LoginCorrelative Conjunctions
In this lesson, master correlative conjunctions to connect pairs of words, phrases, and clauses using combinations like "both...and," "either...or," and "neither...nor." Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
Correlative Conjunctions in English
In the list below, you can see the common correlative conjunctions in English:
Correlative Conjunctions: Functions
As mentioned before, we can use correlative conjunctions to join words, phrases, and clauses. Check the table below to see how each of them can be used:
joining words and phrases | joining clauses |
|---|---|
either...or | either...or |
neither...nor | neither...nor |
both...and | both...and |
not only...but also | not only...but also |
whether...or | |
as...so |
Look at the examples below:
She likes both singing and dancing.
two nouns
Neither he nor I could put up with that behavior.
two pronouns
The trip was not only economical but also pleasant.
two adjectives
You can come either with me or with your mom.
two phrases
Either I fly to New York or I take the bus.
two clauses
I don't know whether he was trying to hurt me or to scare me.
two clauses
Correlative Conjunctions: Uses
Both...And
The correlative conjunction 'both...and' is used to connect two elements that are true or applicable at the same time. It can be used to connect subjects or objects. Look at the examples:
Both Allan and Charlie went to the zoo.
Mike loved both the movie and the book.
He wished both to win the prize and to be the champion.
Either...Or
'Either...or' is used to present a choice between two options. It can be used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in grammatical structure and function. When 'either...or' is used with two singular nouns, the verb can be either singular or plural. However, the singular verb form is more commonly used in formal writing, while the plural verb form is more commonly used in informal writing or speech.
Either the cat or the dog is making noise
more formal
Either the cat or the dog are making noise
informal
Neither...Nor
The correlative conjunction 'neither...nor' is used to present a negative choice between two options. It is the opposite of 'either...or' and is used to indicate that none of the two options is true or applicable. When 'neither...nor' is used with two singular nouns, the verb can be either singular or plural. The singular verb form is more commonly used in formal contexts.
Neither the manager nor the employee was responsible for the error.
We neither could visit the zoo, nor could we climb the mountain.
Warning
'Neither...nor' negates the whole sentence, so the verb must remain affirmative to avoid a double negative. Look at the example:
We talked about neither the communication problem nor the money issue. (Not We didn't talk about ...)
Whether...Or
'Whether...Or' is used to indicate a choice between two possibilities. For example:
He doesn't know whether to go or stay.
When one of these possibilities has a negative structure, we can use three different alternatives:
She has to take that job offer whether she goes to Italy or not.
Whether or not she goes to Italy, she has to take that job offer.
Whether she goes to Italy or doesn't, she has to take that job offer.
Not Only...But Also
The correlative conjunction 'not only...but also' is used to connect two elements, such as nouns or whole clauses, in a sentence. It is used to emphasize that in addition to the first element, something else is also true.
The second part of 'not only...but also' can be split apart, allowing additional information to be inserted between the two words. However, 'not only' cannot be separated in this way. Here are some examples:
I like not only coffee but also tea.
Not only is he a great husband, but he is also an amazing dad.
He not only tried to surprise me but also organized a big party for my birthday.
As...So
'As...so', or more informally, 'just as...so' is used to show a similarity between two people or things.
As a mother loves her children, so a teacher cares for the students.
Just as the youth love their hectic lifestyle, so the elderly love their tranquil lifestyle.
Subject-verb Agreement
When we connect two subjects using 'either...or'/'neither...nor'/'not only...but also,' the verb must agree with the second subject. However, when using 'both...and', the verb is always plural since this correlative conjunction adds multiple subjects together.
Each morning either the dog or the birds wake me up.
Here, 'birds' is a plural subject in the second part, so you must use a plural verb.
Each morning either the birds or the dog wakes me up.
Here, 'the dog' is a singular subject in the second part, so you must use a singular verb.
Not only the tree but also the flowers need water.
Both she and I were invited.
Pronoun Agreement
If we connect two nouns that are followed by a pronoun using a correlative conjunction, the pronoun must agree with the second noun. Compare the examples:
Neither Sara nor her friends could hide their joy at the party.
Neither her friends nor Sara could hide her joy at the party.
Although grammatically correct, this sentence might sound unnatural. To make it sound natural, structure the sentence so the plural subject is second and you can choose the more natural 'their'.
Punctuation
Generally, sentences with correlative conjunction do not need a comma between the two parts; however, if the second part of the correlation is an independent clause, a comma is used before the second conjunction:
Not only does he like carrots, but he also likes broccoli.
If the second conjunction comes before an independent clause, use a comma.
Either we leave now, or we miss the train.
Review
Conjunctions connect clauses, phrases, or words. Correlative conjunctions are used with elements of equal importance to add, negate, or present alternatives between them.
Here is a list of correlative conjunctions in English:
both...and
either...or
neither...nor
whether...or
not only...but also
as...so
Look at some examples:
It is neither honest nor fair to steal money from your father's pocket.
Not only he cheated, but also he was ok with it.
As the sun rises, so does hope.
Quiz:
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match each sentence to the function of its correlative conjunction pair.
Complete each sentence using the correct correlative conjunction. (There are two extra options.)
You can
join us for dinner or catch the movie — it's up to you.
the manager
the assistant had a copy of the report.
We found
the data
the evidence convincing.
I call first
I email you, the result will be the same.
Which sentence uses "both...and" with correct pronoun agreement?
Both the teacher and the student submitted his assignment.
Both the teacher and the student submitted her assignment.
Both the teacher and the student submitted their assignments.
Both the teacher and the student submitted its assignment.
Which sentence punctuates "not only...but also" correctly when joining clauses?
Not only she speaks French but also Italian.
Not only does she speak French, but also Italian.
Not only does she speak French, but she also speaks Italian.
Not only does she speak French, but also speaks Italian.
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