Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions connect two equal grammatical items in a sentence.

Either you apologise or I'll call mommy!

These conjunctions come in pairs - either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also, rather ... than etc.

When using correlative conjunctions, pay attention to the subject-predicate agreement so that you have parallel structures.

College life is not only about partying, but also study like crazy

College life is not only about partying, but also studying like crazy

Note that a negative correlative like neither ... nor can go at the beginning of a sentence. In this case, the word order is inverted, and the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. Compare the sentences:

Neither did Sam clean the apartment nor did he buy groceries

Sam neither cleaned the apartment nor bought groceries

Guided Practice#

• .................... juice .................... water. I don't drink anything else.
• You should buy sweets .................... for yourself .................... for your small siblings. Sharing is caring!
• He'd .................... stay at home the whole winter .................... go out in this freezing weather.

• Maggie neither .................... (to call) me nor .................... (to send) a text yesterday.
• Neither .................... me nor .................... me a text yesterday.

Short Story using Correlative Conjunctions#

–We can go either to the park or to the mall.

–I don't feel like going anywhere. I'd rather stay at home than go anywhere.

–Is something wrong?

–No, everything is OK. I just feel a bit sick. I don't know why though. Neither did I eat anything weird nor did I drink alcohol.

–You should definitely rest then!

Independent Practice#

Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. They are either crazy nor madly in love.

2. Neither did Beckie understand her friend nor she tried to understand her.

3. Travelling alone isn't as fun as to travel with friends.

4. These jeans are both expensive or outdated.

5. She'd rather buy frozen food than cooking every day.

6. This joke is neither funny or appropriate.

7. Not only will they come here but will they also stay with me for a whole week!

8. He would rather die than would tell them the truth.

9. She finds James not repulsive only but also annoying.

10. Only not does he sing but he also dances at the same time.