What Is a Correlative Conjunction? Definition, Examples, And List

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Correlative Conjunction?
• Definition of a Correlative Conjunction
• How to Use Correlative Conjunctions
• What Are Common Correlative Conjunction Pairs?
• Examples of Correlative Conjunctions
• Correlative Conjunctions Assessment

What Is a Correlative Conjunction?

Correlative conjunctions create a clear and harmonious connection, emphasizing the relationship between the linked elements. Using correlative conjunctions effectively leads to a more polished way of writing. These conjunctions not only enhance the clarity and flow of sentences but also add a touch of elegance and style.

Definition of a Correlative Conjunction

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect grammatically equal sentence elements. These pairs create a balanced relationship between words, phrases, or clauses, emphasizing their connection.  

Example:

• Neither the students nor the teacher liked the early start time.

In this example, "neither...nor" links the two noun phrases "the students" and "the teacher," highlighting that both groups disliked the early start time.

Take this Quiz :

Correlative Conjunctions Quiz Questions and Answers

How to Use Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are important in written and oral communication. Using them correctly ensures clarity and balance in your writing - 

1. Parallel Structure:

Correlative conjunctions require parallel structure. This means the words, phrases, or clauses they connect should have the same grammatical form. This parallel structure creates a sense of rhythm and balance, making the sentence easier to understand and more pleasing to read.

• Incorrect: She enjoys both reading novels and to write poetry.
• Correct: She enjoys both reading novels and writing poetry.

In the corrected version, "reading novels" and "writing poetry" are both gerund phrases, creating parallel structure. Imagine a set of scales – to be balanced, each side needs to hold similar weights. Parallel structure achieves this balance in grammar.

2. Placement:

Place correlative conjunctions immediately before the words, phrases, or clauses they connect. This placement highlights the connection between the elements and avoids confusion.

• Incorrect: Both she went to the store and to the library.
• Correct: She went both to the store and to the library.

Think of correlative conjunctions like a pair of parentheses – they enclose the elements they relate to. Incorrect placement can lead to misplaced modifiers and unclear meanings.

3. Subject-Verb Agreement:

When correlative conjunctions connect subjects, the verb must agree with the closer subject. This rule ensures grammatical accuracy and avoids awkward sentence constructions.

• Incorrect: Neither the cat nor the dogs is going outside.
• Correct: Neither the cat nor the dogs are going outside.

Since "dogs" is plural and closer to the verb, the verb must also be plural ("are"). This is called the principle of proximity in subject-verb agreement.

4. Clarity and Emphasis:

Correlative conjunctions not only join elements but also emphasize the relationship between them. Choose the pair that best expresses the intended meaning. This adds a layer of nuance and sophistication to your writing.

• Example: Not only did he finish his homework, but also he helped his brother with his. (This emphasizes the extent of his helpfulness.)
• Example: Whether you stay or you go, the party will continue. (This emphasizes the choice.)
  

5. Avoiding Redundancy:

Be careful not to use redundant words with correlative conjunctions.

• Incorrect: Both John as well as Mary went to the park.
• Correct: Both John and Mary went to the park.

"Both" already implies inclusion, so "as well as" is unnecessary.

6. Punctuation:

Generally, you don't need a comma before correlative conjunctions connecting single words or short phrases. However, use a comma before the second conjunction when connecting longer phrases or clauses.

• Example: He enjoys both hiking and camping.
• Example: Not only did she excel in academics, but also she was a talented athlete.

Take this Quiz :

Coordinating, Correlative, Subordinating Conjunctions, and Interjections Quiz!

What Are Common Correlative Conjunction Pairs?

Correlative conjunctions always have the same grammatical structure in a sentence. Here is a list of common correlative conjunction pairs with examples.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

Here are examples of correlative conjunctions used in sentences - 

1. Not only did the storm damage the roof, but also it flooded the basement.
2. Either you apologize, or I will leave.
3. Neither the principal nor the teachers supported the new policy.
4. Just as the sun rises in the east, so does it set in the west.
5. The harder you work, the more you will achieve.

Correlative Conjunctions Assessment

Exercise 1: Choose the correct correlative conjunction pair to complete each sentence.

1. _____ the food _____ the service was good at the restaurant.
2. _____ you finish your homework, _____ you can go out with your friends.
3. _____ the cat _____ the dog wanted to go outside in the rain.
4. She is _____ talented _____ hardworking.
5. _____ had I sat down _____ the doorbell rang.
6. He is _____ strong _____ fast.
7. _____ you want to go to the movies _____ stay home, the choice is yours.

Answers:

1. Neither...nor
2. If...then
3. Neither...nor
4. Not only...but also
5. No sooner...than
6. Both...and
7. Whether...or
   

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the correlative conjunction pair provided.

1. She is intelligent. She is also beautiful. (both...and)
2. He didn't study for the test. He didn't do his homework. (neither...nor)
3. You can have the apple. You can have the orange. (either...or)
4. The book was long. It was also interesting. (not only...but also)
5. I will go to the party if you go. (if...then)
6. He finished the race as quickly as his friend. (as...as)
7. I had just finished eating when the guests arrived. (scarcely...when)

Answers:

1. She is both intelligent and beautiful.
2. He neither studied for the test nor did his homework.
3. You can have either the apple or the orange.
4. The book was not only long but also interesting.
5. If you go to the party, then I will go.
6. He finished the race as quickly as his friend.
7. Scarcely had I finished eating when the guests arrived.
   

Exercise 3: Identify and underline the correlative conjunctions in the following sentences.

1. Both the students and the teachers were excited about the field trip.
2. Not only did she win the race, but also she set a new record.
3. Whether you like it or not, you have to do your chores.
4. Neither the rain nor the snow could stop the mail carrier.
5. The more you practice, the better you will become.
6. Either you can come with us, or you can stay home alone.
7. Just as the seasons change, so do our lives.

Answers:

1. Both...and
2. Not only...but also
3. Whether...or
4. Neither...nor
5. The...the
6. Either...or
7. Just as...so

Take This Quiz :

Types of Conjunctions quiz