16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure with 'not only … but also'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The new path not only shortens the walk to the beach ____ keeps walkers off the road.

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

  1. A. but alsoCorrect
  2. B. and also
  3. C. but it
  4. D. as well as

Answer: A. but also

'Not only shortens … but also keeps': parallel verbs.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. and also
'Not only … and also' is not the pair.
C. but it
'But it keeps' adds a subject and breaks the parallel.
D. as well as
'Not only … as well as' is not the pair.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.