Grade 4 Grammar Practice: Using 'Both' and 'Neither' in Context

🧠 Topic Summary: Using 'Both' and 'Neither'

Welcome, young grammar explorers! Today, we're going to unlock the secrets of 'both' and 'neither'. These words help us talk about two things or people at the same time. Think of them as special helpers for connecting ideas!

'Both' is used when you want to say that two things or people are true, involved, or correct. It's about including both options! For example, if you like apples AND bananas, you would say, 'I like both apples and bananas.' 🍎🍌

'Neither' is used when you want to say that not one and not the other of two things or people is true, involved, or correct. It's about excluding both options! For example, if you don't like broccoli AND you don't like spinach, you would say, 'I like neither broccoli nor spinach.' 🥦🥬

📝 Part A: Vocabulary Match-Up

Can you match the grammar terms with their correct definitions? Draw lines or write the correct letter next to each number!

• 🔢 1. Both
• 🚫 2. Neither
• 🔗 3. Conjunction
• ✅ 4. Positive Statement
• ❌ 5. Negative Statement

Definitions:

• 💬 A. A sentence that expresses something is not true or incorrect.
• ➕ B. A word used to include two items or people, meaning 'the one and the other.'
• ➖ C. A word used to exclude two items or people, meaning 'not the one and not the other.'
• 🗣️ D. A sentence that expresses something is true or correct.
• 🤝 E. A word that joins words, phrases, or clauses.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Read the story about Leo and Mia. Choose 'both' or 'neither' to fill in the blanks correctly!

Leo and Mia were going to the park. Leo loved to play soccer, and Mia loved to swing. They decided they would do _________ activities. When they got there, the soccer field was wet, and the swings were broken! Oh no! Leo said, "I can play _________ soccer nor swing!" Mia suggested, "Let's go home and play board games. We can _________ play with the new puzzle and the card game!" They smiled, knowing they would have fun _________ way.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking Challenge

Imagine you are planning a party. You need to decide what snacks to have. If your friends, Alex and Ben, both love pizza and hate carrots, how would you use 'both' and 'neither' to describe their snack preferences to your mom? Explain your choices.