C2 Mastery Advanced conjunctions and agreement
Correlative conjunctions & agreement
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use correlative conjunctions (not only...but also, neither...nor, both...and, either...or) and apply the correct subject-verb agreement rules.
When to use it
- Listing two equally emphasised ideas: Both the design and the price are important.
- Emphasising an additional point, usually with inversion when fronted: Not only did she submit late, but she also...
- Negating both options: Neither the manager nor the staff was aware...
- Giving two options: Either the teacher or the students are responsible...
Form
| Pair | Agreement rule |
|---|---|
| both...and | always plural |
| either...or / neither...nor | agrees with the subject nearest the verb |
| not only...but also | agrees with the second subject (nearest the verb) |
| Not only + inversion, but S also... | invert the auxiliary when Not only starts the sentence |
Step by step
- With 'both...and': the verb is always plural, regardless of singular/plural nouns.
- With 'either...or' and 'neither...nor': the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (the second subject).
- With 'not only...but also': the verb also agrees with the second subject.
- When 'Not only' begins the sentence, the clause containing it must be inverted (auxiliary before subject).
Agreement with the nearest subject
| Sentence | Subject that decides the verb |
|---|---|
| Neither the players nor the coach ___ satisfied. | the coach (singular) → is |
| Either the parents or the child ___ to attend. | the child (singular) → needs |
| Neither the teacher nor the students ___ aware. | the students (plural) → were |
Examples
Both the manager and the assistant were invited to the meeting.
Neither the manager nor her assistant is available.
Not only was the film too long, but it was also poorly acted.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible for booking the room.
Common mistakes
Neither the students nor the teacher are ready for the exam. → Neither the students nor the teacher is ready for the exam.
The subject nearest the verb is 'the teacher' (singular) → is, not are.
Not only she is smart, but she also works hard. → Not only is she smart, but she also works hard.
'Not only' at the start of a sentence requires inversion: Not only is she smart.
Both the design and the price is important. → Both the design and the price are important.
Both...and always takes a plural verb, regardless of the nearest subject.
Memory tip
With either/or and neither/nor, cover the first subject and look only at the second (closer to the verb) to pick the correct verb form.
Summary
- both...and → always plural.
- either...or / neither...nor / not only...but also → agree with the second subject (nearest the verb).
- Not only at the start of a sentence → inversion in the clause containing it.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.