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Using paired conjunctions such as either...or and neither...nor.
Practice: build the sentences →Correlative conjunctions are paired expressions that work together to connect grammatically equivalent elements.
Common pairs include both ... and, either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also, and whether ... or.
Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
И Джон, и Мэри присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" connects two included elements.
You can either stay here or come with us.
Ты можешь либо остаться здесь, либо пойти с нами.
"Either ... or" presents two alternatives.
Neither John nor Mary was available.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не были доступны.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative alternatives.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
I do not know whether to stay or leave.
Я не знаю, остаться или уйти.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
И менеджер, и ассистент присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" joins two parallel noun phrases.
You can either call me or send me a message.
Ты можешь либо позвонить мне, либо отправить сообщение.
"Either ... or" joins two alternative actions.
Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
Согласен ты или нет, решение уже принято.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Both ... and connects two elements and indicates that both are included.
For example, Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
И Джон, и Мэри присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" connects two included subjects.
She likes both tea and coffee.
Она любит и чай, и кофе.
"Both ... and" connects two included objects.
He is both intelligent and hardworking.
Он и умный, и трудолюбивый.
"Both ... and" connects two included adjectives.
We visited both Paris and Rome.
Мы посетили и Париж, и Рим.
"Both ... and" connects two included places.
Both my brother and my sister live abroad.
И мой брат, и моя сестра живут за границей.
"Both ... and" connects two included subjects.
She can both sing and dance.
Она умеет и петь, и танцевать.
"Both ... and" connects two included abilities.
The film was both long and boring.
Фильм был и длинным, и скучным.
"Both ... and" connects two included qualities.
Both the teacher and the students were happy.
И учитель, и ученики были счастливы.
"Both ... and" connects two included subjects.
Both ... and can connect phrases that perform the same grammatical function.
For example, She is both intelligent and hardworking.
She is both intelligent and hardworking.
Она и умная, и трудолюбивая.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjective phrases.
The job is both demanding and rewarding.
Работа и требовательная, и вознаграждающая.
"Both ... and" connects two adjective phrases.
He is both a teacher and a writer.
Он и учитель, и писатель.
"Both ... and" connects two noun phrases.
The film is both entertaining and educational.
Фильм и развлекательный, и образовательный.
"Both ... and" connects two adjective phrases.
She is both a doctor and a researcher.
Она и врач, и исследователь.
"Both ... and" connects two noun phrases.
The plan is both practical and affordable.
План и практичный, и доступный по цене.
"Both ... and" connects two adjective phrases.
He is both my colleague and my friend.
Он и мой коллега, и мой друг.
"Both ... and" connects two noun phrases.
The book is both informative and well written.
Книга и информативная, и хорошо написанная.
"Both ... and" connects two adjective phrases.
Both ... and can connect two clauses when both pieces of information are included.
For example, She both works full-time and studies at university.
She both works full-time and studies at university.
Она и работает полный день, и учится в университете.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
He both wrote the script and directed the film.
Он и написал сценарий, и снял фильм.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
She both sings and plays the piano.
Она и поёт, и играет на пианино.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
He both apologized and offered to make amends.
Он и извинился, и предложил загладить вину.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
She both manages the team and handles client relations.
Она и руководит командой, и занимается отношениями с клиентами.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
The report both highlights the problems and suggests solutions.
Отчёт и освещает проблемы, и предлагает решения.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
They both attended the meeting and submitted their reports.
Они и присутствовали на собрании, и сдали свои отчёты.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
The new system both saves time and reduces costs.
Новая система и экономит время, и снижает затраты.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel verb phrases.
Either ... or presents two alternatives and indicates that one or the other is relevant.
For example, You can either stay here or come with us.
You can either stay here or come with us.
Ты можешь либо остаться здесь, либо пойти с нами.
"Either ... or" presents two alternatives.
We can either go by bus or by train.
Мы можем поехать либо на автобусе, либо на поезде.
"Either ... or" presents two alternatives.
You can have either tea or coffee.
Ты можешь выпить либо чай, либо кофе.
"Either ... or" presents two choices.
She will either call you or send an email.
Она либо позвонит тебе, либо отправит письмо.
"Either ... or" presents two possible actions.
