English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Fill in the missing correlative conjunction
Fill in the missing correlative conjunction
What you'll learn
- Identify correlative conjunctions (both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or) within sentences with 80% accuracy on a written quiz.
- Solve sentences with missing correlative conjunctions by correctly filling in the blanks using the appropriate pair in at least 4 out of 5 practice problems.
- Explain the function of correlative conjunctions in connecting related ideas within a sentence, providing at least two distinct examples during class discussion.
- Apply knowledge of correlative conjunctions to construct 3 original sentences, each utilizing a different correlative pair, that demonstrate grammatically correct usage and clear meaning.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the common pairs of correlative conjunctions.
Correctly fill in the missing part of a correlative conjunction pair in a given sentence.
Ensure parallelism in sentence structure when using correlative conjunctions.
Critique peers' use of correlative conjunctions for clarity and grammatical correctness.
Revise sentences to improve the effective use of correlative conjunctions.
Explain the impact of correctly used correlative conjunctions on sentence cohesion and argumentative strength.
Ever read a sentence that just felt...off? 🤔 Sometimes, it's because a crucial word is missing, especially when connecting ideas in pairs!
In this lesson, you'll learn to identify and correctly use correlative conjunctions, those powerful pairs that...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Correlative ConjunctionsPairs of conjunctions that work together to connect grammatically equal elements in a sentence, such as nouns, verbs, phrases, or clauses.Common pairs include *both...and*, *either...or*, *neither...nor*, *not only...but also*, *whether...or*.
ParallelismThe use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in importance. With correlative conjunctions, the elements following each part of the pair must be grammatically identical.Incorrect: She likes *not only* to sing *but also* dancing. Correct: She likes *not only* to sing *but also* to dance.
ConjunctionA word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g., and, but, or). Correlative conjunctions are a specific type of c...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Rule of Parallel Structure
The grammatical structure following the first part of a correlative conjunction must be identical to the grammatical structure following the second part.
This rule ensures balance and clarity. If you have a noun after the first part, you need a noun after the second. If you have a verb phrase, you need another verb phrase.
Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Either/Or' and 'Neither/Nor'
When 'either/or' or 'neither/nor' connect two subjects, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.
This is crucial for grammatical correctness. For example, 'Neither the students nor the teacher *is* ready' (singular 'teacher' is closer), but 'Neither the teacher nor the students *are* ready'...
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
During a peer review, you explain why the revision from 'The plan was risky and it was bold' to 'The plan was both risky and bold' improves the essay. What is the primary impact of this change on sentence cohesion?
A.It creates a tighter, more immediate connection between the two adjectives, strengthening the description.
B.It changes the meaning to suggest the plan could only be one or the other.
C.It introduces a negative connotation that was not there before.
D.It corrects a subject-verb agreement error in the original sentence.
Challenging
A peer's sentence has multiple errors: 'The research not only was flawed, but also its conclusion was unsupported.' As an expert peer reviewer, what is the most effective and concise revision?
A.Not only the research was flawed, but also its conclusion was unsupported.
B.The research was not only flawed but also unsupported.
C.The research was flawed, and also its conclusion was unsupported.
D.Neither the research was flawed nor was its conclusion unsupported.
Challenging
You are peer reviewing an argumentative essay. The author presents two options. Which sentence uses a correlative conjunction most effectively to strengthen the argument by forcing the reader to choose between two distinct paths?
A.We can both reform the system and we can also abolish it.
B.We can not only reform the system but also abolish it.
C.We can neither reform the system nor abolish it.
D.We must either reform the system or abolish it entirely.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing FreeMore from Peer review
English Language Arts for other grades
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Fill in the missing correlative conjunction"?
Fill in the missing correlative conjunction is a Grade 8 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Fill in the missing correlative conjunction?
You'll be able to: Identify correlative conjunctions (both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or) within sentences with 80% accuracy on a written quiz; Solve sentences with missing correlative conjunctions by correctly filling….
Is "Fill in the missing correlative conjunction" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Fill in the missing correlative conjunction?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.