Correlative Conjunction

Correlative
conjunctions
What is a correlative
conjunction?
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions
that connect words or phrases that are the same
part of speech or serve the same function within
a sentence.
How are correlative
conjunctions used?
Correlative conjunctions are used to make
writing flow more easily, reduce redundancy,
and make the relationship between equal words
or phrases within a sentence clear. Although
they can be used to allude to cause- and-effect
relationships, they don't have to be.
How to use correlative
conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions always come in
pairs. Many of these words can be used
without their correlative partners, and
when this is the case, the word isn't
acting as a correlative conjunction.
The common correlative conjunction pairs are
• either/or • not only/but also

• neither/nor • both/and
• as many/as
• such/that
• No sooner/than
• whether/or
• rather/than
• either/or Examples
-You can either join us for dinner tonight

or go to the concert.
Using "either" and "or"
connects two positive -Either you complete your homework now,
or you will face consequences tomorrow.
statements of equal
weight. For example, -We can either watch a movie at home or
go to the theater.
you could say: "My
brother is either -You can choose either the blue shirt or
the green one for the party.
working upstairs or
slacking off -Either she apologizes for her behavior, or
we will no longer be friends.
downstairs."
• neither/nor Examples
Neither John nor Sarah wants to go to

the party.
"Neither/nor" connects
two negative I have neither the time nor the energy
to deal with this right now.
statements of equal
weight. For example, The restaurant serves neither
vegetarian nor vegan options.
you could say: "I will
neither watch the show He was neither qualified nor
experienced enough for the job.
nor read the book."
The company has neither the
resources nor the manpower to
complete the project.
• such/that Examples
She gave such a convincing presentation

that everyone applauded.
"Such/that" connects two
It was such a close fight that we didn't
independent clauses in a know who won it.
way that applies a reason
It was such a delicious meal that I couldn't
for an action. For example, resist having seconds.
you could say: "Such is the
He had such a charming personality that
pain of my headache that I people were drawn to him.
cannot get out of bed."
The movie had such a thrilling plot twist
that it kept me on the edge of my seat.
• Whether/or Examples
I haven't decided whether to go to

the beach or stay home.
"Whether/or" connects two She asked me whether I wanted
possible actions of a chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
subject. For example, you We need to determine whether to
could say: "I was not sure take the train or drive to the city.
whether you would show I'm not sure whether to buy the
up or not." blue shirt or the red one.
They are still debating whether to

have a small welding or a big
celebration.
• Not only/but also Examples
She is not only a talented singer but

also an exceptional dancer.
It is used to present
The restaurant not only serves delicious
two related pieces of food but also offers excellent customer
information. service.
The book is not only entertaining but

also thought-provoking.
Not only was he talented, but he was

also dedicated.
Not only did he miss the bus, but he

also forgot his lunch.
• Both/and Examples
She is both intelligent and

Using "both" and "and" hardworking.
implies a correlation between We need to both study for the exam

two subjects that are and complete the assignment.
performing the same action. The restaurant serves both delicious

An example of using these food and excellent service.
correlative conjunctions is: He is both a talented musician and a

"We'll both be leaving the skilled painter.
party and taking one car." The project requires both creativity
and attention to detail.
Examples
• as many/as
John has eaten as many apples
as Mary.
This structure is You can take as many books as
used to compare a you like from the library.
countable noun to The team scored as many goals
something else. as their opponents.
We can also use as much/as to compare an uncountable noun

to something else.
For examples,
They gave me as much money as they had.
• No sooner/than Examples
No sooner had she arrived home than

the phone rang.
“No sooner/than” is used
to say that something No sooner did he start his presentation
than the power went out.
happens immediately
after something else No sooner had they finished cooking
dinner than the guests arrived.
No sooner had I left the house than it

started raining heavily.
No sooner did the concert begin than the

crowd erupted in applause.
• rather/than
Examples
"Rather/than" I would rather stay at home than go to the

party.
presents a subject's
preference for one He prefers to read a book rather than watch
television.
thing over another.
She chose to save money rather than spend
it on unnecessary items.
It's better to be honest rather than lie.
I would rather have a quiet evening at home

than go to a crowded concert.
Have a nice
day

Correlative Conjunction

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Correlative

• either/or • not only/but also

-You can either join us for dinner tonight

Neither John nor Sarah wants to go to

She gave such a convincing presentation

I haven't decided whether to go to

They are still debating whether to

She is not only a talented singer but

The book is not only entertaining but

Not only was he talented, but he was

Not only did he miss the bus, but he

She is both intelligent and

implies a correlation between We need to both study for the exam

performing the same action. The restaurant serves both delicious

correlative conjunctions is: He is both a talented musician and a

We can also use as much/as to compare an uncountable noun

No sooner had she arrived home than

No sooner had I left the house than it

No sooner did the concert begin than the

"Rather/than" I would rather stay at home than go to the

It's better to be honest rather than lie.

I would rather have a quiet evening at home

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