We could either watch a movie or play a game.
Мы могли бы либо посмотреть фильм, либо поиграть в игру.
"Either ... or" presents two leisure options.
You can pay either now or later.
Ты можешь заплатить либо сейчас, либо позже.
"Either ... or" presents two times for payment.
Either John or Mary will help you.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри поможет тебе.
"Either ... or" presents two possible helpers.
You can either walk or take a taxi.
Ты можешь либо пойти пешком, либо взять такси.
"Either ... or" presents two alternatives.
Either ... or can connect two noun phrases functioning in the same grammatical role.
For example, Either John or Mary will lead the meeting.
Either John or Mary will lead the meeting.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри будет вести собрание.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as subjects.
You can choose either the red one or the blue one.
Ты можешь выбрать либо красный, либо синий.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as objects.
Either the manager or the assistant will sign the document.
Либо менеджер, либо ассистент подпишет документ.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as subjects.
We can meet on either Monday or Tuesday.
Мы можем встретиться либо в понедельник, либо во вторник.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases.
She will travel to either Paris or Rome.
Она поедет либо в Париж, либо в Рим.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases.
You can use either the stairs or the elevator.
Ты можешь использовать либо лестницу, либо лифт.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as objects.
Either the cat or the dog knocked over the vase.
Либо кошка, либо собака опрокинула вазу.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as subjects.
I will order either the soup or the salad.
Я закажу либо суп, либо салат.
"Either ... or" connects two noun phrases as objects.
Either ... or can connect two alternative actions, predicates, or phrases.
For example, You can either call me or send me a message.
You can either call me or send me a message.
Ты можешь либо позвонить мне, либо отправить сообщение.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
She will either stay at home or go to the party.
Она либо останется дома, либо пойдёт на вечеринку.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
We can either walk or take the bus.
Мы можем либо пойти пешком, либо поехать на автобусе.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
He will either accept the offer or reject it.
Он либо примет предложение, либо отклонит его.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
You can either pay in cash or use a credit card.
Ты можешь либо заплатить наличными, либо использовать кредитную карту.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
She either works from home or studies at the library.
Она либо работает из дома, либо учится в библиотеке.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
They will either move to a new city or renovate their house.
Они либо переедут в новый город, либо отремонтируют свой дом.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
You can either take the train or drive there.
Ты можешь либо поехать на поезде, либо доехать на машине.
"Either ... or" connects two alternative verb phrases.
Neither ... nor expresses two negative alternatives and indicates that neither applies.
For example, Neither John nor Mary was available.
Neither John nor Mary was available.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не были доступны.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative alternatives.
She likes neither tea nor coffee.
Она не любит ни чай, ни кофе.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative alternatives.
He is neither intelligent nor hardworking.
Он ни умный, ни трудолюбивый.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative qualities.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was present.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не присутствовали.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative subjects.
We can neither stay here nor go home.
Мы не можем ни остаться здесь, ни пойти домой.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative alternatives.
She can neither sing nor dance.
Она не умеет ни петь, ни танцевать.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative abilities.
Neither my brother nor my sister lives abroad.
Ни мой брат, ни моя сестра не живут за границей.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative subjects.
He neither apologized nor explained.
Он ни извинился, ни объяснил.
"Neither ... nor" presents two negative actions.
Neither ... nor normally already provides the negative meaning, so another negative marker is usually unnecessary in standard English.
For example, Neither John nor Mary came, not Neither John nor Mary did not come.
Neither John nor Mary came.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не пришли.
Correct: "neither ... nor" already provides the negative meaning.
Neither John nor Mary did not come.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не не пришли.
Incorrect: unnecessary double negative with "neither ... nor".
Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не были доступны.
Correct: "neither ... nor" already provides the negative meaning.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was not available.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не были не доступны.
Incorrect: unnecessary double negative.
She likes neither tea nor coffee.
Она не любит ни чай, ни кофе.
Correct: "neither ... nor" already provides the negative meaning.
She does not like neither tea nor coffee.
Она не любит ни чай, ни кофе.
Incorrect: unnecessary double negative with "not" and "neither".
He can neither sing nor dance.
Он не умеет ни петь, ни танцевать.
Correct: "neither ... nor" already provides the negative meaning.
