Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect equal parts of a sentence. Common pairs include both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, and whether…or.
These pairs may look simple, but their placement affects sentence balance, verb agreement, and sometimes word order.
What Are Correlative Conjunctions?
A correlative conjunction is a conjunction that consists of two related words or expressions. The two parts appear in different places within the sentence but work as one connecting pair.
Common pairs include:
- both…and
- either…or
- neither…nor
- not only…but also
- whether…or
Correlative conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical importance. The connected elements should also follow matching structures.
Consider this sentence:
You may either submit the form online or deliver it in person.
The sentence contains:
- first part of the pair: either
- second part of the pair: or
- first connected element: submit the form online
- second connected element: deliver it in person
Both connected elements are verb phrases with the same basic structure.
Correlative conjunctions may connect single words:
The instructions were both clear and concise.
They may connect phrases:
We can meet either before lunch or after the workshop.
They may also connect clauses:
Whether Emily accepts or declines the offer, the company needs an answer today.
Common Correlative Conjunctions List
The following pairs are the clearest and most widely recognized correlative conjunctions in English.
| Correlative pair | Main meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both…and | includes two elements | Both Maya and Noah volunteered. |
| either…or | presents two alternatives | You may either wait or return later. |
| neither…nor | rejects two alternatives | Neither the answer nor the explanation was convincing. |
| not only…but also | adds a second point with emphasis | The plan is not only affordable but also practical. |
| whether…or | presents alternatives or uncertainty | I do not know whether she will call or write. |
Some grammar resources also discuss the following paired structures with correlative conjunctions:
- rather…than
- as…as
- no sooner…than
- hardly…when
- scarcely…when
- so…that
- such…that
These expressions clearly work in related pairs, but their grammatical classification varies. For example, as…as forms a comparison, while so…that and such…that introduce result constructions. They should not always be treated as identical to the five core pairs in the table.
How the Main Correlative Conjunctions Work
Both…And
Both…and includes two people, things, qualities, actions, or ideas.
The apartment is both spacious and affordable.
The pair connects two adjectives.
Olivia both planned the event and managed the budget.
The pair connects two verb phrases.
Incorrect:
Both Daniel or Ethan will lead the discussion.
Correct:
Both Daniel and Ethan will lead the discussion.
The second part of the pair must be and.
Either…Or
Either…or presents two alternatives.
You may choose either the blue folder or the green one.
The pair connects two noun phrases.
Sarah will either work from home or travel to the office.
The pair connects two verb phrases.
The context determines whether only one alternative is possible.
You may have either tea or coffee.
This usually means choosing one drink.
We can contact the supplier either by phone or by email.
Both methods may be available, even though the sentence presents them as alternatives.
Place either directly before the first element being compared whenever possible.
Awkward:
James either will call tonight or tomorrow morning.
Better:
James will call either tonight or tomorrow morning.
The revised sentence clearly connects two time expressions.
Neither…Nor
Neither…nor means not one and not the other.
Neither the key nor the access card worked.
Both alternatives are rejected.
Hannah neither complained nor asked for help.
The pair connects two verbs.
Use nor, not or, after neither.
Incorrect:
Neither Ava or Grace attended the workshop.
Correct:
Neither Ava nor Grace attended the workshop.
Because neither…nor already expresses a negative meaning, avoid adding another unnecessary negative.
Incorrect:
I did not choose neither option.
Correct:
I chose neither option.
You may also write:
I did not choose either option.
Both corrected sentences mean that no option was selected.
Not Only…But Also
Not only…but also states that both elements are true. It places additional emphasis on the second element.
The course is not only practical but also affordable.
The second quality receives added emphasis.
Leo not only repaired the computer but also recovered the missing files.
The pair connects two verb phrases.
The word also may sometimes be omitted when the meaning remains clear.
The documentary was not only informative but entertaining.
However, including also often makes the paired structure easier to recognize.
Placement affects what the sentence emphasizes.
Nora not only designed the website but also wrote the content.
This sentence emphasizes two actions performed by Nora.
Not only Nora but also Ethan designed the website.
This sentence emphasizes that two people were involved.
The two sentences use the same pair, but they connect different elements.
Whether…Or
Whether…or presents alternatives, uncertainty, or two possible situations.
I cannot decide whether to walk or take the bus.
The pair connects two infinitive phrases.
Please confirm whether the package has arrived or is still in transit.
The pair presents two possible situations.
Whether or not may mean that the result remains the same in either situation.
Whether or not the train arrives on time, we will leave the station at noon.
The departure will happen regardless of the train’s arrival time.
Compare:
I do not know whether the office is open or closed.
This sentence presents two alternatives.
Whether or not the office is open, I will submit the form online.
This sentence means that the decision will not change.
Parallel Structure and Correct Placement
Correlative conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical importance. The words, phrases, or clauses after each part of the pair should follow the same grammatical pattern.
Match the Grammatical Forms
A correlative pair may connect matching nouns:
The role requires both patience and attention.
It may connect matching adjectives:
The instructions were neither clear nor complete.
It may connect matching phrases:
The keys are either on the desk or inside the drawer.
It may also connect matching clauses:
Whether Mia accepts the offer or she rejects it, the company needs an answer today.
Problems occur when the connected elements use different forms.
Incorrect: Ethan enjoys both reading novels and to paint landscapes.
Correct: Ethan enjoys both reading novels and painting landscapes.
You could also write:
Ethan likes both to read novels and to paint landscapes.
Both corrected versions use parallel structure.
Place Each Part Before the Element It Introduces
The position of each part affects what the pair connects.
Incorrect: Sophie either will study at home or in the library.
Correct: Sophie will study either at home or in the library.
In the corrected sentence, either…or connects two prepositional phrases:
- at home
- in the library
A useful check is to look at what immediately follows each part of the pair.
