Correlative Conjunctions

What are Correlative Conjunctions?

Correlative Conjunctions (also known as Paired Conjunctions) are sets of conjunctions that are always used together. Like coordinating conjunctions, they join words, phrases, or independent clauses of similar or equal importance and structure. However, unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions can only join two elements at a time. Coordinating conjunctions can join two, three, four, or more elements, but correlative conjunctions join only two.

Here are the commonly used correlative conjunctions:

• neither … nor
• not only … but also
• either … or
• both … and
• not … but
• whether … or
• just as … so

When should each pair be used? What are their functions?

neither … nor

Neither … nor is used to negate two options.

Examples:

• "She has neither the money nor the time to go for an expensive night out."
• "Neither they care nor do they understand the situation."
• "Neither the food nor the dessert is good."

Meaning: Both options are negative in each sentence; she lacks money and time, they do not care nor understand, and neither food nor dessert is good.

not only … but also

This pair highlights or emphasizes an additional element in a sentence, especially when it seems surprising or contradictory in light of what is known.

Examples:

• "This bag is not only high-quality but also attractive."
• "Not only is he a champion in chess, but he is also one of the most charming young men in the industry."

Meaning: The bag’s value is not limited to quality; it is attractive too. He is a champion, but there is more — his charm.

either … or

Either … or is the positive counterpart of neither … nor. It presents two positive options and emphasizes that the choice is limited to those two.

Examples:

• "Either Nancy or Betty is paying the bill for this month."
• "It's either you stay at home, or you'll end up alone in the hospital."

Meaning: Only Nancy or Betty will pay, not others. You must stay home or risk being alone in hospital.

both … and

Both … and emphasizes two true elements. This pair is used only for words or phrases, not for joining two independent clauses.

Examples:

• "The owner can say: 'The pen and the pencil are mine.'"
• "To emphasize: 'Both the pen and the pencil are mine.'"
• "A speaker can say: 'Jenny and Lenny are going to the party.'"
• "To emphasize: 'Both Jenny and Lenny are going to the party.'"
• "For adjectives: 'This van is huge and expensive.'"
• "To emphasize: 'This van is both huge and expensive.'"

not … but

This pair expresses contradiction, negating the first option and emphasizing the second.

Examples:

• "It's not only my dream but my family's dream."
• "Not the red one but the blue one."

whether … or

Whether … or expresses doubt between two possibilities or uncertainty.

Example:

• "No one could tell what exactly happened. Whether she ran away or has been abducted."

Meaning: It is unclear if she ran away or was abducted.

Whether … or can also express certainty that one of two options will happen:

• "Whether we go swimming, or we go hiking, we'll sure have fun."
• "I will go with you whether you like it or not."

Meaning: No matter which option, the result or action will happen.

just as … so

Just as … so indicates similarity between two joined elements. Just as usually begins an independent clause, followed by so introducing a second independent clause.

Examples:

• "Just as how fast time flies, so does how fast the kids grow."
• "Just as I love watching movies, so does my brother love reading books."

Each sentence contains two independent clauses linked to show similar ideas or actions.