Question

Given below are a pair of clauses in each option. Choose the appropriate pair which can be joined together by the cumulative correlative conjunction 'not only...but also':

• A. She passed the examination. She received a scholarship.
• B. She was confused. She made the right decision.
• C. They don't have any money. They're content and happy.
• D. She didn't take her work lightly. She reached great heights.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

She passed the examination. She received a scholarship.

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses. (Independent clauses can stand as complete sentences on their own). By copulative compound sentences, we mean that the clauses are merely connected together. They do not express any relation between one another, like that of alternative or inference-based sentences.
Conjunctions that add such clauses include also, and, too, etc.,. From the options, the sentences in A express two unrelated actions and are hence, unconnected in terms of meaning. Hence it is the most suitable option and A is right. ("Not only...but also" lays emphasis on the latter clause, besides connecting the sentences.)
The complete sentence that is formed is: She not only passed the examination, but also received a scholarship.
Option B expresses a contrast between the two ideas.
Similarly, option C expresses a contrast, the general idea being that money makes you happy.
Option D is inference based, where one action results in an outcome that is expressed in the latter clause "reached great heights". Since these sentences express a relation between one another, and cannot merely connect with each other, options B, C and D are incorrect.