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What Are Correlative Conjunctions? (with Examples)
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to link equivalent elements in a sentence.The most common ones are:
- either...or
- neither...nor
- not only...but also
- as…so
- not…but
Easy Examples of Correlative Conjunctions
Remember that correlative conjunctions link equivalent elements.- Either go big or go home. (The equivalent elements being linked are go big and go home. They are both verbs.)
- It was neither big nor clever. (The equivalent elements are big and clever. They are both adjectives.)
- They stole not only the TV but also the satellite dish. (The equivalent elements are the TV and the satellite dish. They are both nouns. Well, noun phrases to be precise.)
- The light was not green but red.


Real-Life Examples of Correlative Conjunctions
- Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts. (Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud)
- Education is not only the filling of a pail but also the lighting of a fire. (Irish poet William Butler Yeats)
- It is not death but dying which is terrible. (Author Henry Fielding)
Why Should I Care about Correlative Conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions are useful for keeping your writing succinct. They not only provide a succinct structure to say two things but also express how those two things relate to each other. Generally, correlative conjunctions do not cause native English speakers too much grief, but there are four noteworthy issues associated with correlative conjunctions.(Issue 1) Keep a parallel structure.
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs. You must use the same type of word after each one in the pair.- Lee not only likes pies but also cakes.
- He should either sell his watch or his car.
- Lee likes not only pies but also cakes.
- He should sell either his watch or his car.
- Lee not only likes pies but also likes cakes.
- He should either pawn his watch or sell his car.
Read about parallel lists.
(Issue 2) Don't use commas with correlative conjunctions. (Beware the exceptions!)
Sometimes, writers are unsure whether to use a comma with correlative conjunctions. This question arises most often with the pairing not only/but also. Here's the rule: Don't use commas with correlative conjunctions.- Lee likes not only pies, but also cakes.
- As a father has compassion on his children, so God has compassion on those who fear him.
(Bible, Psalm 103:13)
- Not only does Lee like pies, but he also likes cakes.
- Lee likes not only pies, especially cheese and onion, but also cakes. (Here, the commas are offsetting especially cheese and onion, which is just some additional information (called a parenthesis). So, the comma before but also has got nothing to do with correlative conjunctions.)
(Issue 3) Be careful with subject-verb agreement.
When the pairing either/or or neither/nor features in the subject of a verb, the verb is singular if both elements are singular.- Neither the inspector nor the constable was available for comment.
Convention 1: The Proximity Rule. Under this convention, the element nearest the verb determines whether it's singular or plural.
- Neither the inspector nor the constables were available for comment. (The element nearest the verb (constables) is plural, so the verb (were) is plural.)
- Neither the inspectors nor the constable were available for comment. (Here, the first element (inspectors) is plural, so the verb is plural. This would be wrong using The Proximity Rule.)
- Either the budgies or the cat have to go. (This is correct under the Logic Rule but wrong under the Proximity Rule.)
- Either the cat or the budgies have to go. (Here, the plural element is nearest to the verb. This is now correct under both rules. Winner.)
(Issue 4) Don't forget that neither/nor plays a negative role.
Be aware that neither/nor plays a negative role in your sentence. Be careful not to use a double negative.- We did not discuss neither the flooding nor the landslide.

- We discussed neither the flooding nor the landslide.
- We did not discuss either the flooding or the landslide.
Key Points
- Position your correlative conjunctions in your sentence so the same type of word follows each one. In other words, use a parallel structure.
- Don't use a comma with a correlative conjunction unless the words after it could be a standalone sentence (i.e., contain a subject, a verb and convey a complete idea).
- Treat a subject that features either/or or neither/nor as singular if the elements after the conjunctions are singular. If one is plural, put it nearest to the verb and use a plural verb.
- Don't use a negative verb with neither/nor otherwise you'll create a double negative.
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?