The position requires both careful planning and clear communication.
After both: noun phrase
After and: noun phrase
The structure is balanced.
How to Correct Faulty Parallelism
There are two common ways to repair an unbalanced sentence.
Move the First Part of the Pair
Incorrect: Daniel either works in the studio or from home.
Correct: Daniel works either in the studio or from home.
Moving either places it directly before the two phrases being compared.
Rewrite One Connected Element
Incorrect: The course teaches both how to plan a budget and saving regularly.
Correct: The course teaches both how to plan a budget and how to save regularly.
Another correct version is:
The course teaches both budget planning and regular saving.
Subject-Verb Agreement With Correlative Conjunctions
When correlative conjunctions join subjects, the verb must agree correctly with those subjects.
Agreement With Both…And
Two separate subjects joined by both…and normally take a plural verb.
Both the manager and the assistant are attending.
Both the kitchen and the dining room need repainting.
The pair refers to two subjects together.
Agreement With Either…Or
With either…or, the verb normally agrees with the subject closest to it.
Either the technicians or the supervisor is available.
The nearest subject, supervisor, is singular.
Either the supervisor or the technicians are available.
The nearest subject, technicians, is plural.
Agreement With Neither…Nor
The same nearest-subject pattern normally applies to neither…nor.
Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared.
Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.
The verb changes according to the subject nearest to it.
Agreement With Not Only…But Also
When not only…but also connects subjects, the verb also normally agrees with the nearest subject.
Not only the teachers but also the principal was present.
Not only the principal but also the teachers were present.
Mixed Singular and Plural Subjects
Sentences with one singular and one plural subject may sound awkward even when the verb follows the nearest-subject rule.
Either the manager or the assistants are responsible.
This is grammatically acceptable under the nearest-subject rule, but rewriting may improve clarity:
Either the manager is responsible, or the assistants are.
You may also place the plural subject closer to the verb when that creates a smoother sentence.
Comma Rules With Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions do not automatically require commas. Punctuation depends on the elements they connect.
Connecting Words or Phrases
Do not normally place a comma between two words or phrases joined by a correlative pair.
The room was both clean and quiet.
We can meet either on Tuesday or on Thursday.
Incorrect:
The position requires both patience, and attention to detail.
Correct:
The position requires both patience and attention to detail.
Connecting Independent Clauses
Use a comma when the second part of the pair introduces another independent clause.
Not only did Clara prepare the proposal, but she also presented it to the board.
The sentence contains two complete clauses:
- Clara prepared the proposal.
- She presented it to the board.
The comma separates the clauses before but.
Another example:
Either you submit the application today, or you will have to wait until next month.
Each side contains its own subject and verb.
Introductory Elements
A comma may also be needed because of the general sentence structure rather than the correlative conjunction itself.
Whether the team wins or loses, the coach will review the performance.
The opening whether…or clause is followed by a comma because it introduces the main clause.
Special Word Order With Not Only…But Also
The position of not only affects sentence structure.
Not Only in Its Normal Position
When not only appears after the subject, normal word order is used.
Daniel not only completed the research but also designed the presentation.
The subject Daniel comes before the verb completed.
The device not only records audio but also stores video.
No inversion is needed.
Not Only at the Beginning of a Clause
When not only begins a clause, subject-auxiliary inversion is normally required.
Incorrect:
Not only Daniel completed the research, but he also designed the presentation.
Correct:
Not only did Daniel complete the research, but he also designed the presentation.
The auxiliary did comes before the subject Daniel.
If the original verb phrase already contains an auxiliary, move that auxiliary before the subject.
Normal position:
Maria has not only completed the report but also checked every reference.
Initial position:
Not only has Maria completed the report, but she has also checked every reference.
With the verb be, place the verb before the subject.
Not only was the room spacious, but it was also well lit.
This inversion occurs because the negative expression not only has been moved to the beginning for emphasis.
Correlative and Coordinating Conjunctions
Correlative and coordinating conjunctions both connect elements of equal grammatical importance. The main difference is their form.
A coordinating conjunction usually works as a single connecting word.
Ava ordered tea and cake.
And is a coordinating conjunction.
A correlative conjunction works as a two-part pair.
Ava ordered both tea and cake.
Both…and is a correlative conjunction.
Other coordinating conjunctions include but, or, nor, for, yet, and so. Correlative pairs include either…or, neither…nor, and not only…but also.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five common correlative conjunctions?
Five common correlative conjunction pairs are:
both…and
either…or
neither…nor
not only…but also
whether…or
Some grammar resources include additional paired constructions, so lists may vary.
What is the main rule for correlative conjunctions?
The main rule is parallel structure. The grammatical element after the first part of the pair should match the element after the second part.
Correct: The role requires both careful planning and clear communication.
Incorrect: The role requires both planning carefully and clear communication.
Which verb agrees with either…or and neither…nor?
The verb normally agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
Either the directors or the manager is attending.
Neither the manager nor the directors are attending.
Rewriting may improve sentences that combine singular and plural subjects.
Does not only…but also need a comma?
Not always. A comma is normally unnecessary when the pair connects words or phrases.
Example: The product is not only reliable but also affordable.
A comma is used when the second part introduces another independent clause.
Example: Not only is the product reliable, but it is also affordable.
Is as…as a correlative conjunction?
As…as is a paired comparative structure. Some educational grammar resources group it with correlative conjunctions, while other analyses treat it specifically as a comparison construction. For example, “The new office is as spacious as the old one.” Its classification may vary, but the two parts work together to form a comparison.
What is the difference between coordinating and correlative conjunctions?
A coordinating conjunction is usually a single word such as and, but, or or. A correlative conjunction consists of two related parts, such as both…and or either…or. Both types connect grammatically equal elements.
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