I am pretty sure that you may have learned the coordinating conjunctions before. But do you know something about correlative conjunctions? Don’t worry!
In this article, we are going to learn correlative conjunctions definition and examples in details.
What is a correlative conjunction?
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect similar elements in a sentence. They show a relationship of choice, contrast, combination, or emphasis.
What is the correlative conjunctions definition?
Conjunctions are important words that join words, phrases, or clauses together in a sentence. They help to establish relationships among them.
Here are some correlative conjunctions examples:
1) Either…or: Shows a choice between two options.
Either you study or you play games.
2) Neither…nor: Indicates the negation of both options.
Neither John nor Mary likes broccoli.
The book is neither interesting nor well-written.
3) Both…and: Connects two elements, emphasizing the presence of both.
Both the cat and the dog are adorable.
She is both intelligent and kind.
4) Not only…but also: Emphasizes additional information.
He is not only a great singer but also an exceptional dancer.
5) Whether…or: Introduces alternatives or possibilities.
Whether it rains or shines, we will have fun.
Correlative conjunctions help establish balance, clarity, and emphasis in sentences by connecting related ideas.
Here is a Correlative Conjunctions List for you.
Correlative Conjunctions |
Examples |
|
Both…and |
Both Sarah and John attended the party. |
| Either…or |
Either study hard or you will fail the exam. |
|
Neither…nor |
Neither Tom nor Mary could solve the math problem. |
| Not only…but also |
Neha is not only smart but also wise. |
|
Whether…or |
Whether it rains or shines, we will go hiking. |
| Just as…so too |
Just as the flowers bloom, so too does hope. |
|
As…as |
Rakesh is as tall as Karan. |
|
Such…that |
It was such a hot day that we decided to go swimming. |
| No sooner…than |
No sooner did I wake up than Varun called me up. |
|
Rather…than |
I would rather stay in and watch a movie than go out. |
| Scarcely…when |
Scarcely had he finished speaking when the phone rang. |
|
So…that |
She was so busy that she couldn’t revert me. |
| The more…the more |
The more you practice, the better you become. |
|
Hardly…when |
Hardly had she left the house when it started snowing. |
|
Just…just |
I have just finished my homework, and you have just started. |
| Not…but |
It’s not about winning, but about participating. |
|
Such…as |
He has such a beautiful voice as a singer. |
| No…but |
There is no one here but us. |
|
Rather…than |
Vinod would rather like tea than coffee. |
| Not only…but rather |
Not only did he pass the exam, but rather he scored the highest. |
|
Such…that |
It was such a hot day that we went swimming. |
These correlative conjunctions sentences further show how we use correlative conjunctions to connect ideas, express comparisons, present choices, and highlight contrasts in sentences. Feel free to create your own sentences using these conjunctions to practice
Let’s go through each conjunction individually and discuss its usage
1) Both…and: This conjunction is used to connect two elements that are being added together or considered together. It emphasizes the inclusion of both elements.
Both the feline and the canine are playing in the nursery.
The café serves both pizza and pasta.
2) Either…or: This conjunction presents a choice between two alternatives. It indicates that one of the options will be selected, but not both.
You can either go to the recreation area or remain at home and read a book.
We can either watch a film or take a walk.
3) Neither…nor: This conjunction is used to express a negative choice between two options. It indicates that both options are not selected.
Neither Sarah nor John likes to eat fiery food.
The store has neither apples nor oranges today.
4) Not only…but too: This conjunction is used to emphasize two different qualities or actions of a subject. It adds emphasis to the second element.
She not only plays the piano but also sings wonderfully.
The new cell phone has not only an incredible camera but also a long battery duration.
5) Whether…or: This conjunction introduces a choice between two possibilities. It indicates that one of the options will happen or be true.
I can’t choose whether to take the train or the transport.
Whether it rains or sparkles, we’ll have an excursion.
6) Just as…so as well: This conjunction is used to establish a parallel relationship between two elements. It indicates that if one element is true or happens, the other element is also true or happens.
Similarly as the sun rises, so too does the moon.
Similarly as she loves to move, so too does her sister.
7) As…as: This conjunction is used to make a comparison between two equal or similar things. It indicates that two elements share a similar degree or quality.
She is all around as tall as her sibling.
Neha is as beautiful as her mother.
8) Such…that: This conjunction is used to express a cause-and-effect relationship. It indicates that the consequence or result is a direct outcome of the described situation.
It was such a wonderful day that we chose to go for a climb.
The show was such a triumph that they chose to have a reprise.
9) No sooner…than: This conjunction is used to show that one event or action happens immediately after another. It indicates a very short time gap between the two events.
No sooner had he gotten back than the telephone began ringing.
No sooner did she light cooking than the fire alert went off.
10) Rather…than: This conjunction is used to express a preference or choice between two options. It indicates that one option is preferred over the other.
I would prefer to eat yogurt than cake.
He would prefer to remain at home and sit in front of the television than go out with companions.
11) Hardly…when: We use the correlative conjunctions to show that one event or action happens immediately after another. It indicates a very short time gap between the two events.
Hardly had the film begun when the power went out.
Hardly did she finish her feast when the telephone rang.
- So…that: This conjunction is used to express a cause-and-effect relationship. It indicates that the consequence or result is a direct outcome of the described situation.
She looks so beautiful that all like her.
The cake was so delicious that we couldn’t control eating it.
13) The more…the more: This conjunction is used to express a proportional relationship between two elements. It indicates that as one element increases, the other element also increases.
The more you practice, the better you become at playing the guitar.
The more you study, the more information you gain.
14) Scarcely…when: This conjunction is used to show that one event or action happens immediately after another. It indicates a very short time gap between the two events.
Barely had she gone out when it began pouring intensely.
Barely did he finish his feast when he began feeling debilitated.
15) Just…just: This conjunction is used to emphasize the immediate or precise timing of an action or event.
I have just completed my schoolwork, and you have just begun yours.
Roma just called me and I just met her.
16) Not…but: This conjunction is used to express a contrast or alternative. It indicates a negation of the first option and the affirmation of the second option.
It’s really not necessary to focus on winning, but about partaking in the game.
He is not a specialist, but an instructor.
17) Such…as: This conjunction is used to provide specific examples or instances that exemplify a general statement or category.
He has such a wonderful voice as a vocalist.
Such tempests as this are uncommon around here.
18) No…but: This conjunction is used to negate or deny the possibility of one thing and propose an alternative or different possibility.
There is nobody here but for us.
There is no food but arrange pizza.
19) Rather…than: This conjunction is used to express a preference or choice between two options. It indicates that one option is preferred over the other.
I would rather remain at home than show up for the party.
He would rather die than marry someone else.
20) Not only…but rather: This conjunction is used to express a cause-and-effect relationship. It indicates that the consequence or result is a direct outcome of the described situation.
Not only did she finish her project, but rather she exceeded expectations.
Not only is he intelligent, but rather he is also hardworking.
Like subordinating conjunctions, the correlative conjunctions play important roles. They connect ideas, express choices, show cause and effect. They also emphasize contrasts, and establish relationships in a sentence or text. Understanding their usage helps in constructing clear sentences. They convey the intended meaning effectively.
I hope you have completely understood the correlative conjunctions definition and examples. In case you still have any doubts, please do let us know in the comment box.
