Correlative conjunctions
A correlative conjunction is a pair of words that work together to join two balanced grammatical elements, such as words, phrases or clauses, in a sentence. Common pairs include "both...and", "either...or", "neither...nor" and "not only...but also". They show a logical relationship, such as choice, addition or contrast, between the two connected parts.
Types of correlative conjunctions
Addition pairs
Used to add two equal ideas together, emphasising that both are true or included.
e.g. both...and, not only...but also, as well as
Choice pairs
Used to present alternatives or options between two elements.
e.g. either...or, whether...or
Negative pairs
Used to exclude both elements, showing that neither is true or possible.
e.g. neither...nor
Contrast/proportion pairs
Used to link two ideas that change together or contrast with each other.
e.g. not...but, the more...the more, no sooner...than
Rules to remember
- The two elements joined by a correlative conjunction must have the same grammatical form (parallel structure): for example, two nouns, two verbs or two clauses, not a mix of different forms.
- With 'neither...nor' and 'either...or', the verb usually agrees with the noun closest to it, especially when the subjects differ in number.
- 'Not only...but also' at the start of a sentence usually triggers subject-verb inversion, similar to other negative fronting structures.
- Do not add extra linking words such as 'and' or 'but' alongside a correlative pair, since the pair itself already provides the connection.
- Keep the correlative words as close as possible to the elements they connect, to avoid confusing or ambiguous sentences.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting. | Both...and joins two parallel nouns as subjects. |
| You can either email me or call the office. | Either...or connects two parallel verb phrases showing a choice. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher was ready for the test. | Neither...nor joins two nouns; the verb agrees with 'the teacher', the closer subject. |
| Not only did she pass the exam, but she also achieved the highest score. | Not only...but also triggers inversion (did she pass) after the sentence-initial 'not only'. |
| The company must decide whether to expand abroad or to focus on the local market. | Whether...or links two parallel infinitive phrases. |
| The more you practise, the more confident you become. | The more...the more shows two ideas increasing together. |
| She is not a doctor but a nurse. | Not...but contrasts two parallel noun phrases. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Not only she is talented, but also hardworking.
Correct: Not only is she talented, but she is also hardworking.
Incorrect: Neither the manager or the staff were informed.
Correct: Neither the manager nor the staff were informed.
Incorrect: He likes both playing football and to swim.
Correct: He likes both playing football and swimming.
Why this matters for IELTS
Using correlative conjunctions accurately, such as "not only...but also" or "neither...nor", demonstrates a wider grammatical range and helps you form more sophisticated, well-linked sentences, both of which are rewarded in the IELTS Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion. However, examiners also check accuracy, so keep the paired structures grammatically parallel and avoid overusing them, since forced or repeated use without correct parallelism can lower your score rather than raise it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a correlative conjunction?
A correlative conjunction is a pair of linking words, such as 'either...or' or 'both...and', that work together to connect two grammatically equal parts of a sentence, showing addition, choice, contrast or negation.
What is the difference between correlative and coordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but' and 'or' are single words joining equal elements, while correlative conjunctions are paired words, such as 'not only...but also', that must be used together to make the connection.
Does the verb agree with the first or second subject in 'either...or' and 'neither...nor'?
The verb usually agrees with the subject closest to it, which is the second subject in the pair, for example 'Neither the players nor the coach was satisfied.'
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