Correlative Conjunctions: Understand Meaning, Examples & Exercises [With Answers]

Correlative conjunctions are which work in pairs to join phrases or words. They are one of the three types of conjunctions. So, if you are a grammar nazi, you must perfect your English grammar by understanding this topic. Some commonly used correlative conjunctions are both and, either, or, whether or, both and etc. To learn more about correlative conjunctions, keep reading this blog post

What is a Correlative Conjunction?

Correlative conjunctions, as the name suggests, work in pairs to join phrases or words that are equally important in a sentence. They are used in the English language to create a smooth sentence. These conjunctions often connect two singular subjects with a singular verb or two plural subjects with a plural verb. Here are some examples of correlative conjunctions to give you a better understanding.

Examples

• I don’t know whether I should study abroad or stay in my hometown.
• He is not only a great musician but also a talented actor.
• She is both intelligent and diligent.

Examples of Corelative Conjunctions

Check out examples of correlative conjunctions that will help you:

Either..Or	Neither…nor	Not only…But also
Both…and	Scarcely..when	Whether…or
As many/much…as	Such…that	Rather…than
No sooner…than	As…as	So…as

Here are some example sentences on correlative conjunctions.

• Either you finish your homework now or you do it later.
• Neither the teacher nor the students were satisfied with the exam results.
• The restaurant serves not only delicious food but also excellent cocktails.
• We need to both work hard and stay focused to achieve our goals.
• He is as tall as his brother.
• We’ll have a picnic whether it rains or shines.
• She speaks neither French nor Spanish.

Exercises on Correlative Conjunctions (Fill in the Blanks)

Complete the following sentences with the correct correlative conjunction:

1. We can go for a walk __ it rains __ stay in and watch a movie. (either/or, neither/nor)
2. I am __ tired __ hungry, so I’ll just have a snack. (both/and, neither/nor)
3. He is not only intelligent __ also very kind. (but/also, not only/but)
4. __ you study hard __ pass the exam, there are no shortcuts. (Whether/or, Either/or)
5. I would rather go swimming __ play video games. (than/or, neither/nor)

Check Your Answers

1. either/or
2. both/and
3. not only/but
4. Whether/or
5. than/or

Exercise 1 on Correlative Conjunctions (Identify Errors)

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:

1. Neither he did his homework nor went to bed early. 
2. Both I like to read and write. 
3. As soon as I finished my work, then I took a break.
4. He is not only a good singer but also a talented dancer.
5. Whether you agree with it or not, that’s your opinion. 

Check Your Answers

1. Neither did he do his homework nor did he go to bed early.
2. I like both to read and write. (Or) Both do I like to read and write.
3. No error in this sentence.
4. He is not only a good singer but also a talented dancer.
5. No error in this sentence.

Exercise 2 on Correlative Conjunctions (Sentence Rewrite)

Here are some sentences to rewrite using correlative conjunctions. 

1. They were unsure if they should visit the museum or go for a hike.
2. The movie was not only funny but also heartwarming.
3. Neither the chef nor the waiter knew why the kitchen was so smoky.
4. We can have pizza for dinner, or we can make pasta.
5. No sooner did the concert end than the crowd rushed out.

Check Your Answers

1. They were undecided whether to visit the museum or go for a hike.
2. The movie was not only funny, but also heartwarming.
3. Neither the chef nor the waiter knew why the kitchen was so smoky.
4. We can either have pizza for dinner, or we can make pasta.
5. No sooner did the concert end than the crowd rushed out.

Check Related Posts

501+ Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings	Common Nouns: Know Meaning, Types
What are Clauses	Compound Nouns: Know Meaning, Types

FAQs

What is a correlative conjunction?

Correlating conjunctions are conjunctions that show how two phrases or words are used in a sentence to relate to each other. They always come in pairs.

What is an example of a correlative conjunction?

An example of a correlative conjunction is ‘not only…but also’. 

What is a subordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that links a dependent clause to an independent clause. 

We hope this blog provided you with all the necessary information on correlative conjunctions. To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.