Than and as should not be followed by objective pronouns in sentences like this: I am as large as him. The verb in these sentences is omitted. If it is supplied, the error will be apparent. The sentence would then read, I am as large as him (is large). The correct form is, I am as large as he (is large). Similarly, He is taller than I (am tall), She is brighter than he (is bright).
As may be used as either a conjunction or an adverb. He is as tall as I. The first as is an adverb, the second as is a conjunction. As is properly used as an adverb when the equality is asserted, but, when the equality is denied, so should be used in its place. He is as old as I, is correct, but the denial should be, He is not so old as I. After not do not use as when as is an adverb.
Neither, when used as a conjunction, should be followed by nor; as, Neither he nor (not or) I can come. Neither should never be followed by or.
Either, when used as a conjunction, should be followed by or.
84. Placing of Correlatives. The correlatives, such as neither—nor, either—or, not only—but also, should be placed in clear relation to similar parts of speech or similar parts of the sentence. One should not be directed toward a verb and the other toward some other part of speech.
| Bad: He not only brought a book, but also a pencil. |
| Good: He brought not only a book but also a pencil. |
| Bad: He would offer neither reparation nor would he apologize. |
| Good: Neither would he offer reparation nor would he apologize. |
| Good: He would offer neither reparation nor apology. |
85. The prepositions without, except, like, and the adverb directly should not be used as conjunctions.
| Wrong: Without (unless) you attend to class-room work, you cannot pass. |
| Wrong: This she would not do except (unless) we promised to pay at once. |
| Wrong: I acted just like (as) all the others (did). |
| Wrong: Directly (as soon as) he came, we harnessed the horses. |
Exercise 60