Home > English Grammar > Correlative Conjunctions - Joining elements
Correlative Conjunctions - Joining elements between two clauses / sentences
 
CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS

Correlative Conjunctions in English

What are Correlative Conjunctions?

"Combined words to make relationship between two clauses / sentences."

Correlative conjunctions are one of the three main types of conjunctions used in the English language to create smooth flow and reduce sentence fragments, along with coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions. Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal.

Correlative conjunctions often connect two singular subjects with a singular verb, or two plural subjects with a plural verb. They involve a first conjunction that connects to another part of the sentence with a second conjunction. While using these conjunction pairs, we must remember to use them according to correct grammar rules.

Some common correlative conjunctions include the following pairs of words.

Common Correlative Conjunctions are:

Both...and Not only...but also Not...but Either...or
Neither...nor Whether...or as...as Such...that
Uses of Correlative Conjunctions Words:
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'BOTH...AND' - Combines two positive alternatives.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Both...and' used for emphasizing that each of two things is true. It can be used to connect subjects or objects.
Examples:
  • • Simran is both intelligent and beautiful.
  • • Both she and her sister now live in New Zealand.
  • • Coffee plant that grows in both Kashmir and Simla.
  • • Both the teacher and the students were excited about the new project.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'NOT ONLY...BUT ALSO' - Emphasizes the inclusion of an additional element.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Not only...but also' used to show an additional and important element in the sentence that is used to indicate excess when combined with the first element.
Examples:
  • • He is not only intelligent, but also very funny.
  • • She is not only a talented musician but also a superb dancer.
  • • Not only does he play the lead guitar but also the band’s songwriter.
  • • The explosion destroyed not only the school but also the neighboring hospital.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'NOT...BUT' - Show an additional and important element in the sentence.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Not...but' also used to show an additional and important element in the sentence that is used to indicate excess when combined with the first element.
Examples:
  • • I see that you went for not iced tea but cold coffee.
  • • It was not just a big Lion, but dangerous one as well.
  • • I see you’re in the mood not for desserts but appetizers.
  • • Not alone did he win the race, but he also beat the record.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'EITHER...OR' - Presents a choice between two alternatives.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Either...or' used for saying that one of two things has to happen or be true. It is used to present a choice between two options.
Examples:
  • • Either you come with us, or you stay at home.
  • • You can either have the cake or the ice cream.
  • • I want either the cheese cake or the chocolate cake.
  • • Either he forgot about the meeting or he stayed away.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'NEITHER...NOR' - Connects two negative alternatives.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Neither...nor' used for negative expressions or negative choice between two options. It is used to indicate that none of the two options is true or applicable.
Examples:
  • • Mona is neither rich nor famous.
  • • He is neither sane nor brilliant.
  • • That is neither what I said nor what I meant.
  • • He is neither going to the concert nor staying at home.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'WHETHER...OR' - Expresses doubt or an alternative between two options.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Whether...or' used for saying that you cannot change a situation even if it is unpleasant.
Examples:
  • • Whether you agree or not, this purse belongs to me.
  • • Whether we like it or not, we are part of a global economy.
  • • I didn’t know whether you’d want the cake or the icecream, so I got both.
  • • She couldn’t decide whether to go to the beach or to the mountains for vacation.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'AS...AS' - Compare the equality or similarity between two elements.
Correlative Conjunction words 'As...as' used to comparing two things or similarity between two elements in the sentence.
Examples:
  • • She is as smart as her older sister.
  • • I'm almost as good in math as in science.
  • • I think that I am not as confused about it as you are.
  • • Bowling isn’t as fun as batting for batsmen in Cricket.
Use of Correlative Conjunction 'SUCH..THAT' - Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two elements.
Correlative Conjunction words 'Such...that' used to connects two independent clauses in a way that applies a reason for an action.
Examples:
  • • She is such a pious lady that everyone revers her politely.
  • • Such is the pain of my headache that I cannot get out of bed.
  • • The movie was such a hit that it broke all box office records.
  • • He was such a tired person that he totally gave up to walk further.
Related Topics :
Types of Noun in English Language
Types of Pronoun in English Language
Types of Verb in English Language
Types of Adverb in English Language
Types of Adjective in English Language
Kinds of Preposition in English Language
Types of Conjunction in English Language
Uses of Interjection words in English Language

Navigation

Social Media