Conjunctions and connectors

Rules

1. Pairs: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, though…yet.
2. 'Although/though' should not be followed by 'but' in the same sentence.
3. 'Because' gives a reason; 'so' gives a result; 'unless' means 'if not'.
4. Do not use 'not' with 'unless' or 'until' (they are already negative in meaning).

Examples

• Not only Ravi but also his friends came.
• Although it rained, the match continued.
• Wait here until I return.

Practice MCQs

1. Neither Ravi ___ Mohan was present.

   1. or
   2. nor
   3. and
   4. but
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) nor. 'Neither' pairs with 'nor'.

2. Though he is poor, ___ he is honest.

   1. but
   2. yet
   3. and
   4. so
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) yet. 'Though' pairs with 'yet' (or nothing), never 'but'.

3. He was tired, ___ he went to bed early.

   1. because
   2. so
   3. unless
   4. although
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) so. 'So' shows the result.

4. You will fail ___ you work hard.

   1. if
   2. unless
   3. until not
   4. because
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) unless. 'Unless' = 'if not'.

5. Choose the correct sentence.

   1. Wait here until I do not return.
   2. Wait here until I return.
   3. Wait here till I don't return.
   4. Wait here unless I return.
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) Wait here until I return.. 'Until' already has a negative sense; no 'not'.

6. She is not only intelligent ___ hard-working.

   1. and also
   2. but also
   3. as well
   4. so also
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) but also. 'Not only' pairs with 'but also'.