“Either..or, neither…nor, otherwise, else, or” are types of alternative coordinating conjunctions. These Conjunctions make choice between two alternative statements. Besides, independent clause and compound sentences are formed by alternative conjunctions.
Some alternative conjunctions make either positive or negative choice, while “Otherwise, else, or” express consequence if fails to do what was expected in the first choice. Let’s learn usages of alternative Conjunctions.
Subject verb agreement in alternative coordinating
In case of alternative Conjunctions, when the two nouns or pronouns are joined by “Or and Nor” are considered as singular, then the auxiliary verb should be singular.
Here are some examples:
- Either the dollar or euro is essential to make payments outside country. (Singular noun is connected. So, singular verb)
- Either Us or China is going to be global superpower. (singular noun is connected. So, singular verb)
- Neither tea nor coffee is useful in weight loss. Neither teacher nor students are willing to represent in the environmental debate. (Plural noun is connected. So, plural verb)
- Neither deers nor tiger is sighting in forest.
- Dedication is unavoidable to crack UPSC exam. So, proper guidance or training is compulsory to crack UPSC.
- Neither father nor his sons are optimistic about their future.(Plural noun is connected. So, plural verb)
Order and sequence of personal pronouns and subject verb agreement
When more than one personal pronouns are used in a sentence, the following order is used.
- You and she are going to be qualify for national championship.(second and third person)
- She and I are ready to join national army. Third and first person)
- You and I can win this competition.(second and first person)
- You, he, and I were there to help war victims. (Second, third, and first person)
Subject verb agreement in alternative coordinating conjunctions in personal pronouns
As rule, when the subject is joined by “Or and Nor” or different person in order, the verb agrees with nearer pronoun.
- Neither you nor I was there. (Singular person, singular verb)
- Either he or they are responsible for this act. (Plural person, plural verb)
- Neither he nor his brother is cowards. (Singular pronoun, singular verb)
Using alternative coordinating conjunctions
First of all, learn about Either or alternative coordinating Conjunctions.
It is also termed as correlative conjunction.
Either…or correlative and alternative coordinating conjunctions
You can use either…or to present two options. And, you need to exercise decision between two. Or, emphasis a option between two choices.
As per the subject verb agreement, “Either or neither is considered singular.
- Either tiger or leopard might have killed the zebra. (Suppose, a zebra is killed in sanctuary, by observation, you may predict like this. Here, you put emphasis on tiger or leopard.)
- Farmers need either groundwater or rainwater to plant sugarcane crops.
- Either US or China is responsible for the ongoing trade war.
- Either coal or natural gas is going to cause green house effect.
- She is either ambitious or courageous girl.
These are some useful examples emphasizing one positive choice among two presented alternatives.
- Either he or she is leading in the election results.
- You can either send me money either by Google pay or Globe pay.
Either… Or make choices between two
1) I want to purchase either a fountain pen or a cricket bat.
2) Either he may write with a fountain pen, or he can choose a ball pen in the exam.
3) Either he or his friends are responsible for this misdeed.
4) I can choose either science or humanities as a career option.
5) Either he will join us, or he will spend his weekend with his family.
These are some useful examples emphasing one choice between two presented things.
Neither….nor paired, correlative conjunction
Now, let’s learn to use correctly the paired, correlative, or alternative coordinating conjunctions –neither nor
Correlative conjunction is a pair of conjunctions, or phrase generally used together to join two grammatical elements of equal importance such as two nouns, adjectives, noun phrases, or independent clauses.
Neither nor correlative conjunction also functions as alternative coordinating conjunctions.
As per meaning, “Neither nor” correlative conjunction is used to negate two options in the writing or spoken expression.
Definition of Neither…nor correlative conjunction
Neither…nor means both options, choices and alternatives are not true. In short, neither….nor is used to negate two options.
- He is neither reliable nor loyal person.
- He neither reads nor writes regularly.
- Neither Konkan nor the North East is safe to travel in monsoon days.
- Neither my teacher nor tutor is helping me to solve this problem.
- Condition for farmers is too difficult. They are neither helped nor understood by the government.
- He is a disabled. So, he neither walks nor plays with us.
- Neither did they agree, nor did they inform about decision. (Inversion of helping verbs when independent clause is joined by neither…..nor at the beginning)
Comma is placed whenever neither…nor is used to begin the independent clause.
In the correlative or alternative conjunctions, Subject verb agreement is…
For two singular subjects, singular auxiliary verb is preferred. But for plural subjects, plural form of auxiliary verbs are used.
- He is a disabled. So, he neither walks nor plays with us.
- Neither my friends nor classmates are interested for tour.
In case of singular and plural subjects, subject closer to auxiliary verb is considered.
Neither he nor his friends are available for work. (One singular and one plural subject)
Examples of Neither…nor correlative conjunction
“To negate two nouns, adjective, and verbs”
- Neither my teacher nor tutor is helping me to solve this problem.
- I have neither pen nor pencil to draw an image.
- He is a disabled. So, he neither walks nor plays with us.
- I want to purchase neither blue nor red colour to paint my house.
These are some examples of Neither…nor correlative conjunctions.
“To negate two independent clauses”
- WTO is mere a platform for negotiation. It will neither accelerate negotiations nor convince member nations.
- Neither did they agree, nor did they inform about decision.
- Solar power will neither provide viable alternative nor fulfil growing requirement.
Neither……. Nor negate both choices
1) Neither Norway nor Switzerland is a member country of European Union.
2) Neither soil nor the water is free from pollution.
3) Neither he nor his friends are available for work.
4) Neither he nor his teammates were allowed to participate in this tournament anymore.
5) Neither she promised to help, nor were her friends responded positively.
“Examples of nor”
Nor is a coordinating conjunction used to express negative thought.
- His presence neither pleased his family, nor the relatives.
- I do not play for money, nor do I play for publicity.
- I do not like fast food, nor do I prefer spicy but simple boiled food.
This is all about the Neither…nor correlative conjunctions, and coordinating conjunction “nor”.
Using Otherwise and Or alternative coordinating conjunctions
“Otherwise and or” are also alternative coordinating conjunctions. They are used to show the condition in which if you fail to do suggested thing, consequence you have to face for.
Green vegetables are essential in daily diet. Otherwise/Or, malnutrition may occur.
Daily exercise is necessary for healthy lifestyle, otherwise/or, obesity, blood pressure and diabetes may rise.
Examples of Otherwise
1) You drink adequate water in summer otherwise you should be fainted
2) You should exercise daily otherwise your body will not exercise very well.
3) We must water the crop; otherwise, that will wilt down.
4) Think well before choosing a career; otherwise you will ruin your future.
5) You should avoid junk food; otherwise you will become fatty.
Use of “Else”as Alternative coordinating conjunction
It is also an example of alternative coordinating conjunction used to express sentences of negative sense and predicts danger. Sometimes it gives you a warning for upcoming consequences.
- Hurry up. Else you will miss your flight.
- I think you are a big fan of Lionel Messi, else you wouldn’t be here in jersey number 10.
- Be patient. Else you will loose the biggest opportunity in your life.
Solved questions on alternative coordinating conjunctions
Q. 1. What are the types and examples of alternative coordinating conjunctions?
Ans: “Either…or, neither… nor, otherwise, or” are examples of alternative coordinating conjunctions. Either..or emphasis on one choice between two alternatives.
Neither…nor used to negate two options in the writing or spoken expression.
Otherwise is used to show that the result will be different if the condition is not followed. Students need to focus sincerely, or/otherwise they will not get desired results.
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