Correlative Conjunctions
The Dynamic Duos ⚡
Some conjunctions refuse to work alone. Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that team up to connect equal parts of a sentence. They always travel in pairs!
Because they connect equal elements, you have to make sure the words following each part of the conjunction are the same part of speech. This is called keeping a parallel structure.
1. Parallel Structure: If a verb comes after the first conjunction, a verb must come after the second.
Example: He is not only running fast but also jumping high. (Running and jumping are both verbs!)
2. Subject-Verb Agreement: When using "either/or" and "neither/nor" to connect two subjects, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.
Example: Neither the players nor the coach is ready. (The singular "coach" is closest to the verb "is".)
The Pairing Deck 🎴
Tap or click on each duo card to see how these tags teams work in a sentence.
Use: To show addition; linking two things that are true at the same time.
Action: She won medals in both swimming and gymnastics.
Use: To present a choice between two possibilities.
Action: We can either go to the movies or stay home and game.
Use: To negative two choices; saying "not this and not that."
Action: Neither my brother nor my sister wanted to wash the dishes.
Use: To emphasize that something is true, and add another surprising or impressive fact.
Action: The car is not only fast but also incredibly safe.
Use: To show two possibilities or alternatives where the outcome doesn't matter.
Action: I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.
Level Up: The 20-Question Challenge 🎮
Test your skills! Select the correct correlative conjunction pair to complete the sentence. Options are shuffled every time!