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Level: B1-B2

Correlative Conjunctions — Pair Practice

Correlative conjunctions come in pairs that work together to join equal parts of a sentence. Both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or, as…as. 34 click-to-hear examples with the parallel-structure rule and the nearest-subject agreement rule.

📝 Conjunctions unit · lesson 5 of 11 ⏱ about 10 minutes 🔊 every example has audio

Builds on Coordinating (FANBOYS) Next in unit Conjunction Types →

  • BOTH … AND — addition
  • Both my mother and my father are teachers. – both…and
  • She speaks both French and Spanish. – both…and
  • The movie was both funny and sad. – both…and
  • He plays both the piano and the guitar. – both…and
  • The new car is both fast and safe. – both…and
  • We invited both friends and family. – both…and
  • EITHER … OR — choice between two
  • You can have either tea or coffee. – either…or
  • I will bring either wine or beer. – either…or
  • We can either drive or take the train. – either…or
  • She will come either on Monday or on Tuesday. – either…or
  • Either you apologize or I am leaving. – either…or
  • The answer is either true or false. – either…or
  • NEITHER … NOR — negative choice
  • Neither the manager nor the staff knew the answer. – neither…nor
  • She likes neither tea nor coffee. – neither…nor
  • He has neither the time nor the money to travel. – neither…nor
  • I want neither cake nor ice cream. – neither…nor
  • The book is neither interesting nor useful. – neither…nor
  • Neither my brother nor my sister came to the party. – neither…nor
  • NOT ONLY … BUT ALSO — emphasis / addition
  • She is not only smart but also kind. – not only…but also
  • He not only sings but also writes songs. – not only…but also
  • The hotel is not only beautiful but also affordable. – not only…but also
  • She speaks not only English but also Japanese. – not only…but also
  • This restaurant has not only great food but also excellent service. – not only…but also
  • WHETHER … OR — alternatives
  • I do not know whether to go or to stay. – whether…or
  • She is not sure whether to buy the dress or the jacket. – whether…or
  • Tell me whether you are coming or not. – whether…or
  • He could not decide whether to call her or send a message. – whether…or
  • We have to choose whether to leave today or tomorrow. – whether…or
  • AS … AS — equal comparison
  • She is as tall as her brother. – as…as
  • This test was as hard as the last one. – as…as
  • He runs as fast as a professional. – as…as
  • The new coffee shop is as good as the old one. – as…as
  • NO SOONER … THAN — immediate sequence
  • No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain. – no sooner…than
  • No sooner did she sit down than the phone rang. – no sooner…than