He cannot neither sing nor dance.
Он не может ни петь, ни танцевать.
Incorrect: unnecessary double negative with "cannot" and "neither".
Not only ... but also adds a second element while giving it additional emphasis.
For example, She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
He is not only a teacher but also a writer.
Он не только учитель, но и писатель.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
The film is not only entertaining but also educational.
Фильм не только развлекательный, но и образовательный.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
She is not only talented but also very disciplined.
Она не только талантлива, но и очень дисциплинирована.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
The plan is not only practical but also affordable.
План не только практичный, но и доступный по цене.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
He is not only my colleague but also my friend.
Он не только мой коллега, но и мой друг.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
The book is not only informative but also well written.
Книга не только информативная, но и хорошо написанная.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
She is not only a doctor but also a researcher.
Она не только врач, но и исследователь.
"Not only ... but also" adds emphasis to the second element.
Not only ... but also can connect clauses with parallel grammatical structures.
For example, She not only finished the project but also presented the results.
She not only finished the project but also presented the results.
Она не только закончила проект, но и представила результаты.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
He not only wrote the script but also directed the film.
Он не только написал сценарий, но и снял фильм.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
She not only sings but also plays the piano.
Она не только поёт, но и играет на пианино.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
He not only apologized but also offered to make amends.
Он не только извинился, но и предложил загладить вину.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
She not only manages the team but also handles client relations.
Она не только руководит командой, но и занимается отношениями с клиентами.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
The report not only highlights the problems but also suggests solutions.
Отчёт не только освещает проблемы, но и предлагает решения.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
They not only attended the meeting but also submitted their reports.
Они не только присутствовали на собрании, но и сдали свои отчёты.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
The new system not only saves time but also reduces costs.
Новая система не только экономит время, но и снижает затраты.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel verb phrases.
When not only begins a clause for emphasis, subject-auxiliary inversion normally follows.
For example, Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила проект, но и улучшила его.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did she finish".
Not only does he speak English, but he also speaks French.
Он не только говорит по-английски, но и по-французски.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "does he speak".
Not only did they arrive late, but they also forgot the tickets.
Они не только опоздали, но и забыли билеты.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did they arrive".
Not only has she visited Paris, but she has also lived there.
Она не только посетила Париж, но и жила там.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "has she visited".
Not only did the team win, but they also broke a record.
Команда не только победила, но и побила рекорд.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did the team win".
Not only is she intelligent, but she is also very kind.
Она не только умна, но и очень добра.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "is she intelligent".
Not only did he apologize, but he also offered to help.
Он не только извинился, но и предложил помощь.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did he apologize".
Not only will they come, but they will also bring gifts.
Они не только придут, но и принесут подарки.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "will they come".
Whether ... or presents alternatives when discussing uncertainty, choice, or two possible conditions.
For example, I do not know whether to stay or leave.
I do not know whether to stay or leave.
Я не знаю, остаться или уйти.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
She could not decide whether to accept the offer or decline it.
Она не могла решить, принять предложение или отклонить его.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
We need to decide whether we go by train or by bus.
Нам нужно решить, поедем мы на поезде или на автобусе.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
I wonder whether he will call or send a message.
Интересно, он позвонит или отправит сообщение.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
They are unsure whether to expand or downsize the business.
Они не уверены, расширять бизнес или сокращать его.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
She asked whether we should meet on Monday or Tuesday.
Она спросила, встречаемся мы в понедельник или во вторник.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
I cannot decide whether to buy the red one or the blue one.
Я не могу решить, купить красный или синий.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
We were discussing whether to stay at a hotel or rent an apartment.
Мы обсуждали, остановиться в отеле или снять квартиру.
"Whether ... or" presents alternatives under consideration.
Whether ... or not emphasizes that the result applies regardless of which possibility is true.
For example, Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
Согласен ты или нет, решение уже принято.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether it rains or not, we will go ahead with the event.
Пойдёт дождь или нет, мы проведём мероприятие.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether she likes it or not, she has to follow the rules.
Нравится ей это или нет, она должна следовать правилам.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether you come or not, the meeting will take place.
Придёшь ты или нет, собрание состоится.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether he apologizes or not, I will not forgive him.
