Correlative Conjunction
Learn how to use correlative conjunctions in English.
Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point
Correlative Conjunctions
Point 1: Conjunctions link words or clauses together. Correlative conjunctions are a pair of conjunctions that link words or clauses.
- Neither Tom nor Sally know how to drive. (neither/nor is the correlative conjunction)
- I spoke to both my friends and family to get their advice.
- I would like to eat either the salad or the soup.
- I can’t decide whether to quit my job or continue working.
Point 2: Correlative conjunctions link words or phrases or clauses that are equally important and are the same part of speech.
- The lady was both kind and friendly.
(kind and friendly are adjectives) - Whether I liked it or not, I had to finish my assignment on time.
(‘I liked it’ and ‘not’ are both verb phrases) - It was neither the rice nor the noodles that smelled so good.
(‘the rice’ and ‘the noodles’ are both nouns) - I was either going to sleep early or stay up late.
(‘going to sleep early’ or ‘stay up late’ are both verb phrases)
Point 3: Neither/nor means both options in the clauses are not true.
- The boy was neither quiet nor happy.
- I was neither going to speak to them nor write to them.
- Neither the coach nor the players were happy with the game.
- It was neither polite nor practical to decline his offer to help.
Point 4: Both/and means all the options in the clauses are true.
- Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the lesson.
- Santa Claus gave the children both sweets and presents.
- The professor was both happy and proud of the recent graduates.
- We are both short of time and money.
Point 5: Either/or means at least one of the options in the clauses is true.
- If I had to go on holiday, I would choose either the beach or the mountains.
- You can ask either the professor or the TA to help you.
- I would like either apple juice or orange juice, whichever is available.
- We can either drive or take the subway to the concert.
Point 6: Pronunciation tip! When speaking. pause before the second conjunction.
- I neither wanted to eat // nor drink.
- The children were both tired // and hungry.
- If I were you, I would either call in sick // or work from home.
- Whether you are a beginner // or an expert, this is the best place to learn dance.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.