Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join balanced parts: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or.
Either you come or you call.
Neither Ali nor Sara was there.
Both tea and coffee are ready.
She is not only clever but also kind.
Keep the two parts parallel (same grammatical form): "She likes both swimming and running" (both -ing).
Common mistake: Breaking the pair or the parallel form: "not only she is clever but also kind" → "She is not only clever but also kind."
✏️ Test Yourself
1. Either you study ___ you fail.
2. Neither he ___ she came.
3. Both Ali ___ Sara are here.
4. Not only is it cheap ___ also good.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
“The Constitution guarantees the rights of all citizens.”
Meaning — Financial support given by the government to help an industry or business.
“The government provides subsidies to farmers to support the agricultural sector.”
Meaning — Likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; extreme.
“The company took drastic measures to cut costs and stay afloat.”
Meaning — 1. In a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined. 2. Unrefined or rude.
“1. The crude oil needs to be refined before it can be used. 2. His crude jokes were inappropriate.”
Meaning — 1. A person or thing likely to cause harm. 2. To threaten or pose a danger.
“1. The sudden tsunami spread a menace of destruction. 2. The dark clouds menaced the village.”