Correlative Conjunctions
Of all the types of conjunctions, correlative conjunctions are perhaps the easiest to identify as they always come in pairs.
Correlative conjunctions are used to link sentence elements that are equally important and relevant.
The most common are:
- either…or
I can either pick you up outside school or I can wait for you at the bus stop.
- neither…nor
I’m the only graduate in the family. Neither my sister nor my brother finished university.
- not only…but also
No only I was able to get a discount on the table but they also deliver it for free.
Technically, correlative conjunctions consist simply of a coordinating conjunction linked to an adjective or an adverb. For example: either is an indefinite pronoun and or is a coordinating conjunction. Together they form a correlative conjunction. Likewise neither is an adjective and nor is a coordinating conjunction. Together they form a correlative conjunction.
