Word Pairs -- What is the full pattern? Flashcards
both
both X and Y
1) He is interested in both psychology and science (“in” is before “both”)
2) He is interested both IN psychology and IN science (“in” is after “both”, so we must repeat it)
WRONG: both in psychology and science
*Remember the rule: Once Before (#1 above), Twice After (#2 above).
not only
not only X but (also) Y
Ex: The purpose is not only to score high but also to develop valuable reasoning habits.
Most commonly, the “also” is included, but it is possible for it to be missing.
“not just X but also Y” is possible
between
between X and Y
Ex: We must choose between our training priority and distractions.
Note: we use “among” for 3+ items: for example, “We must choose among X, Y, and Z”
not
not X but Y
Ex: Mastery is built not by reading books but by deliberate practice
(“reading books” is acting as a noun here, and is parallel to “deliberate practice”)
neither
neither X nor Y
so
so X that Y
Ex: I am so focused that I can prevent careless mistakes.
from
from X to Y
Ex. The cost fell from 3 dollars to 2 dollars.
just as
just as X, so (too) Y.
Just as X, so Y is most common – it sounds odd, so watch for this one!
Just as X, Y – ok
Just as X, so too Y – ok
Ex: Just as a scientist uses a microscope, so a painter uses a paintbrush.
either
either X or Y
as
AS ___ AS____
Note: the two parts do not need to have strictly the same form, as they do for these other strict parallel markers.
Examples: Building mastery is as important as people say.
You have as many skills as I do.
They are as likely to win this game as the one last year.
Note: do not mix AS and THAN!
Wrong: Jill is as strong than Mary.
Right: Jill is AS strong AS Mary.
Right: Jill is STRONGER THAN Mary.
more/less/fewer/faster etc
More THAN
You have MORE skills THAN I do.
Joe has FEWER tools THAN Mary does.
You run FASTER THAN I do.
