B1 Grammar Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join equal parts of a sentence: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also. They link ideas neatly and add emphasis or contrast.

Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that always come in pairs. Each half of the pair sits before one of the two elements being joined, working together to connect words, phrases or clauses of equal grammatical weight. The most common pairs are both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also and whether…or.

They are powerful tools for clear, balanced writing because they signal the relationship between two ideas right from the start. When a reader sees not only, they expect but also; when they see either, they expect or. The challenge for learners is keeping the two halves parallel and getting the verb to agree correctly.

The Main Correlative Pairs

Pair Meaning Example
both…and two things together Both Anna and Tom passed.
either…or one of two choices You can have either tea or coffee.
neither…nor not one and not the other Neither the cat nor the dog ate.
not only…but also adding emphasis She is not only clever but also kind.
whether…or two alternatives in a question/condition I don't know whether to stay or go.

Rule 1: Keep the Two Parts Parallel

The element after the first conjunction and the element after the second must be the same kind of structure — both nouns, both verbs, both phrases, and so on. This is called parallel structure.

Rule 2: Verb Agreement

When correlative conjunctions join two subjects, the verb agrees with the nearer subject — the one closest to the verb. This is the proximity rule.

Sentence Verb agrees with
Neither the manager nor the staff were informed. staff (plural, nearer)
Neither the staff nor the manager was informed. manager (singular, nearer)
Either the twins or their mother is coming. mother (singular, nearer)

One exception: with both…and, the subject is always plural, so the verb is plural too: Both the teacher and the student were late. The proximity rule applies only to either…or, neither…nor and similar pairs.

Inversion after 'Not only'

When not only begins a sentence, English requires inversion — the auxiliary verb comes before the subject, as in a question.

This fronted form is more emphatic and common in formal writing. Note that also can move, and but is sometimes dropped.

Common Mistakes

Practice Exercises

Grammar Quiz

Choose the correct correlative pair in each sentence.

Cloze Dropdown

Select the matching second half of each pair.

Complete the Sentence

Type the right correlative conjunction in each gap.

Matching Pairs

Match the first half of each conjunction with its partner.

Unjumble

Reorder words into balanced, parallel sentences.

Flash Cards

Drill the correlative pairs and their meanings.

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Explore related grammar topics:

All Grammar Topics Conjunctions Inversion Subject-Verb Agreement Discourse Markers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are correlative conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that come in pairs and work together to join two equal parts of a sentence. The main pairs are both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also and whether…or. Each half sits before one of the two joined elements.
What is parallel structure with correlative conjunctions?
Parallel structure means the element after each half of the pair must be the same kind of structure — both nouns, both verbs, both phrases. Say She likes both swimming and running (two -ing forms), not both swimming and to run. Keeping the parts parallel makes the sentence balanced and clear.
Which verb form do I use with 'neither...nor'?
With neither…nor (and either…or), the verb agrees with the nearer subject — the one closest to the verb. So Neither the manager nor the staff were informed (plural staff is nearer), but Neither the staff nor the manager was informed (singular manager is nearer).
Is the verb after 'both...and' singular or plural?
It is always plural, because both…and joins two subjects into a plural whole: Both the teacher and the student were late. Unlike either…or and neither…nor, the proximity rule does not apply to both…and.
What is the difference between 'either...or' and 'neither...nor'?
Either…or offers one of two positive choices: You can have either tea or coffee. Neither…nor is the negative version, meaning not one and not the other: Neither tea nor coffee was available. Because neither…nor is already negative, do not add another not.
When do I use inversion with 'not only'?
When not only begins the sentence, you invert the auxiliary and subject, as in a question: Not only does she sing, but she also dances. In the middle of a sentence there is no inversion: She not only sings but also dances. The fronted form is more emphatic and formal.
Can I say 'neither...or'?
No. Neither pairs with nor, and either pairs with or: neither…nor, either…or. Mixing them (neither…or or either…nor) is a common error. Always keep each correlative with its correct partner.
What does 'whether...or' express?
Whether…or presents two alternatives, often in an indirect question or a condition: I don't know whether to stay or go; Whether you like it or not, we must leave. It introduces a choice between possibilities rather than stating a single fact.
Are correlative conjunctions the same as coordinating conjunctions?
They are related but not identical. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) join equal elements singly. Correlative conjunctions do the same job but in pairs, with one word at each end of the joined elements, adding balance and emphasis: both…and rather than just and.
Do I need a comma with correlative conjunctions?
Usually no comma is needed when joining short, equal elements: both Anna and Tom. A comma can appear in the not only…but also pattern when two full clauses are joined, especially after a fronted not only: Not only was it late, but it was also cold.