--- title: "Correlative Conjunctions" description: "Use correlative conjunctions correctly in sentences, pairing words such as either/or, neither/nor, both/and, not only/but also, and whether/or" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/correlative-conjunctions-mt_S7CnyZCnxg source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/correlative-conjunctions-mt_S7CnyZCnxg.md retrieved: 2026-11-13 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Correlative Conjunctions Use correlative conjunctions correctly in sentences, pairing words such as either/or, neither/nor, both/and, not only/but also, and whether/or Subject: English · Area: Grammar & Punctuation · Ages 10 to 11 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/correlative-conjunctions-mt_S7CnyZCnxg ## Ready when they can - Write sentences using each pair of correlative conjunctions correctly - Keep matching grammatical forms on both sides of a correlative pair - Identify and correct errors in correlative conjunction usage in given sentences ## Lesson: Correlative Conjunctions: Word Pairs That Team Up You have used 'and' to add an idea and 'or' to offer alternatives. Correlative conjunctions use two matching parts: either...or presents alternatives, neither...nor rules out both, and both...and includes both. These words can have other jobs too. In 'Both arrived', both stands alone. In 'We ate and left', and joins actions without both. Look at the construction, not just one word. *(drawing: The contest allows exactly one winner. Either Sam or Ana wins. That contest rule excludes a shared win.)* Parallel structure means the linked parts have matching grammatical forms. Match nouns with nouns, adjectives with adjectives, and actions with actions. 'Nico is both calm and friendly' matches two adjectives. Match swimming with running, not to run. For past actions, match jumped with waved, not waves. A full clause has a subject and a verb: 'Either you stay or you leave' matches two full clauses. **Example.** Not only...but also adds and emphasizes a second fact. 'The puppy not only chewed a sock but also hid a shoe' says that both actions happened. Each half sits before an action: chewed a sock and hid a shoe. Whether...or introduces alternatives being considered: 'I wonder whether to sketch or to paint'. The to-forms match. A shared word can appear once: 'whether to sketch or paint' is also correct because to applies to both actions. After a shared will, use plain verbs: 'whether the balloon will rise or fall'. Do not mix a to-form with an -ing form. **Example.** When repairing a pair, keep the intended meaning. To rule out two actions, change 'neither waved or smiled' to 'neither waved nor smiled'. Changing neither to either changes the meaning. Check the forms too: 'not only sang and she danced' becomes 'not only sang but also danced'. Replace and she with but also to link the two actions. **Example.** Put each half before the parts you want to link. 'Leo carries both a brush and a comb' links two objects. 'Leo both carries a brush and uses a comb' links two actions. A repair may move the first half or repeat a verb. Check that the final sentence keeps the meaning and links matching forms. Either...or presents alternatives, but the situation tells you whether both are allowed. If a rule allows exactly one prize, 'either a badge or a ribbon' means choose one. The rule excludes taking both. Read any stated rule before deciding whether a sentence permits one option or both. **Recap.** Choose a pair that fits your meaning. Put its halves before matching words, phrases or clauses. Check the partners and the grammatical forms. *Original correlative-conjunction teaching and practice material written for this dataset.* ## Practice 24 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Subordinate clauses](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/subordinate-clauses-mt_wq-1OJ_8s5) ## Opens up - [Types of Sentences](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/types-of-sentences-mt_T9IXrlxfx2)