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Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure with 'either ... or'

Standard English Conventions practice question

You can either take the train along the valley ____ drive over the pass.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. orCorrect
  2. B. or you can
  3. C. nor
  4. D. and

Answer: A. or

'either' pairs with 'or', and the two options must match in form: 'either take the train ... or drive'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. or you can
'or you can drive' repeats the subject and modal, breaking the parallel with 'take the train'.
C. nor
'nor' pairs with 'neither', not 'either'.
D. and
'and' doesn't pair with 'either', and the sentence offers a choice.

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