Here are two very useful pairs of conjunctions: "Either...or..." and "Neither...nor...". They are used to talk about choices or alternatives.
Either . . . or . . .
We use "either...or..." when we want to show a choice between two (or more) possibilities. It means "one or the other" or "one of these options." It's generally used in positive sentences.
Here's how it works:
- Connecting two subjects:
- Either John or Sarah will pick you up from the airport. (One of them will pick you up.)
- Either the blue car or the red car is available. (Only one car is available.)
- Verb Agreement Note: When "either...or..." connects two subjects, the verb usually agrees with the subject that is closer to the verb.
- Either the students or the teacher is responsible. (Teacher is singular, so "is".)
- Either the teacher or the students are responsible. (Students are plural, so "are".)
- Connecting two objects:
- You can have either coffee or tea. (You can choose one.)
- We should visit either Paris or Rome this summer. (We will visit one of these cities.)
- Connecting two verbs/actions:
- You can either call me or send me an email. (Choose one way to contact me.)
- She will either study for the exam or go to the party. (She will do one of these things.)
Neither . . . nor . . .
We use "neither...nor..." when we want to show that none of the two (or more) possibilities are true or apply. It's the opposite of "both...and..." and means "not this one and not that one." It's used in negative sentences, but the verb itself usually remains positive because "neither/nor" already carry the negative meaning.
Here's how it works:
- Connecting two subjects:
- Neither John nor Sarah was at the party. (John was not there, and Sarah was not there.)
- Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits me. (Neither shirt fits.)
- Verb Agreement Note: Similar to "either...or...", when "neither...nor..." connects two subjects, the verb usually agrees with the subject that is closer to the verb.
- Neither the students nor the teacher is ready. (Teacher is singular, so "is".)
- Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. (Students are plural, so "are".)
- Connecting two objects:
- I like neither strong coffee nor sweet tea. (I don't like either beverage.)
- She plays neither tennis nor golf. (She doesn't play either sport.)
- Connecting two verbs/actions:
- He can neither sing nor dance well. (He can't do either well.)
- The problem was neither simple nor easy to solve. (It was neither simple nor easy.)
These pairs are very useful for expressing choices and exclusions clearly and concisely!