Correlative conjunctions: Meaning, classification, detailed usage

Correlative conjunctions are an important part of English grammar knowledge when learning English. So what are correlative conjunctions? How many correlative conjunctions are there in English? How is each conjunction used? Let's discover the answers to these questions in today's article!

I. What are correlative conjunctions?

What are correlative conjunctions? Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used to illustrate the relationship between two words or phrases in a sentence. Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs. For example:

• We could either hike up the mountain or swim in the lake this afternoon. 
• Whether you bike or drive to work, you'll need to show your parking pass. 

II. How to use correlative conjunctions in English?

Let’s explore 10 correlative conjunctions below!

1. Both…and…

Correlative conjunctions “Both…and…” with the formula:

Both + Noun 1 (N1) + And + Noun 2 (N2) + Verb (V) (plural).

Or

Subject (S) + Verb (V) + Both + Noun (N)/Adjective (V) + And + Noun (N)/Adjective (V).

For example:

• Both Harry and his father are going to have a vacation in Singapore this summer. 
• Tom is both a talented musician and a skilled painter. 

2. Either… or…

Correlative conjunctions “Either… or…” with the formula:

Either + S V O, or + S V O

or

S + either + V + or + V.

or

Either S1 or S2 + V (chia theo S2)…

For example:

• Either you complete the assignment, or you face the consequences. 
• We can either go to the movies or stay home and watch TV. 
• Either Sacredor her best friend is invited to the night party. 

3. Neither… nor…

Correlative conjunctions “Neither … nor…” with the formula:

Neither N1 nor N2+V.

Or

S + neither + V + nor + V +...

For example:

• Neither the teacher nor the students were satisfied with the exam results. 
• Fiona neither confirmed nor denied the allegations against her. 

4. Not only… but (also)…

Correlative conjunctions “Not only… but (also)…” have some formulas, let’s take a look at the table below to use them correctly!

In addition, we have the inverted structure "Not only... but also..."

5. No sooner… than…

Correlative conjunctions “No sooner… than…” with the formula:

No sooner + auxiliary verb + S + V + than + S + V.

For example:

• No sooner had I left the house than it started raining. 
• No sooner had the chef prepared the dish than the hungry guests quickly devoured it. 

6. Scarcely…when…

Correlative conjunctions “Scarcely…when…” with the formula:

Scarcely + had + S + V3/V-ed (Past participle)… when + S + V2/V-ed.

For example:

• Scarcely had I started reading the book when the power went out. 
• Scarcely had the meeting begun when an unexpected interruption occurred. 

7. Whether…or…

Correlative conjunctions “Whether…or…” with the formula:

S + V + whether + S + V + or not.

Or

S + V + whether or not + S + V.

For example:

• I'm unsure whether he will come to the party or not. 
• Our team has to process the meeting whether or not the boss is here. 

8. Such… that…

Correlative conjunctions “Such… that…” with the formula:

Such + be + a/an + adj + N + that + S + V + O.

For example:

• The movie was such a success that the producer decided to spawn multiple sequels. 
• This homework is such a difficult task that it took her much time to finish. 

9. Rather…than…

Correlative conjunctions “Rather…than…” with the formula:

S + V + to V + rather than + V/V-ing.

Or

S + V + Noun + rather than + Noun/V-ing.

For example:

• Peter decided to travel by car rather than traveling by train. 
• I will have a cup of tea rather than a milkshake. 

10. As many…as…

Correlative conjunctions “As many…as…” with the formula:

S + V + as many + N + as + S + V.

For example:

• I have as much enthusiasm for the project as you do. 
• Flora has as many friends as Fiona does.

III. Correlative conjunctions exercises with answers

Let's complete the 2 exercises below together to better understand how the 10 correlative conjunctions in English are used, then you can check the answers below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct correlative conjunction:

1. You can_____choose the blue shirt_____the red one for the party.
   1. No sooner…than
   2. Either…or
   3. Rather…than
2. _____the teacher _____the students were aware of the surprise test.
   1. Rather…than
   2. Whether…or
   3. Neither…nor
3. She is _____intelligent_____hardworking.
   1. No sooner…than
   2. Rather…than
   3. Not only…but also
4. _____it rains_____shines, the picnic will go on as planned.
   1. As many/much…as
   2. Whether…or
   3. Such…that
5. _____did he finish his speech_____the audience burst into applause.
   1. Either…or
   2. No sooner…than
   3. Neither…nor
6. She would_____read a book_____watch television in the evenings.
   1. Such…that
   2. Scarcely…when
   3. rather…than
7. _____had he left the house_____it started to rain heavily.
   1. Either…or
   2. Neither…nor
   3. Scarcely…when
8. She has_____ _____enthusiasm for painting_____she does for writing.
   1. Neither…nor
   2. Not only…but also
   3. As much…as
9. The movie is_____entertaining_____thought-provoking.
   1. No sooner…than
   2. Rather…than
   3. Both…and

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentence using the corresponding correlative conjunctions.

1. She not only sings well but also plays the guitar. (Not only...but also…)
2. Annie had hardly left the school when the lesson ended. (No sooner…than)
3. Smith opened the door. He fainted at once. (No sooner…than)
4. The restaurant not only serves delicious food but also provides excellent service. (Not only...but also…)
5. No sooner had Jennie arrived at the office than the boss noticed her. (Hardly)

2. Answer

IV. Master IELTS Skills for a High Band Score 

PREP hopes this article has helped you memorize the concepts and usage of the 10 correlative conjunctions in English. Need help acing your IELTS exam? Check out our top-rated practice modules here:

• IELTS coaching: Break Barriers, Achieve Band 7