Content updated on 20 April 2026
Learn how correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect balanced ideas. This lesson covers the five most important pairs: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, and whether…or. Essential for Class 6–9 students and a valuable review for Classes 10–12.
✅ Recommended for: Class 6-9 (Intermediate) | Class 10-12 (Review) | CBSE & UP Board
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Correlative conjunctions are like dance partners—they always work in pairs. Unlike single conjunctions like and or but, these twin connectors bring balance and rhythm to your sentences. In this lesson, we'll explore five essential pairs that every student must know. Mastering them will instantly improve your writing and help you score better in exams.
Five Essential Pairs: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or
What are Correlative Conjunctions?
The word "correlative" means "related to each other." These conjunctions always appear in pairs. The first word sets up the expectation, and the second word completes the thought. Look at these examples:
- Either you come with me or you stay here.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were present.
- She is both intelligent and hardworking.
- Not only did he lie, but he also stole money.
- Whether you agree or not, we must proceed.
Notice how each pair connects grammatically equal elements—noun with noun, phrase with phrase, clause with clause. This parallel structure is the secret to using correlative conjunctions correctly.
Either…Or — Presenting a Choice
Either…or offers a choice between two options. It suggests that only one of the two possibilities can be true or will happen.
| Usage | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Choice between two nouns | Either tea or coffee is fine. | Only one drink will be chosen. |
| Choice between two actions | We can either walk or take a cab. | Two possible ways to go. |
| Choice between two outcomes | Either you win or you learn. | Only one outcome per situation. |
→ Either the students or the teacher is responsible. (verb agrees with "teacher")
Neither…Nor — Negating Both Options
Neither…nor negates two possibilities. It means "not the first one and also not the second one." Use it when both options are unavailable or untrue.
| Usage | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Negating two nouns | Neither Ram nor Shyam was present. | Both were absent. |
| Negating two adjectives | She is neither tall nor short. | Her height is average. |
| Negating two actions | He neither called nor messaged. | No communication happened. |
❌ He did not like neither tea nor coffee.
✅ He liked neither tea nor coffee.
Both…And — Including Two Things
Both…and emphasises that two things are equally true or included. Unlike either…or, this pair includes both options.
- She is both a singer and a dancer. (both talents)
- The movie was both entertaining and educational.
- Both my father and my mother attended the function.
→ Both Riya and Priya are coming to the party.
Not Only…But Also — Adding Emphasis
Not only…but also adds extra information with emphasis. The second part is usually more surprising or important than the first.
- She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
- Not only did he finish first, but he also broke the record.
- This car is not only affordable but also fuel‑efficient.
✅ She is not only a teacher but also a mentor. (noun + noun)
❌ She not only teaches but also a mentor. (verb + noun — wrong!)
Whether…Or — Expressing Doubt or Alternatives
Whether…or introduces alternatives, often when there is uncertainty or when the outcome doesn't matter.
- I don't know whether she will come or not.
- Whether you like it or not, you must follow the rules.
- The decision depends on whether it rains or shines.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions
This is a favourite exam topic. Remember these two golden rules:
| Pair | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Either…or / Neither…nor | Verb agrees with the subject closer to it. | Neither the players nor the coach was happy. |
| Both…and | Verb is always plural. | Both the book and the pen are on the table. |
| Not only…but also | Verb agrees with the subject closer to it (the one after "but also"). | Not only the students but also the teacher was surprised. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Either he or I are going. | Either he or I am going. | Verb agrees with "I" (closer subject). |
| She not only sings but also dance. | She not only sings but also dances. | Both verbs must be in the same form. |
| Neither the book nor the pen are here. | Neither the book nor the pen is here. | "Pen" is singular, so verb is singular. |
| Both he and his brother is tall. | Both he and his brother are tall. | "Both…and" takes plural verb. |
| I will go whether you come or you don't. | I will go whether you come or not. | Use "or not" for brevity and correctness. |
Solved Examples
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Explanation: "Either you work hard or you will fail." The pair presents two opposite possibilities.
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Explanation: "Employees" is plural and closer to the verb, so verb must be plural.
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Explanation: "Not only" introduces the first quality, "but also" adds the second with emphasis.
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Explanation: The subject closer to the verb is "students" (plural), so use "are."
Practice Questions
Test your understanding. Attempt each question, then click "Show Answer" to verify.
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Explanation: Both verbs must match in tense and form (parallel structure).
Why Master Correlative Conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions add sophistication to your writing. Whether you're crafting essays, answering comprehension questions, or appearing for competitive exams, using pairs like not only…but also and neither…nor correctly can earn you extra marks. These pairs are tested frequently in CBSE and UP Board grammar sections, especially subject‑verb agreement questions. For a complete grammar foundation, revisit the Conjunctions and Interjections Hub and explore how Subject‑Verb Agreement rules apply across all conjunction types.
Once you're confident with correlative pairs, the next step is learning interjections—words that express sudden emotions like Wow! and Alas!. Keep practising, and remember: grammar is not about memorising rules; it's about understanding patterns.
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๐ Practice Correlative Conjunctions
Test your understanding with our 25‑question interactive worksheet covering either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, and subject‑verb agreement rules.
Go to Correlative Conjunctions Worksheet →Answer key included • Parallel structure drills • Subject‑verb agreement focus
