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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
๐ Correlative Conjunctions (Either-or, Neither-nor) – Quick Summary:
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join balanced ideas. Common pairs: 'either...or' (choice between two), 'neither...nor' (negation of both), 'both...and' (inclusion of both), 'not only...but also' (addition with emphasis). They connect grammatically equal parts—words with words, phrases with phrases, or clauses with clauses.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and choose the correct correlative conjunction pair to complete it. Then click “Show Answer” for the right pair, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and choose the correct correlative conjunction pair to complete it. Then click “Show Answer” for the right pair, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Correlative conjunctions add balance and clarity to your sentences. If you need a refresher on basic joining words, revisit the
Conjunctions and Interjections hub.
And when you're ready to express sudden feelings, the
Interjections worksheet
will introduce you to words like 'Wow!', 'Oh!', and 'Alas!'.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Let's learn how to use paired conjunctions correctly.
Solved Q.1
"You can have _____ tea _____ coffee." (either...or / neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Explanation: 'Either...or' presents a choice between two options. The sentence offers tea or coffee as possibilities.
Example: You can either walk or take the bus.
Explanation: 'Either...or' presents a choice between two options. The sentence offers tea or coffee as possibilities.
Example: You can either walk or take the bus.
Solved Q.2
"_____ Riya _____ Priya came to the party." (both...and / either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: Both...and
Explanation: 'Both...and' includes two items together. It emphasises that two people came.
Example: Both my brother and my sister play chess.
Explanation: 'Both...and' includes two items together. It emphasises that two people came.
Example: Both my brother and my sister play chess.
Solved Q.3
"She is _____ intelligent _____ hardworking." (not only...but also / either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: not only...but also
Explanation: 'Not only...but also' adds extra information with emphasis. Both qualities are present.
Example: He is not only a singer but also a composer.
Explanation: 'Not only...but also' adds extra information with emphasis. Both qualities are present.
Example: He is not only a singer but also a composer.
Solved Q.4
"_____ my mother _____ my father likes spicy food." (neither...nor / both...and)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Explanation: 'Neither...nor' negates both options. It means both mother and father do not like spicy food.
Example: Neither the train nor the bus arrived on time.
Explanation: 'Neither...nor' negates both options. It means both mother and father do not like spicy food.
Example: Neither the train nor the bus arrived on time.
Solved Q.5
"He can _____ sing _____ dance well." (both...and / not only...but also)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Explanation: 'Both...and' simply states that he can do two things. 'Not only...but also' would add more emphasis.
Example: She speaks both Hindi and English fluently.
Explanation: 'Both...and' simply states that he can do two things. 'Not only...but also' would add more emphasis.
Example: She speaks both Hindi and English fluently.
Solved Q.6
"_____ you finish your work _____ you cannot go out." (Either...or / Neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: Either...or
Explanation: Here 'either...or' shows a condition: one must happen, or the other will happen.
Example: Either you apologise, or I won't speak to you.
Explanation: Here 'either...or' shows a condition: one must happen, or the other will happen.
Example: Either you apologise, or I won't speak to you.
Solved Q.7
"She is _____ kind _____ generous." (both...and / either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: The film was both entertaining and educational.
Example: The film was both entertaining and educational.
Solved Q.8
"_____ the teacher _____ the students were aware of the change." (Neither...nor / Not only...but also)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the rain nor the cold could stop them.
Example: Neither the rain nor the cold could stop them.
Solved Q.9
"He _____ writes poems _____ paints landscapes." (not only...but also / both...and)
Show Answer
Answer: not only...but also
Example: She not only sings but also plays the guitar.
Example: She not only sings but also plays the guitar.
Solved Q.10
"We can _____ watch a movie _____ go for a walk." (either...or / neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: You can either stay or leave.
Example: You can either stay or leave.
Solved Q.11
"_____ my sister _____ I like waking up early." (Both...and / Neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither he nor she knew the answer.
Example: Neither he nor she knew the answer.
Solved Q.12
"The book is _____ informative _____ enjoyable." (both...and / not only...but also)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: The meal was both delicious and healthy.
Example: The meal was both delicious and healthy.
Solved Q.13
"_____ does he study hard, _____ he participates in sports." (Not only...but also / Either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: Not only...but also
Explanation: When 'not only' starts a sentence, subject-verb inversion occurs: 'does he study'.
Example: Not only is she intelligent, but she is also humble.
