Correlative Conjunctions For Intermediate learners
In this lesson, discover correlative conjunctions, which link pairs of words, phrases, or clauses, like "both...and," "either...or," and "neither...nor." Improve with simple explanations and easy examples.
Common Correlative Conjunctions
In the following list you can learn common correlative conjunctions used in English:
Correlative Conjunctions: Uses
Since these conjunctions relate words, phrases, and clauses to each other, It is important to know what each pair does. Study the following table carefully:
Conjunctions used to join words and phrases | Conjunctions used to join clauses |
|---|---|
not ... but | not ... but |
either ... or | either ... or |
neither ... nor | neither ... nor |
both ... and | whether ... or |
not only ... but also | not only ... but also |
as ... so |
In this lesson, we are going to discuss some of them in more details.
Either ... or
When indicating two possibilities or choices, we often use the correlative conjunction pair 'either ... or'. It is used to present a choice between two options and can be used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. Let us examine some examples below:
You have to choose either the pink doll or the purple one.
Here, the pair is used to join two words.
Either she was too busy or she didn't respect me.
As you can see, the pair is used to connect two independent clauses.
Neither ... nor
'Neither ... nor' are used to present a negative choice between two options. They are the opposite of 'either ... or' and are used to indicate that neither of the two options is true or applicable. They can be used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. Let us study some examples below:
Neither my friend nor my fiancé likes pasta.
Here, the pair is used to connect two words.
She neither likes him nor dislikes him.
Whether ... or
When we want to indicate two options or possibilities, we can use 'whether ... or'. However, this pair is only used to join independent clauses. Take a look at the following examples:
I don't know whether I should continue this relationship or end it right now.
You must decide for yourself whether you want to study abroad or continue studying in your hometown.
Tip!
Please note that when we use this pair in a negative sentence, we can use different structures:
You must decide for yourself whether you want to study abroad or not.
Whether or not you want to study abroad, you must decide for yourself.
Whether you want to study abroad or whether you don't want to, you must decide for yourself.
As ... so
When we want to draw a comparison between two things or people that are similar, we mainly use the pair 'as ... so'. Take a look at the following examples carefully:
Just as you like pop music, so your friend likes heavy metal genre.
As you can see, 'just' can be added to this pair to make it a bit informal.
Just as she likes to talk so much, so he enjoys listening to her.
Both ... and
'Both ... and' is used to connect two elements that are true or applicable at the same time. It can be used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. Study the following examples carefully:
He did an excellent job both executing the plan and communicating with his team.
You can have both an ice cream and a ball.
Either the child or his parents are leaving this room immediately.
Here, both the subject and the verb are plural.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When using neither ... nor or either ... or, the verb agrees with the closer subject (the noun or pronoun nearest to the verb). This is often called the "proximity rule". Here are the general rules listed:
Both subjects singular → verb singular
Both subjects plural → verb plural
One singular, one plural → verb agrees with the closer one
Either John or Lisa is coming to the party.
Neither the boys nor the girls have taken the keys.
Neither the manager nor his employees are happy with the decision.
closer = employees → plural are
Either the students or the teacher has the answer key.
closer = teacher → singular has
In formal writing, place the plural subject second to avoid awkwardness:
Neither the director nor the actors were present.
Better than reversing order.
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