Извинится он или нет, я его не прощу.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether the weather is good or not, we are going hiking.
Хорошая погода или нет, мы идём в поход.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether you believe it or not, it is true.
Веришь ты или нет, это правда.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Whether they win or not, they have played well.
Победят они или нет, они хорошо играли.
"Whether ... or not" emphasizes that the result applies regardless.
Either ... or can coordinate alternative actions or situations within a modal construction.
For example, You can either stay or leave.
You can either stay or leave.
Ты можешь либо остаться, либо уйти.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
She might either call or send a message.
Она, возможно, либо позвонит, либо отправит сообщение.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
We could either walk or take a taxi.
Мы могли бы либо пойти пешком, либо взять такси.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
He will either accept or decline the offer.
Он либо примет, либо отклонит предложение.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
You must either apologize or explain your actions.
Ты должен либо извиниться, либо объяснить свои действия.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
They can either pay now or pay later.
Они могут либо заплатить сейчас, либо позже.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
She should either rest or take some medicine.
Ей следует либо отдохнуть, либо принять лекарство.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
You may either sit here or move to another seat.
Ты можешь либо сидеть здесь, либо пересесть на другое место.
"Either ... or" coordinates alternatives within a modal construction.
Neither ... nor can coordinate two negative alternatives within a modal construction.
For example, You can neither stay nor leave.
You can neither stay nor leave.
Ты не можешь ни остаться, ни уйти.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
She could neither sing nor dance.
Она не умела ни петь, ни танцевать.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
We could neither confirm nor deny the report.
Мы не могли ни подтвердить, ни опровергнуть отчёт.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
He will neither apologize nor explain.
Он ни извинится, ни объяснит.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
You must neither shout nor interrupt.
Ты не должен ни кричать, ни перебивать.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
They can neither read nor write.
Они не умеют ни читать, ни писать.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
She should neither ignore nor dismiss the problem.
Ей не следует ни игнорировать, ни отвергать проблему.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
You may neither smoke nor drink here.
Здесь нельзя ни курить, ни пить.
"Neither ... nor" coordinates negative alternatives within a modal construction.
With either ... or subjects, the verb commonly agrees with the subject or noun phrase closest to it in standard usage.
For example, Either the manager or the assistants are responsible, but Either the assistants or the manager is responsible.
Either the manager or the assistants are responsible.
Ответственны либо менеджер, либо ассистенты.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "the assistants".
Either the assistants or the manager is responsible.
Ответственны либо ассистенты, либо менеджер.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "the manager".
Either John or his friends are coming.
Либо Джон, либо его друзья придут.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "his friends".
Either his friends or John is coming.
Либо его друзья, либо Джон придёт.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "John".
Either the teacher or the students have the answer.
Либо у учителя, либо у студентов есть ответ.
The verb "have" agrees with the nearest subject "the students".
Either the students or the teacher has the answer.
Либо у студентов, либо у учителя есть ответ.
The verb "has" agrees with the nearest subject "the teacher".
Either the cat or the dogs are making noise.
Либо кошка, либо собаки шумят.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "the dogs".
Either the dogs or the cat is making noise.
Либо собаки, либо кошка шумят.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "the cat".
With neither ... nor subjects, the verb commonly agrees with the nearest subject or noun phrase in standard usage.
For example, Neither the manager nor the assistants are available, but Neither the assistants nor the manager is available.
Neither the manager nor the assistants are available.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистенты не доступны.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "the assistants".
Neither the assistants nor the manager is available.
Ни ассистенты, ни менеджер не доступны.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "the manager".
Neither John nor his friends are coming.
Ни Джон, ни его друзья не придут.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "his friends".
Neither his friends nor John is coming.
Ни его друзья, ни Джон не придут.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "John".
Neither the teacher nor the students have the answer.
Ни у учителя, ни у студентов нет ответа.
The verb "have" agrees with the nearest subject "the students".
Neither the students nor the teacher has the answer.
Ни у студентов, ни у учителя нет ответа.
The verb "has" agrees with the nearest subject "the teacher".
Neither the cat nor the dogs are making noise.
Ни кошка, ни собаки не шумят.
The verb "are" agrees with the nearest subject "the dogs".
