What is a Correlative Conjunction?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect parts of a sentence. They help to show the relationship between those parts. The most common correlative conjunctions are:

  • Either…or
  • Neither…nor
  • Both…and
  • Not only…but also
  • Whether…or

Why Use Correlative Conjunctions?

Using correlative conjunctions helps make your writing clearer and more interesting. They allow you to link ideas and show connections between them.

Key Rules for Using Correlative Conjunctions

  1. Pair Them Up: Always use the two parts of the conjunction together in a sentence.
    • Example: “You can either have cake or ice cream.”
  2. Parallel Structure: The words or phrases connected by correlative conjunctions should be similar in form.
    • Example: “She is both a great singer and a talented dancer.”
  3. Use Commas Carefully: Sometimes, you may need to use commas to separate items in a list.
    • Example: “Not only did he finish his homework, but also he cleaned his room.”

Tips and Tricks

  • Think of correlative conjunctions as a pair of shoes. You need both the left and right shoe to walk properly!
  • When you see one part of a correlative conjunction, expect to see the other part soon after.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you use them, the easier they will become.

Fill in the Missing Correlative Conjunction

Now, let’s practice! Below are some sentences with missing correlative conjunctions. Fill in the blanks with the correct pair.

Easy Level Questions

  1. You can have _____ pizza _____ pasta for dinner.
  2. _____ my sister _____ I love to play tennis.
  3. _____ you want tea _____ coffee?
  4. He is _____ kind _____ honest.
  5. I will go to the party _____ I finish my homework.
  6. _____ the cat _____ the dog is outside.
  7. She can sing _____ dance beautifully.
  8. _____ you are ready, we can leave.
  9. I want _____ chocolate _____ vanilla ice cream.
  10. _____ it rains _____ shines, we will go for a walk.

Medium Level Questions

  1. _____ my brother _____ my sister are coming to visit.
  2. I will either study for the test _____ take a break.
  3. _____ you finish your project _____ you won’t pass the class.
  4. She likes _____ to play football _____ to watch it.
  5. _____ he is tall _____ he is also very strong.
  6. We can go to the zoo _____ the museum today.
  7. _____ they win the game _____ they will be very happy.
  8. You should either clean your room _____ do your homework.
  9. _____ the sun shines _____ it is cloudy, we will have a picnic.
  10. I want _____ to read books _____ to watch movies this weekend.

Hard Level Questions

  1. _____ my mother _____ my father are at home.
  2. You can either go now _____ wait for me.
  3. _____ it snows _____ it rains, we will stay inside.
  4. My friends are _____ fun _____ interesting to be with.
  5. _____ you agree _____ disagree, this is the plan.
  6. I like ____ to listen to music _____ to play instruments.
  7. _____ he studied hard _____ he still failed the exam.
  8. You can have _____ the blue dress _____ the red one.
  9. _____ she is smart _____ she is also very hardworking.
  10. I will choose _____ to go to the beach _____ to stay home.

Answers Key

Easy Level Answers

  1. either, or
  2. Both, and
  3. Either, or
  4. both, and
  5. if
  6. Neither, nor
  7. both
  8. If
  9. either, or
  10. Whether, or

Medium Level Answers

  1. Both, and
  2. or
  3. or
  4. either, or
  5. Not only, but also
  6. or
  7. If, then
  8. either, or
  9. Whether, or
  10. either, or

Hard Level Answers

  1. Both, and
  2. or
  3. Whether, or
  4. both, and
  5. whether, or
  6. either, or
  7. Although, he
  8. either, or
  9. Not only, but also
  10. either, or

Feel free to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything! Happy learning!