both ... and ...、not only ... but (also) ...、either ... or ... 和neither ... nor ... 都是连词,可以连接两个并列的成分,如主语、谓语、宾语等。
例如:
Both my sister and I can play the piano.
Mr White not only likes music but (also) enjoys sports.
You can have either tea or coffee.
both ... and ... 意为“……和……都”。如果both ... and ... 连接的两个成分作主语,谓语动词通常用复数形式。
例如:Both New York and London have traffic problems.
not only ... but (also) ... 意为“不但……而且……”。如果not only ... but (also) ... 连接的两个成分作主语,谓语动词通常与but (also)后面的主语在人称和数上保持一致,即遵循“就近原则”。
例如:Not only the students but (also) their teacher is enjoying the film.
either ... or ... 意为“不是……就是……;或者……或者……”。如果either ... or ... 连接的两个成分作主语,谓语动词通常与or后面的主语在人称和数上保持一致,也应遵循“就近原则”。
例如:Either you or I am right about this maths problem.
neither ... nor ... 意为“既不……也不……”。如果neither ... nor ... 连接的两个成分作主语,谓语动词通常与nor后面的主语在人称和数上保持一致,也应遵循“就近原则”。
例如: Neither Linda nor Mary is good at drawing.