Neither the dogs nor the cat is making noise.
Ни собаки, ни кошка не шумят.
The verb "is" agrees with the nearest subject "the cat".
When both coordinated subjects are singular, the verb is singular.
For example, Either John or Mary is responsible.
Either John or Mary is responsible.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри ответственны.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
Neither the manager nor the assistant is available.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не доступны.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
Either the cat or the dog is sleeping.
Либо кошка, либо собака спит.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
Neither the teacher nor the student knows the answer.
Ни учитель, ни ученик не знают ответа.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "knows" is singular.
Either my brother or my sister is coming.
Либо мой брат, либо моя сестра придёт.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
Neither the president nor the vice president was present.
Ни президент, ни вице-президент не присутствовали.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "was" is singular.
Either the book or the magazine is on the table.
Либо книга, либо журнал на столе.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
Neither the car nor the bike is available.
Ни машина, ни велосипед не доступны.
Both coordinated subjects are singular, so the verb "is" is singular.
When both coordinated subjects are plural, the verb is plural.
For example, Either the managers or the assistants are responsible.
Either the managers or the assistants are responsible.
Либо менеджеры, либо ассистенты ответственны.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Neither the managers nor the assistants are available.
Ни менеджеры, ни ассистенты не доступны.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Either the cats or the dogs are sleeping.
Либо кошки, либо собаки спят.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Neither the teachers nor the students know the answer.
Ни учителя, ни ученики не знают ответа.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "know" is plural.
Either my brothers or my sisters are coming.
Либо мои братья, либо мои сёстры придут.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Neither the books nor the magazines are on the table.
Ни книги, ни журналы не на столе.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Either the cars or the bikes are available.
Либо машины, либо велосипеды доступны.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "are" is plural.
Neither the presidents nor the vice presidents were present.
Ни президенты, ни вице-президенты не присутствовали.
Both coordinated subjects are plural, so the verb "were" is plural.
The elements connected by a correlative conjunction should normally have matching grammatical forms.
For example, She likes both reading and writing, not She likes both reading and to write.
She likes both reading and writing.
Она любит и читать, и писать.
Parallel: both coordinated elements are gerunds.
She likes both reading and to write.
Она любит и читать, и писать.
Non-parallel: mixes gerund and infinitive.
He is both intelligent and hardworking.
Он и умный, и трудолюбивый.
Parallel: both coordinated elements are adjectives.
He is both intelligent and works hard.
Он и умный, и усердно работает.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
We can go both by bus and by train.
Мы можем поехать и на автобусе, и на поезде.
Parallel: both coordinated elements are prepositional phrases.
We can go both by bus and take a train.
Мы можем поехать и на автобусе, и сесть на поезд.
Non-parallel: mixes prepositional phrase and verb phrase.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
Parallel: both coordinated elements are adjectives.
She is not only intelligent but also works hard.
Она не только умна, но и усердно работает.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
Correlative conjunctions can connect parallel noun phrases.
For example, Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
И менеджер, и ассистент присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases as subjects.
You can choose either the red one or the blue one.
Ты можешь выбрать либо красный, либо синий.
"Either ... or" connects two parallel noun phrases as objects.
Neither the manager nor the assistant was present.
Ни менеджер, ни ассистент не присутствовали.
"Neither ... nor" connects two parallel noun phrases as subjects.
She is not only a teacher but also a writer.
Она не только учитель, но и писатель.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel noun phrases.
I do not know whether to choose the soup or the salad.
Я не знаю, выбрать суп или салат.
"Whether ... or" connects two parallel noun phrases.
Both the students and the teachers were happy.
И студенты, и учителя были счастливы.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases as subjects.
You can take either the stairs or the elevator.
Ты можешь воспользоваться либо лестницей, либо лифтом.
"Either ... or" connects two parallel noun phrases as objects.
She visited both Paris and Rome.
Она посетила и Париж, и Рим.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases as objects.
Correlative conjunctions can connect adjectives or adjective phrases with the same grammatical function.
For example, The job is both demanding and rewarding.
The job is both demanding and rewarding.
Работа и требовательная, и вознаграждающая.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjectives.
She is both intelligent and hardworking.
Она и умная, и трудолюбивая.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjectives.
