Correlative Conjunctions – Meaning, Example, and Practice Exercise

At times, it happens that you have to communicate two related topics of equal importance in a single sentence. Correlative conjunctions come into play in certain situations. You can learn everything there is to know about correlative conjunctions from this article, which also includes examples to make learning easier. Additionally, assess your understanding of the subject by answering the provided practice questions.

What is a Correlative Conjunction?

A conjunction is a term that connects words, sentences, and phrases in a statement. A correlative conjunction is perhaps a sort of conjunction that works in pairs, including both terms functioning with each other to equalize phrases, words, or sentences. They are utilized in groups to connect comparable parts in a phrase or to correlate among themselves. It is critical while utilizing correlative conjunctions that such things or concepts getting related share similar grammar rules or play identical roles in the phrase. In other words, correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that are employed in groups to unite words or sentences that share a comparable actual purpose and spirit.

Correlative Conjunction Definition

Conjunctions are terms that join unrelated terms, sentences, or paragraphs together. A single of the three different kinds of conjunctions is correlative conjunction. Correlative conjunctions, like so many conjunctions, connect components of speech in contexts to indicate their connection. These correlative terms are frequently utilized with one another but rarely utilized adjacent to one another. Correlative conjunctions usually connect parts that are comparable or equivalent in duration and syntactic structure.

Correlative Conjunctions Examples

1. My sister and I are both going to our village tonight.
2. We are not only going to the gym today but also tomorrow.
3. I hardly read Ramayana when I have time.
4. The more you practice the more you become perfect.
5. We are all responsible for the essential tasks of our country, whether we like it or not.
6. I can either have sweet or ice cream.
7. My sister is such a brilliant student that she cracked a very tough exam.
8. I like playing football rather than cricket.
9. Neither I hate nor like her.
10. The more I eat the more I gain weight.
11. She attempted to dance as best as she could.
12. The more I go deep into meditation the more I feel better.
13. I would rather prefer milk than tea.
14. She is not only my roommate but also my friend.
15. I hardly cook when I get time.

Correlative Conjunctions Sentences

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to coordinate two elements in a sentence. They are used to balance sentence elements that are of equal syntactic importance. Some common pairs include “both/and,” “either/or,” “neither/nor,” “not only/but also,” and “whether/or.” Here are examples of sentences using correlative conjunctions:

1. Both/And: Both the cat and the dog were sleeping in the sun.
2. Either/Or: You can either stay home or come with us to the movies.
3. Neither/Nor: Neither the blue shirt nor the red sweater fits me anymore.
4. Not Only/But Also: She is not only intelligent but also very kind.
5. Whether/Or: I couldn’t decide whether to have tea or coffee this morning.

How to Use Correlative Conjunctions

When employing any pair of correlative conjunctions, three key elements must be remembered:

1. Parallel Structure

Whenever a verb precedes the first conjunction within pair, maybe another verb may precede the other conjunction within pair; this is known as the parallel structure.

2. Pronoun Agreement

Whenever linking two origins, the very next pronoun shall match also with other; this is known as pronoun agreement.

3. Verb Agreement

To link two subjects, the other subject must coincide also with subsequent verb, which is referred to as verb agreement.

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

Que.1 Choose the most appropriate corelative conjunctions to complete the following sentences.

1. This place is____ beautiful ____ large.

a. and/both
b. or/and
c. neither/than
d. both/and

2. She is ______ intelligent _____ beautiful.

a. more/than
b. neither/nor
c. and/than
d. not only/or

3. He is _____going to Mumbai _____ Varanasi.

a. neither/nor
b. rather/than
c. either/than
d. more/than

4.Rohan is _____ rich _____ smart.

a. both/and
b. whether/or
c. and/or
d. the more/the more

5. I ____ like to dance ____ singing.

a. not only/but also
b. and/or
c. but also/not only
d. more/either

6. I will _____ go to temple ____ church.

a. rather/than
b. but/also
c. more/either
d. either/or

7. Priyanka Chopra is _____ a good actress _____ a social activist.

a. and/or
b. neither/nor
c. more/either
d. not only/but also

8. I would ______ go shopping _______ staying at home.

a. rather/than
b. more/earlier
c. neither/nor
d. rather/than

9. I _______ go to movie _____ I am free.

a. hardly/when
b. neither/or
c. more/ than
b. both/an

10. ____ you stay healthy ____ have junk food it’s your choice.

a. whether/or
b. but/also
c. neither/nor
d. I/when

Answers:

1. This place is both beautiful and large.
2. She is more intelligent than beautiful.
3. He is neither going to Mumbai nor Varanasi.
4. Rohan is both rich and smart.
5. I not only like to dance but also singing.
6. I will either go to temple or church.
7. Priyanka Chopra is not only a good actress but also a social activist.
8. I would rather go shopping than staying at home.
9. I hardly go to movie when I am free.
10. Whether you stay healthy or have junk food it’s your choice.  

Correlative Conjunctions Worksheet

Fill-in-the-Blanks:

Complete the sentences with the correct correlative conjunctions.

1. ________ the teacher ________ the student was aware of the upcoming test.
2. You will have to decide ________ you will go for science ________ commerce.
3. ________ her early successes ________ her talent, she was chosen for the lead role.

Sentence Correction:

Rewrite the following sentences using the correct correlative conjunctions.

1. She will either be attending the meeting or will be on the leave.
2. Neither the cupcakes nor the cookies was left by the end of the party.

Matching Exercise:

Match the sentence halves correctly using correlative conjunctions.

1. Not only did she finish her homework
2. You can have either
   • but she also helped her brother with his.
   • ice cream or cake for dessert.

Correlative Conjunctions- FAQs

What is a correlative conjunction?

A conjunction is a term that connects terms, sentences, and phrases in a statement. A correlative conjunction is perhaps a sort of conjunction that works in pairs, including both terms functioning with each other to equalize phrases, words, or sentences. They are utilized in groups to connect comparable parts in a phrase or to correlate among themselves. It is critical while utilizing correlative conjunctions that such things or concepts getting related share similar grammar rules or play identical roles in the phrase. In other words, correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that are employed in groups to unite words or sentences which share a comparable actual purpose and spirit.

How are correlative conjunctions used?

Ans. When employing any pair of correlative conjunctions, three key elements must be remembered:

1. Parallel Structure:

Whenever a verb precedes the first conjunction within pair, maybe another verb may precede the other conjunction within pair; this is known as the parallel structure.

2. Pronoun Agreement:

Whenever linking two origins, the very next pronoun shall match also with other; this is known as pronoun agreement.

3. Verb Agreement:

To link two subjects, the other subject must coincide also with subsequent verb, which is referred to as verb agreement. 

What are common correlative conjunction pairs?

Ans. Some common pairs of correlative conjunction are as follows:

1. Not only/But also
2. Both/And
3. Rather/Than
4. Hardly/When
5. The more/The more
6. Neither/Nor
7. Either/Or
8. Whether/Or
9. Such/That
10. More/Than