Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and work together to join sentence elements. Both parts must be used with the two words or groups they connect.
Examples:
- Either the cat or* the dog is outside.
- I will either call you or send a text.
- Neither the teacher nor* the students were late.
- You can have either tea or coffee.
Using correlative conjunctions correctly helps your writing and speaking sound clear and grammatically correct.
What Correlative Conjunctions Do
Correlative conjunctions join two equal parts of a sentence. They can connect:
- Two nouns (people, places, things, or ideas)
- Two verbs (actions or states)
- Two adjectives (describing words)
- Two adverbs (words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs)
- Two clauses (complete ideas with a subject and verb)
Example:
Both Jon and Lisa are coming. (joins two nouns)
You can either stay or leave. (joins two verbs)
The movie was not only funny but also very clever. (joins two adjectives)
She sings as well as dances. (joins two verbs)
Using correlative conjunctions makes sentences more interesting and emphasizes the relationship between the joined parts.
Examples
Here are some common correlative conjunction pairs with example sentences:
- both . . . and
Example: She is both smart and* funny.
- either . . . or
Example: You can either call me or* email me.
- neither . . . nor
Example: I like neither tea nor* coffee.
- not only . . . but also
Example: He is not only a singer but also* a dancer.
- whether . . . or
Example: I don’t know whether we’ll go out or* stay home.
- both . . . and
Example: Both the manager and* the employees attended the meeting.
How to Use Them Correctly
Match the Pair
Always use both parts of the pair. Don’t use only one.
Incorrect: She is both smart and.
Correct: She is both smart and funny.
Keep Balance
The two parts you join should be the same kind of word (both nouns, both verbs, etc.).
Incorrect: I want either to go or pizza.
Correct: I want either to go or to eat pizza.
Be Careful with Verb Agreement
When using either . . . or or neither . . . nor with subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
Example:
Either the cats or the dog is outside. (dog = singular, so verb is singular)
Neither the teacher nor the students are late. (students = plural, so verb is plural)
Use Parallel Structure
Make sure the words or phrases after each part of the conjunction are in the same form.
Example:
Incorrect: She likes both cooking and to swim.
Correct: She likes both cooking and swimming.
Don’t Overuse
Using correlative conjunctions too often can make writing awkward. Use them where they add clarity or emphasis.
Practice
Fill in the Blanks
- I want ice cream cake. (both . . . and)
- You can call me send a text. (either . . . or)
- She likes coffee tea. (neither . . . nor)
- He is a doctor a writer. (not only . . . but also)
- you come stay home, be quiet. (whether . . . or)
Answers
- both … and
- either … or
- neither … nor
- not only … but also
- whether … or
By practicing these correlative conjunctions, you'll be able to connect ideas more clearly and make your sentences more interesting.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