The film is both entertaining and educational.
Фильм и развлекательный, и образовательный.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjectives.
The plan is both practical and affordable.
План и практичный, и доступный по цене.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjectives.
She is not only talented but also disciplined.
Она не только талантлива, но и дисциплинирована.
"Not only ... but also" connects two parallel adjectives.
The room is neither large nor comfortable.
Комната ни большая, ни удобная.
"Neither ... nor" connects two parallel adjectives.
The book is both informative and well written.
Книга и информативная, и хорошо написанная.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel adjectives.
The situation is neither hopeless nor easy.
Ситуация ни безнадёжная, ни лёгкая.
"Neither ... nor" connects two parallel adjectives.
When two actions are coordinated through a correlative conjunction, their verb forms should normally be parallel.
For example, She either works from home or studies at the library.
She either works from home or studies at the library.
Она либо работает из дома, либо учится в библиотеке.
Parallel: both coordinated verb phrases are present simple.
She either works from home or studying at the library.
Она либо работает из дома, либо учится в библиотеке.
Non-parallel: mixes present simple and gerund.
He both wrote the script and directed the film.
Он и написал сценарий, и снял фильм.
Parallel: both coordinated verb phrases are past simple.
He both wrote the script and directing the film.
Он и написал сценарий, и снимал фильм.
Non-parallel: mixes past simple and gerund.
She can both sing and dance.
Она умеет и петь, и танцевать.
Parallel: both coordinated verb phrases are bare infinitives.
She can both sing and dancing.
Она умеет и петь, и танцевать.
Non-parallel: mixes bare infinitive and gerund.
He is not only intelligent but also works hard.
Он не только умный, но и усердно работает.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
She not only finished the project but also presented the results.
Она не только закончила проект, но и представила результаты.
Parallel: both coordinated verb phrases are past simple.
The paired structure can connect prepositional phrases when both alternatives or elements have the same grammatical function.
For example, The decision depends on either the manager or the client.
The decision depends on either the manager or the client.
Решение зависит либо от менеджера, либо от клиента.
"Either ... or" connects two parallel prepositional complements.
We can meet on either Monday or Tuesday.
Мы можем встретиться либо в понедельник, либо во вторник.
"Either ... or" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "on".
She is interested in both literature and history.
Она интересуется и литературой, и историей.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "in".
He is afraid of neither dogs nor cats.
Он не боится ни собак, ни кошек.
"Neither ... nor" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "of".
The decision depends on both the manager and the client.
Решение зависит и от менеджера, и от клиента.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "on".
We can go in either direction or the other.
Мы можем пойти либо в одном направлении, либо в другом.
"Either ... or" connects two parallel alternatives after the preposition "in".
She is known for both her intelligence and her kindness.
Она известна и своим умом, и своей добротой.
"Both ... and" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "for".
He succeeded through neither luck nor hard work.
Он добился успеха ни благодаря удаче, ни благодаря упорному труду.
"Neither ... nor" connects two parallel noun phrases after the preposition "through".
Informal and emphatic English can use not just ... but to highlight an additional or contrasting point.
For example, It is not just useful but also easy to use.
It is not just useful but also easy to use.
Это не только полезно, но и легко в использовании.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
She is not just a teacher but also a mentor.
Она не только учитель, но и наставник.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
The film is not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.
Фильм не только развлекательный, но и заставляющий задуматься.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
He is not just intelligent but also very creative.
Он не только умный, но и очень творческий.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
The plan is not just practical but also cost-effective.
План не только практичный, но и экономически эффективный.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
She is not just my colleague but also my friend.
Она не только моя коллега, но и моя подруга.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
The book is not just informative but also enjoyable.
Книга не только информативная, но и приятная для чтения.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
The system is not just fast but also secure.
Система не только быстрая, но и безопасная.
"Not just ... but also" adds an emphatic additional point.
Whether ... or can occur inside noun clauses and indirect questions when alternatives are being considered.
For example, I do not know whether he will stay or leave.
I do not know whether he will stay or leave.
Я не знаю, останется он или уйдёт.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause.
She asked whether we should meet on Monday or Tuesday.
Она спросила, встречаемся мы в понедельник или во вторник.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside an indirect question.
