Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions
When using correlative conjunctions, ensure verbs agree so your sentences make sense.
For example: Every night, either loud music or fighting neighbors wake John from his
sleep.
When you use a correlative conjunction, you must be sure that pronouns agree. For
example: Neither Debra nor Sally expressed her annoyance when the cat broke the
antique lamp.
When using correlative conjunctions, be sure to keep parallel structure intact. Equal
grammatical units need to be incorporated into the entire sentence. For example: Not only
did Mary grill burgers for Michael, but she also fixed a steak for her dog, Vinny.
2. _______ that is the case, _______ I’m not surprised about what’s happening.
1. If / then
2. No sooner / than
3. Scarcely / when
4. Whether / or
Answer: A. If that is the case, then I’m not surprised about what’s happening.
3. Have you made a decision about _______ to go to the movies _______ not?
1. If / then
2. Either / or
3. Whether / or
4. What with / and
Answer: C. Have you made a decision about whether to go to the movies or not?
As / as
Both / and
Either / or
Hardly / when
If / then
Just as / so
Neither / nor
No sooner / than
Not / but
Rather / than
Scarcely / when
Whether / or
3. ______________ Joe _______ his sisters could understand what their parents were saying
when they spoke French.
A. Whether / or
B. No sooner / than
C. Rather / than
D. Neither / nor
Answer Key:
1 – A. I like not only to sing opera, but also to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.
2 – B. The test was both very short and quite easy.
3 – D. Neither Joe nor his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they
spoke French.