Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that are used to connect similar things in a sentence. The words like either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, and whether…or are common correlative conjunctions. Knowing how to use these words can help us a lot to make writing clearer.
Correlative Conjunctions Meaning, Definition, Usage and Examples
Correlative Conjunctions Definition:
A correlative conjunction is used in pairs and they connect in order to make connections and are also used for providing equal importance to the points that are discussed in a sentence.
- Not the rain but the wind that caused the delay.
- We can go out either tonight or tomorrow.
- Neither the big box nor the small one fits.
- Tell me whether you want pizza or pasta.
Correlative Conjunction Words:
- Either…or
- Neither…nor
- Both…and
- Not only…but also
- Whether…or
- Not…but
Either…or:
Either….or are used to describe a choice between two different options.
- Either we go to the movies or we stay home.
- Either you apologize or you leave.
- Either she sings the song or she plays it on the piano.
- Either we leave now or we’ll miss the train.
Neither…nor:
Neither … nor words is used to indicate that two things are not true.
- Neither the book nor the movie was interesting.
- Neither the soup nor the salad satisfied my hunger.
- Neither the blue pen nor the black one works.
Both…and:
Both ……and words help us to indicate that both things are true and take place together.
- Both the cat and the dog are sleeping.
- Both Sarah and John are coming to the party.
- Both the book and the movie were entertaining.
Not only…but also:
Not only……but words help us to identify when the purpose is to highlight a shocking or additional fact.
- Not only is he smart, but also he is hardworking.
- Not only does she speak French, but also German.
- Not only did they win the game, but also they set a new record.
Whether…or:
Whether……or can be used to describe two alternative possibilities.
- Tell me whether you want pizza or pasta.
- I don’t know whether to wear a coat or just a sweater.
- Whether it rains or shines, the picnic will go on.
Not…but:
Not…..but will be used to show contrasts between two things and emphasize the second one.
- He is not a doctor, but a lawyer.
- She is not a beginner, but an expert.
- It’s not the price but the quality that matters.
Correlative Conjunction Examples:
- Either you come to the party or you stay home.
- Neither John nor Jane likes spinach.
- Both the cat and the dog are asleep.
- Not only did she lose her keys, but also her phone.
- You can join us whether it’s day or night.
- Not the rain but the wind that caused the delay.
- We can go out either tonight or tomorrow.
- Neither the big box nor the small one fits.
- Tell me whether you want pizza or pasta.
- Both the cake and the ice cream were delicious.
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