Eduqo
English Grammar›Ch 3: Parts of Speech›Mastering Correlative Conjunctions
Fixed pairs and common errors for competitive exams.
Conjunctions are connectors that often appear in fixed pairs. Using an incorrect partner in these pairs is a major error in competitive exams.
Memory Hooks
| Word A | Word B | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Neither | Nor | Neither Ram nor Ali came. |
| Not only | But also | Not only tall but also fit. |
| Both | And | Both Ravi and Sonu left. |
| Although | Yet / (Comma) | Although rich, yet humble. |
Lest
(Warning: Should)
Warning: Should
Work hard lest you should fail.
No Sooner
(Action: Than)
Action: Than
No sooner did he see than he ran.
Hardly
(Rarely: When)
Rarely: When
Hardly had I left when it rained.
Because
(Reason: Single)
Reason: Single
Because he is ill, he is resting.
No sooner did he arrive then it rained.No sooner did he arrive than it rained.
Never use 'then' or 'when' with 'No Sooner'. Always use 'than'.
Although he is poor but he is honest.Although he is poor, yet he is honest.
Do not use 'but' with 'Although'. Use 'yet' or just a comma.
Walk carefully lest you may fall.Walk carefully lest you should fall.
'Lest' is strictly followed by 'should', not 'may' or 'will'.
Q1.Scarcely had the teacher entered the class ___ the students stood up.
Q2.Take your umbrella lest it ___ rain.