Prepositions and Conjunctions — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which sentence uses correlative conjunctions correctly?
A) Either we leave now or we miss the bus.
B) Neither I nor will be late.
C) Both Sam but also Mia ran fast.
D) Not only she but they sang.
Correlative conjunctions must come in matched pairs and join parts that have the same grammatical form.
2. Identify the prepositional phrase nested inside another in: 'The book on the shelf in the corner is mine.'
A) The book on
B) on the shelf in the corner
C) in the corner
D) is mine
'On the shelf in the corner' is the longer phrase, and 'in the corner' is nested inside it.
3. Which sentence shows the best logical conjunction choice for contrast?
A) I studied, so I failed.
B) I studied, and I failed.
C) I studied, yet I failed.
D) I studied, for I failed.
'Yet' shows a surprising contrast: studying usually leads to passing, not failing, so 'yet' fits best.
4. Which sentence uses 'not only/but also' correctly?
A) Not only Mia sings but Mia dances also.
B) Mia not only sings, but Mia also dances.
C) Mia not only sings but and dances.
D) Not only Mia sings but also Mia dances.
Putting 'not only' and 'but also' before parallel verbs gives smooth, balanced grammar in standard English.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Both Jamie and Alex enjoys playing chess on weekends together.
'Both Jamie and Alex' uses correlative conjunctions to join two equal noun subjects neatly.
2. We can either take the train or ride our bikes home.
'Either/or' gives a choice between two options, the standard correlative pair for alternatives.
3. Neither rain nor snow will stop the parade tomorrow morning.
'Neither/nor' joins two things that will not happen, signaling a complete negative on both parts.
4. She is not only kind but also extremely brave under pressure.
'Not only/but also' adds a second quality, showing kindness plus bravery in one balanced sentence.
5. The kitten hid under the basket on the kitchen counter.
Two prepositions create nested phrases, giving the exact location with layered detail.