neither nor; as soon as

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

Please read the following sentences:

1. The speaker expressed the view that _____ aggression______competitiveness are part of human nature; they are reactions to particular environments.

a. both, and b. neither, nor
Generally speaking we should choose "a". However a grammar book states that when used in formal style "neither... nor+ singular noun" are can also be used. My question is: how can we decide whether a sentence is formal or not?

2. Humans everwhere are alike in this respect. _______ there is any extra money, they seek to raise their standard of living.
a. As long As b. As soon as
The answer is "b". However, I think both are correct. "a" is condition while "b" is time.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

[Tdol]

1- I think it's a question of positive and negative rather than style.
2- I think both are possible

[jiang]

Dear tdol,

Did you mean as to No.1 both are correct?

Jiang

1- I think it's a question of positive and negative rather than style.
2- I think both are possible