LESSON 28 CONJUNCTIONS (PETERSON’S TOEFL SUCCESS)

(PETERSON’S TOEFL SUCCESS)

LESSON 28

CONJUNCTIONS

You may encounter errors with either correlative conjunctions or coordinate conjunctions. ERRORS WITH CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS Correlative conjunctions are two-part adjectives. Errors usually involve an incorrect combination of the two parts, such as neither . . . or or not only . . . and. Anytime you see a sentence containing correlative conjunctions, you should be on the lookout for this type of error. This is an easy error to spot! Correlative Conjunctions either . . . or neither . . . nor both . . . and not only . . . but also whether . . . or Another error is the use of both . . . and to join three elements. Sample Items X rays have (A) important applications (B), not only in medicine and (C) in industry (D). The correct answer is (C). The correct pattern is not only . . . but also. The (A) air that (B) surrounds our planet (C) is both odourless (D), colorless, and invisible. The correct answer is (D). Because both . . . and can only be used to join two elements, the word both must be eliminated to correct the sentence. ERRORS WITH COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS The conjunction and is correctly used to show addition; or is used to show choice between alternatives; but is used to show contrast or opposition. Sample Item Brakes and clutches serve (A) very different functions (B) in an automobile, and (C) their principles of operation are nearly (D) the same. The correct answer is (C). The first clause discusses how brakes and clutches are different; the second clause discusses how they are the same. Therefore, the conjunction joining them must show contrast. Choice (C) should read but. EXERCISE 28 Focus: Identifying errors involving conjunctions Directions: For Sentence Completion items, mark the answer choice that correctly completes the sentence. For Error Identification items, circle the underlined portion of the sentence that would not be considered correct. 1 Model airplanes can be (A) guided both (B) by control wires (C) or by (D) radio transmitters. 2 Specialty stores, unlike department stores, handle only one line of merchandise __________ a limited number of closely related lines. (A) either (B) but (C) instead (D) or 3 Thomas Eakins studied not only painting __________ anatomy when he was training to become an artist. (A) moreover (B) but also (C) as well (D) and 4 Information (A) in a computer can be lost because (B) it is not longer (C) stored or (D) because it is stored but cannot be retrieved. 5 A mosaic is a picture (A) done (B) from small bits of either (C) colored (D) glass or tile. 6 Although topology is the youngest branch of geometry, __________ is considered the most sophisticated. (A) but it (B) so it (C) it (D) however it 7 John Lancaster Spaulding was (A) not only a religious (B) leader and also (C) a social reformer (D) 8 In 1923, Jean Toomer wrote a book titled Cane that combined fiction __________ poetry to describe the experience of being black in the United States. (A) and (B) to (C) also (D) or 9 Although (A) fish can hear, they (B) have neither external (C) ears or (D) eardrums. 10 In all (A) animals, whether simple and (B) complex, enzymes aid in the digestion (C) of food (D). 11 Endive can be used __________ as a salad green or as a cooking vegetable. (A) such (B) both (C) either (D) neither 12 The two most (A) common methods florists are used to (B) tint flowers are the spray method and (C) the absorption (D) method. 13 Beekeepers can (A) sell both (B) the honey and the beeswax that their (C) bees produces (D). 14 Glucose does not have to be digested, __________ it can be put directly into the bloodstream. (A) so (B) while (C) and since (D) such 15 The human brain is often (A) compared to a computer, and (B) such an analogy (C) can be misleading (D). 16 Not only rust corrodes (A) the surface (B) of metal, but it also (C) weakens its internal structure (D). 17 Natural fiber comes from either animal __________ plant sources. (A) or (B) otherwise (C) and (D) nor 18 A work of science fiction generally (A) uses scientific discoveries (B) and advanced technology, either real or (C) imaginary, as part of their (D) plot. 19 Community theater not only provides entertainment (A) for local audiences as well as (B) furnishes a creative (C) outlet for (D) amateurs interested in drama. 20 Paint is ____________________________ used to protect wood. (A) not only the substance (B) the substance which is not only (C) not only a substance which is (D) not the only substance

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