Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect elements of equal grammatical weight. ‘Neither – nor’ is a crucial correlative conjunction used to express a negative condition, indicating that two options are both untrue. The given sentence expresses a situation where at least one of two individuals (father or son) hasn’t performed an action. Transforming this into a ‘neither – nor’ construction requires careful attention to ensure the meaning remains consistent, effectively conveying the same negative implication.
The original sentence, "Either the father or the son has not taken it," implies that it is not the case that both the father and the son have taken it. To rephrase this using "neither – nor," we need to express the same negative condition in a different structure.
Transformation using 'Neither – Nor'
The correct transformation is: Neither the father nor the son has taken it.
Explanation of the Transformation
- The original sentence uses "either – or," indicating a choice between two possibilities, with at least one being true in the negative sense.
- "Neither – nor" expresses that both possibilities are false.
- To maintain the original meaning, we negate both subjects (father and son) using "neither – nor."
- The verb "has" remains consistent as it refers to the present perfect tense, indicating an action that has not occurred up to the present moment.
Illustrative Examples
Let's consider other examples to solidify the understanding:
- Original: Either John or Mary is going to the party.
- Transformed: Neither John nor Mary is going to the party.
- Original: Either the cat or the dog ate the food.
- Transformed: Neither the cat nor the dog ate the food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect verb conjugation: Using "have" instead of "has" when referring to singular subjects.
- Misplacing "neither" or "nor": The order is crucial for grammatical correctness.
- Changing the tense: Maintaining the original tense is essential for preserving the meaning.
The transformation demonstrates a fundamental understanding of correlative conjunctions and their application in constructing grammatically sound and logically equivalent sentences. The use of 'neither – nor' effectively conveys the negative condition present in the original statement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sentence "Either the father or the son has not taken it" can be accurately and effectively rewritten as "Neither the father nor the son has taken it." This transformation utilizes the correlative conjunction "neither – nor" to express the same negative implication, ensuring grammatical correctness and preserving the original meaning. Mastering such grammatical transformations is crucial for clear and concise communication, particularly in formal writing and examinations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.