Not only.. but also/ either..or

Question

Can "not only...but also" and "either or" can be used in the following sentences? If yes, are the verb in quotation mark correct?

1. Why "are" not only you but also your sister grounded? Your sister didn't do anything wrong.

2. I are wondering why not only you but also your sister "is" grounded.Your sister didn't do anything wrong.

3. Why "does" either he or I have to do the job but not anyone else?

4. I would like to know why either he or I "have" to do the job but not anyone else.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

1. "Why are not only you but also your sister grounded? Your sister didn't do anything wrong?" is okay. But this type of construction is almost never heard today in US English. It's overly complex. You'd more likely hear something like: "Why are both you and your sister grounded? Your sister didn't do anything wrong."

2. "I'm wondering why not only you but also your sister is grounded. Your sister didn't no anything wrong." is okay. This is a little better than 1., but it's still too complex for casual speech today. You'd more likely hear something like: "I'm wondering why both you and your sister are grounded. Your sister didn't do anything wrong."

3. "Why does either he or I have to do the job but not anyone else?" is okay. But again, too complex for ordinary speech. You'd more likely hear something like: "Why is it that only he or I have to do the job, and no one else?"

4. "I'd like to know why either he or I have to do the job, but not anyone else." is okay. But too complex. You'd more likely hear something like: "I'd like to know why only he or I have to do the job, and not anyone else."

Not only.. but also/ either..or

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