Master paired conjunctions that work together to connect balanced sentence elements. Learn the essential pairs: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also, whether...or.
✅ Recommended for: Class 6-9 (Intermediate) | Class 10-12 (Review)
1. What are Correlative Conjunctions?
| Term | Definition | Key Feature | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correlative Conjunctions | Pairs of conjunctions that work together to join balanced sentence elements. | Always used in pairs | Either you or I must go. |
| Balance/Parallelism | They connect grammatically equal elements (noun to noun, verb to verb, etc.). | Maintains parallel structure | She not only sings but also dances. |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | The verb agrees with the subject closer to it. | Proximity rule | Either he or his brothers are coming. |
2. Common Correlative Pairs & Their Uses
| Pair | Function | Correct Example | Parallel Structure Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| either...or | Shows choice between two options | You can have either tea or coffee. | ✅ Noun (tea) || Noun (coffee) |
| neither...nor | Shows both options are negative | Neither John nor Mary is coming. | ✅ Noun (John) || Noun (Mary) |
| both...and | Shows inclusion of both items | She is both intelligent and hardworking. | ✅ Adjective (intelligent) || Adjective (hardworking) |
| not only...but also | Emphasizes second item | He not only sings but also dances. | ✅ Verb (sings) || Verb (dances) |
| whether...or | Shows alternatives/uncertainty | I don't know whether to stay or leave. | ✅ Infinitive (to stay) || Infinitive (to leave) |
3. Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
| Rule | Explanation | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proximity Rule | Verb agrees with subject closer to it. | Either the students or the teacher is responsible. | ...the teacher are responsible. |
| Both...and | Always plural verb (adds two subjects). | Both Ram and Shyam are coming. | ...Shyam is coming. |
| Not only...but also | Follows proximity rule. | Not only the students but also the teacher is present. | ...the teacher are present. |
| Neither...nor | Follows proximity rule. | Neither he nor they are wrong. | ...they is wrong. |
4. Parallel Structure Rules
| Requirement | Correct (Parallel) | Incorrect (Not Parallel) | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same grammatical form | She likes both swimming and hiking. (gerund + gerund) | She likes both swimming and to hike. (gerund + infinitive) | Mismatched forms |
| Same part of speech | He is not only kind but also generous. (adj + adj) | He is not only kind but also a generous person. (adj + noun) | Different grammatical elements |
| Same clause type | Either you apologize or you leave. (clause + clause) | Either apologize or you leave. (verb + clause) | Different structures |
5. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Either you or I are going. | Either you or I am going. | Proximity rule: "I" is closer → "am" |
| She not only sings but also a dancer. | She not only sings but also dances. | Parallel structure: verb (sings) || verb (dances) |
| Both Ram as well as Shyam is here. | Both Ram and Shyam are here. | Use correct pair: both...and (not as well as) |
| Neither he nor his friends is coming. | Neither he nor his friends are coming. | Proximity: "friends" (plural) closer → "are" |
| I don't know whether to stay or going. | I don't know whether to stay or to go. | Parallel: infinitive (to stay) || infinitive (to go) |
🎯 Correlative Conjunction Challenge (8 Questions)
Choose the correct correlative pair and maintain parallel structure.
1. ______ my brother ______ my sister lives in Delhi. (Both...and/Neither...nor)
2. She is ______ intelligent ______ hardworking. (either...or/both...and)
3. ______ the manager ______ the assistants were present. (Not only...but also/Either...or)
4. Correct the error: "Either you apologize or leaving."
5. ______ you eat your vegetables ______ you get no dessert. (Either...or/Whether...or)
6. She can speak ______ English ______ French. (both...and/neither...nor)
7. ______ the teacher ______ the students know the answer. (Neither...nor/Not only...but also)
8. Correct: "He not only writes poems but also stories."
7. Memory Aids & Tips
The 5 Essential Pairs:
1. Either...or = Choice (one of two)
2. Neither...nor = Negative of both
3. Both...and = Positive inclusion of both
4. Not only...but also = Emphasis on second
5. = Alternatives/uncertainty
Proximity Rule Trick:
When using either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also:
Look at the subject AFTER "or/nor/also" → Verb agrees with that subject.
Either the boys or the girl is coming. (girl = singular → is)
Parallel Structure Check:
After choosing your pair, check:
1. Same part of speech? (noun-noun, verb-verb, adj-adj)
2. Same grammatical form? (gerund-gerund, infinitive-infinitive)
3. Same clause structure? (phrase-phrase, clause-clause)
Both...and Exception:
• Always takes plural verb (adds two subjects together).
• Not subject to proximity rule.
Both Ram and Shyam are here. (Always plural)
Exam Tip:
1. Identify if sentence needs correlative pair.
2. Choose correct pair based on meaning.
3. Apply proximity rule for verb agreement (except both...and).
4. Check parallel structure on both sides of pair.
5. Remember: Correlatives always come in pairs!
📝 Practice Correlative Conjunctions
Test your understanding with our 25-question worksheet on paired conjunctions!
Go to Correlative Conjunctions WorksheetIncludes answer key • All 5 pairs • Subject-verb agreement • Parallel structure • Error correction
