Master Correlative Conjunctions: The Ultimate Guide with 100+ Examples

Introduction: Boost Your Writing with Correlative Conjunctions

In the vast toolkit of English grammar, few elements are as powerful and elegant as correlative conjunctions. These specialized word pairs work in tandem to connect two balanced words, phrases, or clauses, creating sentences that are not only grammatically sound but also stylistically sophisticated. For anyone looking to refine their writing—from students to professionals—a firm grasp of correlative conjunctions is indispensable. This guide will demystify these constructions, providing clear rules, essential tips, and a comprehensive list of 100 examples to solidify your understanding.

What Are Correlative Conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to coordinate two items within a sentence. They always come in pairs, and the elements that follow each part of the pair must be parallel in structure. This means if a noun follows the first conjunction, a noun should follow the second.

The Golden Rule: Parallel Structure

The most critical rule for using correlative conjunctions correctly is maintaining parallel structure. The grammatical form of the elements connected by the conjunctions must be identical.

• Incorrect: She is not only a great singer but also dances beautifully. (Noun phrase vs. verb phrase)
• Correct: She not only sings beautifully but also dances gracefully. (Both are verb phrases)
• Correct: She is not only a great singer but also a talented dancer. (Both are noun phrases)

Important Tips for Students and Exam Candidates

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: When using “either…or” or “neither…nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
   • Example: Neither the players nor the coach is responsible. Neither the coach nor the players are responsible.
2. Pronoun Agreement: Similarly, pronoun agreement follows the subject closest to the verb.
   • Example: Either Sam or his friends will bring their equipment.
3. Avoid Double Negatives: “Neither…nor” is already negative. Do not use another negative word in the clause.
   • Incorrect: He neither said anything nor did nothing.
   • Correct: He neither said anything nor did anything.
4. Common Pitfall: Do not use “both” with “as well as.” Use “both…and” instead.
   • Incorrect: He is proficient in both English as well as French.
   • Correct: He is proficient in both English and French.

100 Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

1. Both my sister and my brother are doctors.
2. Either you come with us or you stay here.
3. She is neither happy nor sad about the news.
4. I would rather read a book than watch a movie.
5. The movie was not only long but also boring.
6. Whether you like it or not, we have to go.
7. No sooner had I left the house than it started raining.
8. Such was his strength that he could lift the car.
9. As many as fifty people attended the meeting.
10. Just as the sun rises, so does the moon set.
11. Both the laptop and the tablet are on sale.
12. You can have either tea or coffee.
13. He is neither a liar nor a thief.
14. I would rather walk than run.
15. She not only finished her work but also helped others.
16. Whether it rains or shines, the event will continue.
17. No sooner had she spoken than she regretted it.
18. Such is life that we must face challenges.
19. As many as twenty students passed the test.
20. Just as I thought, he was late.
21. Both singing and dancing require practice.
22. Either apologize or leave.
23. The food was neither hot nor tasty.
24. He would rather fail than cheat.
25. It is not only expensive but also inefficient.
26. I don’t care whether he comes or goes.
27. No sooner said than done.
28. Such were the conditions that we had to stop.
29. As many as ten projects were completed.
30. Just as a fish needs water, so do humans need air.
31. Both the red and the blue shirts are clean.
32. You can either pay now or later.
33. The answer is neither here nor there.
34. I’d rather be early than late.
35. He not only called but also visited.
36. Whether we win or lose, we did our best.
37. No sooner had the bell rung than the children rushed out.
38. Such was her beauty that everyone admired her.
39. As many as five options are available.
40. Just as the manager directed, so the team acted.
41. Both you and I are responsible.
42. Either he is mistaken or he is lying.
43. I feel neither tired nor sleepy.
44. She would rather resign than compromise her ethics.
45. The plan was not only clever but also simple.
46. Tell me whether you agree or disagree.
47. No sooner had I closed my eyes than the phone rang.
48. Such is the law that all must obey.
49. As many as a hundred birds flew away.
50. Just as the day follows the night, so does happiness follow sorrow.
51. Both the theory and the practice are important.
52. Either the dog barks or the cat meows.
53. He showed neither emotion nor interest.
54. I would rather try and fail than not try at all.
55. She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
56. Decide whether you are coming in or going out.
57. No sooner had he arrived than he started working.
58. Such was the noise that I couldn’t sleep.
59. As many as two thousand people voted.
60. Just as you sow, so shall you reap.
61. Both the president and the CEO approved the plan.
62. You must either fix the problem or replace it.
63. The room was neither clean nor tidy.
64. He would rather die than betray his country.
65. It is not only possible but also necessary.
66. I wonder whether he will succeed or fail.
67. No sooner had the game begun than it started to rain.
68. Such was his determination that he overcame all obstacles.
69. As many as several attempts were made.
70. Just as a captain leads a ship, so does a leader guide a team.
71. Both the music and the lyrics were beautiful.
72. Either we find a solution or we face the consequences.
73. She had neither the time nor the energy to argue.
74. I’d rather be alone than in bad company.
75. The car is not only fast but also fuel-efficient.
76. See whether this key fits the lock or not.
77. No sooner had she eaten than she felt sick.
78. Such is his reputation that he is trusted by all.
79. As many as a dozen cookies were eaten.
80. Just as the engine powers a car, so does passion power success.
81. Both the initial cost and the maintenance are high.
82. You can either lead, follow, or get out of the way.
83. The statement was neither true nor false.
84. I would rather know the truth than be comforted by a lie.
85. He not only wrote the script but also directed the film.
86. It is uncertain whether the package will arrive today or tomorrow.
87. No sooner had the winter ended than the flowers bloomed.
88. Such was the demand that they sold out immediately.
89. As many as three errors were found.
90. Just as the foundation supports a building, so does education support a career.
91. Both the design and the functionality are impressive.
92. Either the data is wrong, or our analysis is flawed.
93. He offered neither an explanation nor an apology.
94. She would rather listen than speak.
95. The job requires not only skill but also patience.
96. I am unsure whether to turn left or right.
97. No sooner had the meeting started than the fire alarm went off.
98. Such was the pain that he could not continue.
99. As many as eight teams are competing.
100. Just as the artist paints, so does the writer create worlds with words.

FAQs about Correlative Conjunctions

Q1: What is the most common mistake people make with correlative conjunctions?
The most common error is faulty parallel structure. The elements following each part of the conjunction pair must be grammatically equal (e.g., both nouns, both verbs, both clauses).

Q2: How do I know which correlative conjunction to use?
It depends on the relationship you want to show:

• Addition: Use both…and.
• Choice/Alternative: Use either…or, whether…or.
• Negation: Use neither…nor.
• Contrast/Comparison: Use not only…but also, just as…so.

Q3: In a “neither…nor” sentence, should the verb be singular or plural?
The verb should agree with the subject closest to it. If the closest subject is singular, use a singular verb; if plural, use a plural verb.

• Example: Neither the manager nor the employees are here. (Plural)
• Example: Neither the employees nor the manager is here. (Singular)

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Balance

Incorporating correlative conjunctions effectively is a hallmark of advanced English proficiency. By ensuring parallel structure and choosing the correct pair for your intended meaning, you can elevate your writing from simple to sophisticated. Keep this guide handy, practice with the 100 examples provided, and you will confidently wield the power of correlative conjunctions in all your written and spoken communication, giving you a distinct edge in academic and competitive settings.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes. Grammar rules can have exceptions, and it is always advisable to consult the specific style guide required for your academic institution or professional context.

Also Read: Master Your English: The Ultimate Irregular Verbs List and Guide

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