Correlative Conjunctions

As we have seen before, conjunctions connect things (con=with, junction=to join). We had previously discussed Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions, but now we are going to address a third conjunction: Correlative (co=together, relative=connected). Very similar to Coordinating conjunctions connecting ideas that are equal in emphasis, but whereas Coordinating conjunctions are a single word, Correlative ones come in pairs, and one part of each pair goes with each idea being considered.

As with Coordinating Conjunctions the ideas being connected can be as simple as a single word (noun, verb, etc.), as involved as a phrase, or as complicated as a whole clause (sentence). As complicated as conjunctions can be, we really want to use them to connect ideas, establishing relationships between them.

Examples

  • Both/and
    • Both Amy and Bill are going to the store. (connecting subjects)
    • Amy is going to both the store and the library. (connecting objects)
  • Either/or
    • You are going to either do your homework, or fail maths. (connecting phrases)
    • Either you are going to stop singing or I am going to go insane. (connecting clauses)
  • Neither/nor
    • I will neither join your group nor follow you on FB. (connecting phrases)
    • You will neither have your cake, nor eat it, too. (connecting phrases)
  • Not only/but also
    • Not only will I play chess, but I will also eat crisps all day. (connecting clauses, note the inverted sub/verb and split “but also”)
    • You are not only dumb, but also (connecting objects)
  • Whether/or
    • Whether it is raining or snowing, I care not. (connecting complete clause to incomplete)
    • I will care for you whether you care for me or not. (connecting complete clause to incomplete)

As you can see, using conjunctions makes it clear how ideas are connected, and it improves the flow, one idea leading into another with a specific relationship.