English Grammar Understanding the Basics - Evelyn P. Altenberg, Robert M. Vago 2010

Lesson 20: Correlative conjunctions
Unit 6: Conjuctions
Part I: Kinds of words

1. Both the windows and the doors need to be replaced.

2. Either I cook or we order take-out.

3. Neither the French nor the British were willing to surrender.

4. If that’s a problem, then let me know.

You can see that the underlined conjunctions in these sentences come in pairs, for example both/and. The two parts ’’go together’’ in these sentences, even though they’re not next to each other. These conjunction pairs are called correlative conjunctions.

Quick tip 20.1

Correlative conjunctions are two-part conjunctions. Common correlative conjunctions are: both/and, either/or, if/then, neither/nor.

Test yourself 20.1

Underline the correlative conjunctions in the sentences below. Don’t forget to underline both parts. Sample: Either the Democratic or the Republican candidate will win.

Getting started (answers on p. 80)

1. Neither you nor your friends are likely to win that raffle.

2. Both Laurette and Denise have been working towards that goal.

3. If my neighbor decides to plant bushes there, then I’ll do some landscaping on my side of the fence as well.

4. Neither Don’s comments nor his actions surprised me.

5. This athlete is likely to win either a gold or a silver medal.

More practice (answers on the website)

6. If the train runs on Sunday, then

I won’t drive.

7. Both the director and the playwright attended the rehearsal.

8. Neither Iowa nor Tennessee lies on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

9. If they’re as nice as they seem, then we’ll all get along well.

10. You must call either heads or tails.

Test yourself 20.2 - Grand finale

In each of the sentences below, underline the coordinating, subordinating, or correlative conjunction. Also, write C if it’s a coordinating conjunction, S if it’s a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it’s a correlative conjunction.

Sample: 1. Neither the brown nor the black shoes look good with that outfit. (CORR)

Getting started (answers on p. 80)

1. They were pleased with the plan and happy about the decision.

2. I’ll see you when you get here.

3. They’re worried because she hasn’t been feeling well lately.

4. Our encounter was short but sweet.

5. If you tell the truth, then I won’t get upset.

More practice (answers on the website)

6. I will be on this case till it is resolved.

7. Once she settles down in her apartment, Jane does not plan to move for a while.

8. You and I make a good team.

9. Either you or I will get to the bottom of this.

10. They dressed as though they were members of the aristocracy.