Correct use of conjunctions – Part III

Scarcely…when

It is wrong to use than instead of when in these sentences:

• Scarcely had I reached the station than the train steamed out. (Incorrect)
• Scarcely had I reached the station when the train steamed out. (Correct)

If scarcely begins the sentence it should be immediately followed by had.

• Scarcely I had reached the station when the train steamed out. (Incorrect)
• Scarcely had I reached the station when the train steamed out. (Correct)
• I had scarcely reached the station when the train steamed out. (Correct)

Correlatives

The correlatives either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also must be placed immediately before the words they relate to.

• Neither he would eat nor allow us to eat. (Incorrect)
• He would neither eat nor allow us to eat. (Correct)
• Neither I shall follow your instructions nor resign. (Incorrect)
• I shall neither follow your instructions nor resign. (Correct)
• He not only visited France but also Germany.
• He visited not only France but also Germany.

Exercise

Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions

1. I would rather be an engineer —————– a doctor.

2. I cannot excuse you —————— you apologize.

3. Neither a lender —————- a borrower be.

4. Work hard —————– you should fail.

5. Clever ——————- he was, he could not solve the problem.

Answers

1. than

2. unless

3. nor

4. lest

5. as