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Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunctions: Useful List and Examples

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Published on by Grammargeek
2 min read
B1 EnglishB2 English

Understanding the correlative conjunction is essential to mastering the English language. These are pairs of words used to link two words or phrases in a sentence. They help you create more detailed and grammatically correct sentences.

You might think this is complicated, but it’s quite simple. This article will guide you through what correlative conjunctions are, provide examples, show an image, and include a video. By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of this important part of grammar.

What is a Correlative Conjunction?

Correlative ConjunctionsPin

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions working together to link two similar elements in a sentence. They always come in pairs.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions combine a coordinating conjunction with an adjective or adverb.

Correlative Conjunctions Examples

  • The company deals in both hardware and software.
  • I will eat either carrots or peas for dinner.
  • Natalie likes neither milk nor cream cake.
  • Do you care whether we have noodles or rice for dinner?
  • He not only studies hard but also works well.
  • It’s such a tiny kitchen that I don’t have to do much to keep it clean.
  • Scarcely had she entered the room when the phone rang.
  • No sooner did he enter the room than he saw a snake.

Correlative Conjunctions | Video

B1 Knowledge Check · 5 questions

Correlative Conjunctions Practice Quiz (B1-B2)

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: She is ___ a talented singer or a gifted dancer — everyone agrees she is extraordinary.

Question 1 options
'Either' is correct because 'either...or' is the correlative conjunction pair used to present two alternatives. 'Neither' pairs with 'nor', 'both' pairs with 'and', and 'whether' pairs with 'or' in indirect questions — none of these fit the positive alternative structure here.
Q2

Question 2: Which situation correctly uses the correlative conjunction 'neither...nor'?

Question 2 options
'Neither...nor' is used to join two negative alternatives, meaning both options are excluded. It does not express a positive choice, an inclusive pair, or a condition — those functions belong to 'either...or', 'both...and', and 'whether...or' respectively.
Q3

Question 3: Two colleagues are discussing a new project. Anna says: 'We need to decide on the budget.' Ben replies: 'We should talk to ___ the finance team or the project manager before we decide anything.'

Question 3 options
'Either' is correct because Ben is presenting two specific alternatives to consider, which requires 'either...or'. 'Neither' would mean both options are excluded. 'Both' would require 'and' instead of 'or'. 'Whether' is used for indirect questions, not direct suggestions.
Q4

Question 4: The sales figures were disappointing. The manager said the problem was ___ poor advertising ___ a lack of customer interest.

Question 4 options
'Both...and' is correct because the sentence lists two problems that both contributed, requiring the inclusive pair 'both...and'. 'Either...or' suggests only one is the cause. 'Neither...nor' would mean neither was the problem. 'Not only...but also' is emphatic and requires a different sentence structure.
Q5

Question 5: Match each sentence to the correct grammar label.

Question 5 options
You can pay either by card or by cash.
Neither the food nor the service was good at that restaurant.
Both the food and the service were excellent last night.
I'm not sure whether to apply for the job or wait for a better offer.
Two elements included together (both...and)
Two positive alternatives (either...or)
Indirect question with two options (whether...or)
Two negative alternatives (neither...nor)

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

'Either...or' expresses two positive alternatives; 'neither...nor' expresses two negative alternatives; 'both...and' includes two elements together; 'whether...or' introduces an indirect question with two options.

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