CORRELATIVE

CONJUCTIONS
 What Are Correlative Conjunctions?
• Correlative conjunctions are sort of like tag-team
conjunctions. They come in pairs, and you have to use
both of them in different places in a sentence to make
them work. They get their name from the fact that
they work together (co-) and relate one sentence
element to another. Correlative conjunctions include
pairs like “both/and,” “whether/or,” “either/or,”
“neither/nor,” “not/but” and “not only/but also.”
• Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that
link words, phrases or clauses. They must always
connect two elements that are grammatically similar,
meaning that the same structure applies. In other
words, nouns are linked to nouns, adjectives to
adjectives, prepositional phrases to prepositional
phrases; regardless of the part of speech or the type
of phrase or clause, they must stay grammatical
equals.
It can be clearly seen that there are some conjunctions that are
common in different categories. The difference lies in the use of
them as made. Likewise “or” serves as a coordinating conjunction
when used alone but together with “either” it serves as a correlative
conjunction. “So” is another conjunction that sometimes acts as a
coordinating conjunction and sometimes as subordinating
conjunction. The difference lies in the use of them made in a
sentence.
•I want either the cheesecake or the frozen hot
chocolate.
•I’ll have both the cheesecake and the frozen hot
chocolate.
•I didn’t know whether you’d want the cheesecake or
the frozen hot chocolate, so I got you both.
•Oh, you want neither the cheesecake nor the frozen
hot chocolate? No problem.
•I’ll eat them both - not only the cheesecake but also
the frozen hot chocolate.
 These are the primary correlative conjunctions in English:
both . . . and
either . . . or
neither . . . nor
not . . . but
not only . . . but also
Other pairs that sometimes have a coordinating function include the following:
as . . . as
just as . . . so
the more . . . the less
the more . . . the more
no sooner . . . than
so . . . as
whether . . . or
Here are some more pairs of correlative conjunctions:
• Bowling isn’t as fun as skeet shooting.
• Such was the nature of their relationship that they never would have
made it even if they’d wanted to.
• I had scarcely walked in the door when I got the call and had to run
right back out again.
• There are as many curtains as there are windows.
• I’d no sooner lie to you than strangle a puppy.
• She’d rather play the drums than sing.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using
Correlative Conjunctions
1. Verb Agreement
When two subjects are joined together by a correlative conjunction,
the verb that follows must be in agreement with the subjects.
For example:
As per the records, either the pen, or the bag makes up the bulk of the
order.
As per the records, either the pens, or the bags make up the bulk of the
order.
2. Pronoun Agreement
When two subjects are joined together by a correlative conjunction,
any pronoun that follows must be in agreement with the second
subject.
For example:
Neither the CEO, nor the top executives got their share of the bonuses
this year.
Neither the executives, nor the CEO got his share of the bonuses this
year.
Choose the correct correlative conjunction.
1. _____ Alex _____ Carlos applied for the job.
A. Whether…or
B. Both…and
2. I found _____ my homework _____ my textbook under my bed.
A. Both…and
B. Whether…or
3. I can’t decide _____ I should take French next year _____ take Spanish.
C. Either…or
D. Whether…or
4. _____ my brother _____ my sister can go to the game.
A. Neither…nor
B. Whether…or
5.