Correlative Conjunctions
Definition :
Some conjunctions are used in pairs. Conjunctions which are thus used in pairs are called Correlative Conjunctions or Merely Correlative.
Conjunctions which are used in pairs are called Correlative Conjunctions. A term used of a construction in which two parts of a sentence are linked together by two words – one word belonging to one part and the other word belonging to the other.
Some Important Correlative Conjunctions
e.g.
both and | not ... but | neither... nor |
either ... or | not only... but also | whether... or |
though ... yet | | |
Although some of these conjunctions can stand on their own, when used in a correlative sense, both words must be present:
e.g.
Not only ... but also |
Mr.Rao not only smokes but also drinks |
He not only acts but also writes his own plays |
Dad not only washed the car, but he also polished it |
Maria not only skis but also snowboards |
He not only robbed the poor child but also murdered her |
Either ... or |
Either you want to go or you don’t |
You must either pay the bill at once or return the goods |
It is either a parrot or a crow |
Either you or he has to go to the market |
You can do your homework either now or after dinner |
Whether ... or |
Only God knows whether he is alive or dead |
I will see him whether you like it or not |
It all depends on whether it rains or not |
She couldn’t decide whether to stay in bed or get up and take a shower |
Do you know whether Luke or Robin are coming to dinner? |
Both ... and |
She speaks both English and French |
Both popcorn and peanuts are popular snacks at sporting events |
Both the manager and the clerk were happy |
Sam ran faster than both Jems and David |
Both His sister and brother are married |
Though ... yet |
Though he is suffering a lot, yet he does not complain |
Neither ... nor |
It is neither useful nor ornamental |
Neither her sister nor her mother was there |
He is neither a knave nor a fool |
Neither Jack nor Jill enjoyed the outing |
Neuer having neither masculine nor feminine gender |
Note that many words can be used as prepositions, adverbs, or conjunctions. The definition of these words actually depends on how they are used within the sentence.