Do you know what correlative conjunctions are? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on correlative conjunctions, including the definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Your Dictionary, correlative conjunctions come in pairs and you must use both of them in different places in a sentence. They work together and relate one sentence element to another. The correlative conjunction pairs include either or, both and, whether or, neither nor, not only but also, not but, as as, such that, scarcely when, as many as, no sooner than, and rather than. These are more similar to coordinating conjunctions than to subordinating conjunctions because the sentence fragments they connect are usually equal, and subordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses and dependent clauses. These use a parallel structure to connect the second object, which is often connected by a comma, semicolon, or other form of punctuation. There are important rules to follow when using pairs of correlative conjunctions: you must have pronoun agreement, subject-verb agreement in the second antecedent meaning that singular subjects are with a singular form of the verb and plural subjects are with plural verbs or plural antecedents, you do not use a double negative that negates the intended meaning, there is parallelism in the first conjunction and second sonjunction, and more.
A common mistake might be using non-parallel structures like the paired conjunction was introducing separate sentences or another complete sentence, mismatching a set of conjunctions, mismatching the first subject with the verb phrase, not giving the pairs of phrases equal weight, mismatching plural pronouns with singular pronouns or the plural form of the verb with the singular form of the verb, and more. Keep both the proximity rule and the logic rule in mind.
Many different languages also contain terms that mean conjunction. You may notice that many of these translations of conjunction from Word Sense look and sound similar to the term conjunction. These are called cognates, which are formed when two words have the same root or language of origin.
A correlative conjunction can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! The following sentences from Learn Grammar are examples of correlative conjunctions that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Try to use the term correlative conjunctions today or notice when someone else is using a correlative conjunction.
They not only love me but also respect me.
Neither Sam nor Shaun knows that I will leave today.
Not only Sam but also Shaun will miss me.
Hardly had they missed to say goodbye to me when I left.
Both Sam and Shaun went to college.
I treat them with both love and care.
Neither Michael nor his brother like steak, but they both enjoy salad.
Both Susie and her sister like to play the drums and video games more than doing chores or homework.
Both the cousins and mom sat through the long movie.
They would come to see me off whether they had classes or not.
I treat both math and my English essay with equal attention. They are both due in August and have complex ideas.
Neither of the twins nor their parents enjoy pizza.
Both I and my wife were worried about how they would react.
No sooner had I left the home than they came.
Both of them are both rational and emotional.
What are other grammatical terms?
There are many different literary and grammatical techniques and devices that you might see when you are reading prose or poetry. It is important to recognize these terms because they are always used for some purpose. Knowing these devices can help readers understand the author’s deeper meaning and why they are using such a device. Take a look at the below list of grammatical devices from OED and see how many you know! Then try researching ones that are unfamiliar to you.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
November 19, 2021
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