How to Use Correlative Conjunctions :Theory and Exercise

2. Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs, in order to show the relationship between the ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence. For instance, in the following example, the expression either ... or is used to indicate that the ideas expressed in the two clauses represent two alternative choices of action.


e.g. Either you should study harder, or you should take a different course.

The most commonly used correlative conjunctions are both ... and, either ... or and neither ... nor. In the table below, each pair of correlative conjunctions is accompanied by an example of its use. Note that in the construction if ... then, the word then can usually be omitted.


Correlative Conjunctions

both ... and	He is both intelligent and good-natured.
either ... or	I will either go for a walk or read a book.
neither ... nor	He is neither rich nor famous.
hardly ... when	He had hardly begun to work, when he was interrupted.
if ... then	If that is true, then what happened is not surprising.
no sooner ... than	No sooner had I reached the corner, than the bus came.
not only ... but also	She is not only clever, but also hard-working.
rather ... than	I would rather go swimming than go to the library.
scarcely ... when	Scarcely had we left home, when it started to rain.
what with ... and	What with all her aunts, uncles and cousins, she has many relatives.
whether ... or	Have you decided whether you will come or not

1. and 2. when 3. or 4. or 5. but also 6. then 7. nor 8. and 9. than 10. when 11. or 12. than 13. nor 14. than 15. and

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