Correlative Conjunctions | Basic Grammar for IELTS PDF Download

Correlative Conjunctions – Meaning, Example, and Practice Exercise

Last Updated : 20 Mar, 2024

At times, you may need to express two related topics of equal importance in a single sentence. Correlative conjunctions are used in such situations. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about correlative conjunctions, with examples provided for better understanding. You can also test your knowledge by attempting the practice questions.

Table of Content

• What is a Correlative Conjunction?
• Correlative Conjunction Definition
• Correlative Conjunctions Examples
• Correlative Conjunctions Sentences
• How to Use Correlative Conjunctions
• Correlative Conjunctions Exercises
• Correlative Conjunctions Worksheet

What is a Correlative Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that connects words, sentences, or phrases in a sentence. A correlative conjunction is a type of conjunction that works in pairs, with both terms working together to balance phrases, words, or sentences. They are used in pairs to connect similar parts in a sentence or to show a relationship between them.

It is important to note that when using correlative conjunctions, the things or ideas being related must share the same grammatical structure or play similar roles in the sentence. In essence, correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to join words or sentences that serve a similar purpose.

Correlative Conjunction Definition

A correlative conjunction is a pair of conjunctions that work together to join words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance in the sentence. These conjunctions are used in pairs to show the relationship between elements in a sentence.

Correlative Conjunctions Examples

Examples of correlative conjunctions include "either...or," "neither...nor," "both...and," "not only...but also," and "whether...or." These pairs of conjunctions are used to link similar items or ideas in a sentence.

Correlative Conjunctions Sentences

In sentences, correlative conjunctions are used to show a relationship between two elements that are equally important. For example, "Either you study hard, or you will fail the exam."

How to Use Correlative Conjunctions

When using correlative conjunctions, it is essential that the elements being connected share parallel structures or perform similar functions within the sentence. This ensures clarity and coherence in your writing.

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

Practice exercises on correlative conjunctions can help reinforce your understanding of how to use them effectively in sentences. These exercises provide hands-on practice for applying correlative conjunctions correctly.

Correlative Conjunctions Worksheet

A worksheet on correlative conjunctions can be a valuable tool for further practice. It typically includes a series of questions or sentences where you need to identify and apply correlative conjunctions correctly.

Correlative Conjunctions

• Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to coordinate two elements in a sentence. They are used to balance sentence elements that are of equal syntactic importance.
• These conjunctions are essential for establishing relationships between different sentence components and are crucial for maintaining coherence in writing.
• Correlative conjunctions often connect ideas that are parallel or complementary in nature, emphasizing the relationship between them.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

• Both my sister and I enjoy playing tennis.
• Either you complete the assignment now or you do it later.
• Not only did she pass the exam, but she also scored the highest in the class.
• Whether you go by train or by bus, you will reach the destination on time.

Usage of Correlative Conjunctions

• Both/and: Used to indicate that two things are true or applicable.
• Either/or: Presents a choice between two alternatives.
• Not only/but also: Adds emphasis by presenting two complementary ideas.
• Whether/or: Introduces options or possibilities.

Importance of Correlative Conjunctions

• Correlative conjunctions help in creating balanced and structured sentences.
• They assist in showing the relationship between different parts of a sentence.
• Using correlative conjunctions correctly can improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.

Correlative Conjunctions

• Both/And: Both the cat and the dog were sleeping in the sun.
• Either/Or: You can either stay home or come with us to the movies.
• Neither/Nor: Neither the blue shirt nor the red sweater fits me anymore.
• Not Only/But Also: She is not only intelligent but also very kind.
• Whether/Or: I couldn’t decide whether to have tea or coffee this morning.

1. Parallel Structure

Ensure that the parts connected by the conjunctions are grammatically parallel.

2. Pronoun Agreement

Make sure that pronouns agree in number and gender with the words they refer to.

3. Verb Agreement

Ensure that the subjects are in agreement with the verbs that follow them.

Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• This place is both beautiful and large.
• She is more intelligent than beautiful.
• He is neither going to Mumbai nor Varanasi.
• Rohan is both rich and smart.
• I not only like to dance but also singing.
• I will either go to temple or church.
• Priyanka Chopra is not only a good actress but also a social activist.
• I would rather go shopping than staying at home.
• I hardly go to movie when I am free.
• Whether you stay healthy or have junk food it’s your choice.

Explanation

8. I would rather go shopping than staying at home. Explanation: The speaker prefers going shopping over staying at home. This structure compares two actions, indicating a preference for one over the other. For example, "I would rather go hiking than watch a movie."

9. I hardly go to movie when I am free. Explanation: This sentence implies that the speaker rarely goes to the movies when they have free time. It suggests infrequency or reluctance in engaging in this activity. For instance, "I hardly go to the gym when I am tired."

10. Whether you stay healthy or have junk food it’s your choice. Explanation: This statement emphasizes that the decision to stay healthy or indulge in junk food is up to the individual. It highlights personal responsibility and choice in maintaining one's health. For instance, "Whether you study or play, it's your decision."

Answers:

Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• ________ the teacher ________ the student was aware of the upcoming test.
• You will have to decide ________ you will go for science ________ commerce.
• ________ her early successes ________ her talent, she was chosen for the lead role.

Sentence Correction:

• She will either be attending the meeting or will be on the leave.
• Neither the cupcakes nor the cookies was left by the end of the party.

Matching Exercise:

• Not only did she finish her homework
  but she also helped her brother with his. ice cream or cake for dessert.
• but she also helped her brother with his.
• ice cream or cake for dessert.

Also Read:

• What is a Conjunction – Meaning, Definition, Types, Rules and Examples
• Determiners & Quantifiers
• What is a Compound Noun? Definition, Types & Examples

Paraphrased Educational Content:

• Fill-in-the-Blanks:
  • Complete the sentences by choosing the correct correlative conjunctions that best fit the blanks.
  • Make a decision on whether to proceed with a science path or opt for commerce.
  • Due to her early accomplishments and inherent talent, she earned the lead role.
• Sentence Correction:
  • She will be either present at the meeting or absent from it.
  • None of the cupcakes or cookies remained at the end of the party.
• Matching Exercise:
  • She not only completed her homework but also assisted her brother with his tasks, offering a choice between ice cream or cake for dessert.
  • Additionally, she aided her brother with his work.
  • The dessert options included ice cream or cake.
• Also Read:
  • Exploring the Definition, Types, and Examples of Conjunctions
  • Understanding Determiners and Quantifiers
  • Defining and Illustrating Compound Nouns with Examples

Correlative Conjunctions- FAQs

What is a correlative conjunction?

A correlative conjunction is a type of conjunction that works in pairs, connecting words, phrases, or sentences that have similar grammatical roles. They are used in groups to link comparable parts in a sentence and ensure that the elements being connected share similar grammar rules.

How are correlative conjunctions used?

• Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs.
• Three key elements to remember when using correlative conjunctions are:
  • Parallel Structure
  • Pronoun Agreement
  • Verb Agreement

What are common correlative conjunction pairs?

• Not only/But also
• Both/And
• Rather/Than
• Hardly/When
• The more/The more
• Neither/Nor
• Either/Or
• Whether/Or
• Such/That
• More/Than

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