We need to decide whether we go by train or by bus.
Нам нужно решить, поедем мы на поезде или на автобусе.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause after "decide".
I wonder whether she will accept or decline the offer.
Интересно, она примет или отклонит предложение.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause after "wonder".
They are unsure whether to expand or downsize the business.
Они не уверены, расширять бизнес или сокращать его.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause.
He could not remember whether he had locked the door or not.
Он не мог вспомнить, запер ли он дверь или нет.
"Whether ... or not" occurs inside a noun clause.
She has not decided whether to study medicine or law.
Она ещё не решила, изучать медицину или право.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause.
I cannot decide whether to buy the red one or the blue one.
Я не могу решить, купить красный или синий.
"Whether ... or" occurs inside a noun clause after "decide".
Correlative conjunctions can make alternatives, inclusion, or contrast more explicit and emphatic than simple coordination.
For example, Not only did she finish the work, but she also improved it.
Not only did she finish the work, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила работу, но и улучшила её.
"Not only ... but also" makes the addition more emphatic.
Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
И менеджер, и ассистент присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" makes the inclusion more explicit and emphatic.
Either John or Mary will lead the meeting.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри будет вести собрание.
"Either ... or" makes the alternatives more explicit and emphatic.
Neither John nor Mary was available.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не были доступны.
"Neither ... nor" makes the exclusion more explicit and emphatic.
Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.
Согласен ты или нет, решение уже принято.
"Whether ... or not" makes the alternatives under consideration more emphatic.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
"Not only ... but also" makes the addition more emphatic.
Both my brother and my sister live abroad.
И мой брат, и моя сестра живут за границей.
"Both ... and" makes the inclusion more explicit and emphatic.
We can neither stay here nor go home.
Мы не можем ни остаться здесь, ни пойти домой.
"Neither ... nor" makes the exclusion more explicit and emphatic.
Choose the correlative conjunction according to the intended relationship: inclusion, alternatives, exclusion, emphasis, or uncertainty.
Use both ... and for inclusion, either ... or for alternatives, neither ... nor for negative alternatives, not only ... but also for emphatic addition, and whether ... or for alternatives under consideration.
Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
И Джон, и Мэри присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" expresses inclusion.
You can either stay here or come with us.
Ты можешь либо остаться здесь, либо пойти с нами.
"Either ... or" expresses alternatives.
Neither John nor Mary was available.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не были доступны.
"Neither ... nor" expresses negative alternatives.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Она не только умна, но и трудолюбива.
"Not only ... but also" expresses emphatic addition.
I do not know whether to stay or leave.
Я не знаю, остаться или уйти.
"Whether ... or" expresses alternatives under consideration.
Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
И менеджер, и ассистент присутствовали на собрании.
"Both ... and" expresses inclusion.
You can have either tea or coffee.
Ты можешь выпить либо чай, либо кофе.
"Either ... or" expresses alternatives.
Neither my brother nor my sister lives abroad.
Ни мой брат, ни моя сестра не живут за границей.
"Neither ... nor" expresses negative alternatives.
Use both parts of the correlative conjunction and maintain correct parallel structure and agreement.
Common mistakes include omitting the second conjunction, mixing non-parallel forms, using unnecessary negatives with neither ... nor, and choosing the wrong verb after either ... or or neither ... nor.
Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
И Джон, и Мэри присутствовали на собрании.
Correct: both parts of the correlative conjunction are present.
Both John attended the meeting.
И Джон присутствовал на собрании.
Incorrect: missing the second part "and".
She likes both reading and writing.
Она любит и читать, и писать.
Correct: parallel gerund forms.
She likes both reading and to write.
Она любит и читать, и писать.
Incorrect: non-parallel forms (gerund + infinitive).
Neither John nor Mary came.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не пришли.
Correct: no additional negative marker needed with "neither ... nor".
Neither John nor Mary did not come.
Ни Джон, ни Мэри не не пришли.
Incorrect: unnecessary double negative with "neither ... nor".
Either John or Mary is responsible.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри ответственны.
Correct: verb agrees with the nearest singular subject "Mary".
Either John or Mary are responsible.
Либо Джон, либо Мэри ответственны.
Incorrect agreement: verb should agree with the nearest subject.