Explanation: When 'not only' starts a sentence, subject-verb inversion occurs: 'does he study'.
Example: Not only is she intelligent, but she is also humble.
Solved Q.14
"You can _____ come with me _____ stay here." (either...or / neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: Either you lead or you follow.
Example: Either you lead or you follow.
Solved Q.15
"_____ the food _____ the service was good." (Neither...nor / Both...and)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the movie nor the popcorn was worth the money.
Example: Neither the movie nor the popcorn was worth the money.
Solved Q.16
"She is _____ a teacher _____ a mother." (both...and / either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: He is both a writer and an editor.
Example: He is both a writer and an editor.
Solved Q.17
"_____ you leave now _____ you'll miss the bus." (Either...or / Neither...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: Either...or
Example: Either you pay now or you lose the seat.
Example: Either you pay now or you lose the seat.
Solved Q.18
"She _____ speaks French _____ understands it." (not only...but also / both...and)
Show Answer
Answer: not only...but also
Example: He not only repaired the car but also washed it.
Example: He not only repaired the car but also washed it.
Solved Q.19
"_____ of the two answers is correct." (Neither...nor / Either...or — but choose the right word pair)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither of the options appeals to me.
Example: Neither of the options appeals to me.
Solved Q.20
"The seminar was _____ informative _____ inspiring." (both...and / either...or)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: The trip was both fun and educational.
Example: The trip was both fun and educational.
Hindi correlatives like "เคจ เคคो...เคจ เคนी" (neither...nor) and "เคฏा เคคो...เคฏा" (either...or) follow similar patterns. Explore more at the
Avyay Hub.
And to express emotions with single words, check out the
Interjections worksheet
next.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Now choose the correct correlative conjunction pair.
Practice Q.1
"You can have _____ pizza _____ pasta."
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: Either you come with us or you stay home.
Example: Either you come with us or you stay home.
Practice Q.2
"_____ my brother _____ my sister enjoys cooking."
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the red shirt nor the blue one fits.
Example: Neither the red shirt nor the blue one fits.
Practice Q.3
"She is _____ smart _____ hardworking."
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: He is both kind and generous.
Example: He is both kind and generous.
Practice Q.4
"He _____ plays the guitar _____ writes songs."
Show Answer
Answer: not only...but also
Example: She not only paints but also sculpts.
Example: She not only paints but also sculpts.
Practice Q.5
"_____ the teacher _____ the students were late."
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the manager nor the staff knew about it.
Example: Neither the manager nor the staff knew about it.
Practice Q.6
"I will _____ call you _____ text you."
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: Either we win or we learn.
Example: Either we win or we learn.
Practice Q.7
"_____ my parents _____ my teachers encouraged me."
Show Answer
Answer: Both...and
Example: Both the cake and the cookies were delicious.
Example: Both the cake and the cookies were delicious.
Practice Q.8
"The show was _____ entertaining _____ educational."
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: The book is both funny and touching.
Example: The book is both funny and touching.
Practice Q.9
"She can _____ read _____ write Hindi."
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: He can both drive and fix cars.
Example: He can both drive and fix cars.
Practice Q.10
"_____ you behave _____ you'll be punished."
Show Answer
Answer: Either...or
Example: Either you confess or face the consequences.
Example: Either you confess or face the consequences.
Practice Q.11
"_____ the blue pen _____ the black one works."
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the fridge nor the freezer is working.
Example: Neither the fridge nor the freezer is working.
Practice Q.12
"He _____ forgot his wallet _____ lost his keys."
Show Answer
Answer: not only...but also
Example: She not only missed the bus but also forgot her phone.
Example: She not only missed the bus but also forgot her phone.
Practice Q.13
"We can _____ go to the cinema _____ watch a play."
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: You can either stay or leave.
Example: You can either stay or leave.
Practice Q.14
"_____ Rohan _____ Sohan knew the answer."
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the sun nor the moon was visible.
Example: Neither the sun nor the moon was visible.
Practice Q.15
"The movie was _____ long _____ boring."
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: The speech was both inspiring and moving.
Example: The speech was both inspiring and moving.
Practice Q.16
"_____ does he write well, _____ he speaks eloquently."
Show Answer
Answer: Not only...but also
Example: Not only is she a doctor, but she is also a writer.
Example: Not only is she a doctor, but she is also a writer.
Practice Q.17
"You must _____ apologise _____ face the consequences."
