Скачать или смотреть Correlative Conjunctions

Have you ever noticed pairs like 'either...or' or 'not only...but also' in English sentences? These are called correlative conjunctions, and they always work together as a team. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which can join more than two elements, correlative conjunctions strictly connect just two words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Some common pairs include 'both...and', 'neither...nor', and 'whether...or'. They help us add emphasis, show choices, or express similarities and differences. Throughout this video, we’ll break down how each pair works, give you practical examples, and show you how to use them correctly in your writing and speech. Let’s dive into the world of correlative conjunctions and see why they matter!
Let’s explore the most common correlative conjunctions and how they function. For example, 'both...and' emphasizes two true elements: 'This house is both large and cozy.' 'Either...or' presents a choice: 'I want to paint the house either white or green.' 'Neither...nor' negates both options: 'Neither James nor Mike enjoys playing basketball.' 'Not...but' expresses a contrast: 'He’s not happy but thrilled!' 'Not only...but also' adds a surprising or emphatic element: 'Not only is she an award-winning singer, but she also runs track.' 'Just as...so' shows similarity: 'Just as I love films, so does my brother love sports.' And 'whether...or' expresses doubt or inevitability: 'I’m going to help you whether you like it or not.' Each pair has its own unique role, and using them correctly can make your sentences clearer and more engaging.
When using correlative conjunctions, maintaining parallel structure is crucial. This means the two elements you join should be grammatically equal. For instance, 'This house is both large and cozy' joins two adjectives, which is correct. But 'It was both a long movie and boring' is incorrect because it mixes a noun phrase with an adjective. Subject-verb and pronoun agreement can also be tricky. With 'both...and', use plural verbs and pronouns: 'Both Mike and Daniel are coming with us.' With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the closest subject: 'Neither my cousins nor my mom likes swimming.' For pronouns, match the closest noun: 'Neither Mike nor his friends stated their opinion.' If you’re unsure, rearrange the sentence so the plural subject is nearest the verb or pronoun. Paying attention to these details ensures your sentences are not only correct but also sound natural.
Punctuation is another important aspect when using correlative conjunctions. If you’re joining two independent clauses, use a comma: 'Either your father will pick you up, or you’ll get a ride home with a friend.' But if you’re joining words or phrases, no comma is needed: 'This house is both large and cozy.' Remember, using correlative conjunctions incorrectly—like joining non-parallel elements—can make your writing confusing. Always double-check for parallel structure, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun agreement. With a little practice, you’ll find that correlative conjunctions add clarity, emphasis, and variety to your sentences. Try using them in your next conversation or piece of writing, and see the difference they make!
Correlative Conjunctions Exercises
1. I like _________ to sing opera, ______________ to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.
A. not only / but also
B. whether / or
C. neither / nor
D. not / but
2. The test was ___________ very short _________ quite easy.
A. not / but
B. both / and
C. whether / or
D. scarcely / when
3. _____________ Joe ______ his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French.
A. Whether / or
B. No sooner / than
C. Rather / than
D. Neither / nor
Answer Key:
1 – A. I like not only to sing opera, but also to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.
2 – B. The test was both very short and quite easy.
3 – D. Neither Joe nor his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French.