise)
16. I have known her for many years; ____________, I understand her character well. (so that,
thus)
17. We opened the window ____________ fresh air would blow into the room. (consequently,
so that)
18. He is ignorant; ____________, he is lazy. (and, furthermore)
19. They visited many stores; ___________, they could not find what they were looking for.
(but, however)
20. You should go to sleep now, ____________ you will be tired tomorrow. (or, otherwise)
21. I was worried; ___________, I was determined not to show it. (but, nevertheless)
7. The following sentences are incorrect, because they contain correlative conjunctions, but do
not use parallel construction. Rewrite the sentences correctly, using parallel construction. For
example:
He owns both a typewriter and he has a word processor.
Corrected: He owns both a typewriter and a word processor.
I prefer either to read or going hiking.
Corrected: I prefer either to read or to go hiking.
1. The train proceeded neither quickly nor was it smooth.
2. They will leave either today or they will go tomorrow.
3. The child hates both getting up in the morning and to go to bed at night.
4. She is neither kind nor has patience.
5. He is not only talented, but also he has charm.
6. The street is lined with both oak trees and there are elm trees.
7. The lecture was not only very long but also it was very dull.
8. You should either eat less, or should exercise more.
9. I am not only proud to be here, but also feel happy to meet you.
10. The town is both historical and it is picturesque.
8. The following sentences are incorrect, because they present lists of ideas, but do not use
parallel construction. Rewrite the sentences correctly, using parallel construction. For example:
The air was cool, dry, and was clear.
Corrected: The air was cool, dry, and clear.
He has started making kites and to fly them.
Corrected: He has started making kites and flying them.
1. We walked out of the door, down the steps and went across the street.
2. She loves singing, dancing and to play the piano.
3. The wind moaned, shrieked and was howling.
4. The music was fast, brilliant and sounded exciting.
5. He proposes to borrow money, open a store and going into business.
6. The town boasts four libraries, two theaters and there are many schools.
7. The clouds were thick, black and looked threatening.
8. He likes running, jumping and to ride a bicycle.
9. They worked carefully, quickly and were quiet.
10. The vegetables were fresh, tender and tasted delicious.
ANSWERS for CHAPTER 28. CONJUNCTIONS
Answers to Exercise 1:
1. and 2. nor 3. yet 4. or 5. nor 6. but 7. yet 8. and
Answers to Exercise 2:
1. and 2. when 3. or 4. or 5. but also 6. then 7. nor 8. and 9. than 10. when 11. or 12.
than 13. nor 14. than 15. and
Answers to Exercise 3:
1. although 2. until 3. as soon as 4. as though 5. After 6. unless 7. Before 8. Even if 9.
since 10. as 11. supposing 12. If 13. so 14. than 15. for 16. providing 17. Because 18. or
else
Answers to Exercise 4:
1. although 2. despite 3. because 4. like 5. while 6. during 7. as if 8. because of 9. while
10. like 11. despite 12. because 13. as if 14. during 15. Although 16. Because of
Answers to Exercise 5:
1. Nevertheless 2. Then 3. Hence 4. Still 5. Moreover 6. Thus 7. Therefore 8. Likewise 9.
However 10. Furthermore 11. Otherwise 12. Nonetheless
Answers to Exercise 6:
1. Also 2. and 3. therefore 4. Besides 5. but 6. hence 7. or 8. Then 9. consequently 10.
moreover 11. so that 12. but 13. however 14. and 15. otherwise 16. thus 17. so that 18.
furthermore 19. however 20. or 21. nevertheless
Answers to Exercise 7:
1. The train proceeded neither quickly nor smoothly. 2. They will leave either today or
tomorrow. 3. The child hates both getting up in the morning and going to bed at night.
4. She is neither kind nor patient. 5. He is not only talented, but also charming. 6. The
street is lined with both oak trees and elm trees. 7. The lecture was not only very long
but also very dull. 8. You should either eat less, or exercise more. 9. I am not only proud
to be here, but also happy to meet you. 10. The town is both historical and picturesque.
Answers to Exercise 8:
1. We walked out of the door, down the steps and across the street. 2. She loves singing,
dancing and playing the piano. 3. The wind moaned, shrieked and howled. 4. The music
was fast, brilliant and exciting. 5. He proposes to borrow money, open a store and go
into business. 6. The town boasts four libraries, two theaters and many schools. 7. The
clouds were thick, black and threatening. 8. He likes running, jumping and riding a
bicycle. 9. They worked carefully, quickly and quietly. 10. The vegetables were fresh,
tender and delicious.