Show Answer
Answer: either...or
Example: Either you study or you fail.
Example: Either you study or you fail.
Practice Q.18
"_____ the book _____ the movie was interesting."
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor
Example: Neither the food nor the ambiance was good.
Example: Neither the food nor the ambiance was good.
Practice Q.19
"She is _____ an artist _____ a musician."
Show Answer
Answer: both...and
Example: He is both a scientist and an inventor.
Example: He is both a scientist and an inventor.
Practice Q.20
"_____ you like it _____ not, you must finish it."
Show Answer
Answer: Whether...or
Example: Whether you agree or disagree, it's happening.
Example: Whether you agree or disagree, it's happening.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
These sentences test trickier uses of correlative conjunctions, including subject-verb agreement.
Challenge Q.1
"_____ the manager _____ his assistants were present." Choose and explain verb form.
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor (verb agrees with 'assistants' → were)
Explanation: With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'Assistants' is plural, so 'were'.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were happy.
Explanation: With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'Assistants' is plural, so 'were'.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were happy.
Challenge Q.2
"_____ she _____ her sisters _____ coming." Fill with 'neither...nor' and choose correct verb.
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor...is/are? 'Sisters' plural → 'are'.
Example: Neither Ravi nor his friends are attending.
Example: Neither Ravi nor his friends are attending.
Challenge Q.3
"_____ the book _____ the movie _____ the play captured my interest." (neither...nor...nor)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor...nor
Example: Neither the heat nor the dust nor the noise bothered her.
Example: Neither the heat nor the dust nor the noise bothered her.
Challenge Q.4
"_____ did she complain, _____ did she ask for help." (Use 'neither...nor' with inversion)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither did she complain, nor did she ask for help.
Example: Neither did he call, nor did he text.
Example: Neither did he call, nor did he text.
Challenge Q.5
"She is _____ talented _____ dedicated." Which pair adds more emphasis: 'both...and' or 'not only...but also'?
Show Answer
Answer: 'Not only...but also' adds more emphasis.
Example: She not only won the race but also broke the record.
Example: She not only won the race but also broke the record.
Challenge Q.6
"_____ the students _____ the teacher _____ aware of the test." (neither...nor; verb?)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor...was/were? 'Teacher' singular → 'was'.
Example: Neither the players nor the coach was satisfied.
Example: Neither the players nor the coach was satisfied.
Challenge Q.7
"_____ you finish your homework, _____ you can't watch TV." (Use correlative)
Show Answer
Answer: Either...or
Example: Either you clean your room or you stay home.
Example: Either you clean your room or you stay home.
Challenge Q.8
"He has _____ the skills _____ the experience for the job." (both...and / not only...but also)
Show Answer
Answer: both...and (or not only...but also) — both work, but 'both...and' is neutral.
Example: She has both intelligence and charm.
Example: She has both intelligence and charm.
Challenge Q.9
"_____ my mother _____ my father remembers that incident." (neither...nor; verb?)
Show Answer
Answer: Neither...nor...remembers (singular verb).
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog likes this food.
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog likes this food.
Challenge Q.10
"_____ the director _____ the scriptwriter attended the premiere." (both...and / not only...but also — with singular verb?)
Show Answer
Answer: Both...and (verb plural: attended). 'Not only...but also' also works.
Example: Both the principal and the vice-principal were present.
Example: Both the principal and the vice-principal were present.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ 1
What are correlative conjunctions?
Show Answer
Answer: Pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect balanced words, phrases, or clauses. Examples: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also.
FAQ 2
How does subject-verb agreement work with 'either...or' and 'neither...nor'?
Show Answer
Answer: The verb agrees with the subject closer to it. "Either the boys or the girl is here." "Neither the girl nor the boys are here."
FAQ 3
What is the difference between 'both...and' and 'not only...but also'?
Show Answer
Answer: 'Both...and' simply adds two things equally. 'Not only...but also' adds the second item with extra emphasis or surprise.
FAQ 4
Can 'neither...nor' be used with more than two items?
Show Answer
Answer: Yes. "Neither the manager, nor the supervisor, nor the staff knew about it." Repeat 'nor' for each additional item.
FAQ 5
Can we start a sentence with a correlative conjunction?
Show Answer
Answer: Yes, especially with 'not only' and 'neither'. Example: "Not only did she sing, but she also danced." (Note inversion after 'not only' and 'neither'.)
