Use the correct pair of correlative conjunctions
Key Notes:
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used in pairs. They are used to show a relationship between two equal parts of a sentence, such as two nouns or two verb phrases. Some common correlative conjunctions are both/and, not only/but also, neither/nor, either/or, whether/or, and if/then.
The correlative conjunctions both/and and not only/but also are used to connect two things that are each true.
- Both Natalie and I play the piano.
- Tammy not only directed the show but also wrote the music!
The correlative conjunctions neither/nor are used to connect two things that are each untrue.
- Neither Ryan nor Emma has been to Canada.
The correlative conjunctions either/or are used to connect two possibilities or choices.
- Either Alyssa will answer the phone, or it will go to voicemail.
The correlative conjunctions whether/or are used to connect two possibilities or choices and express some uncertainty about which is true.
- I’m not sure whether Bryan or Sonia borrowed my book.
The correlative conjunctions if/then are used to connect a condition with its consequence.
- If this map is correct, then Ms. Perez’s directions are inaccurate.
Learn with an example
1. ) Complete the sentence with the better correlative conjunctions.
The influenza virus H5N1 is transmitted from infected birds to humans.____The virus evolved into a strain that could be transmitted between humans, ____ it could quickly spread worldwide.
- Either . . . or
- If . . . then
The sentence tells about a condition and its consequence, so use the correlative conjunctions if and then.
The influenza virus H5N1 is transmitted from infected birds to humans. If the virus evolved into a strain that could be transmitted between humans, then it could quickly spread worldwide.
2. ) Complete the sentence with the better correlative conjunctions.
The influenza virus H5N1 is transmitted from infected birds to humans. the virus evolved into a strain that could be transmitted between humans, it could quickly spread worldwide.
- Either . . . or
- If . . . then
The sentence tells about a condition and its consequence, so use the correlative conjunctions if and then.The influenza virus H5N1 is transmitted from infected birds to humans. If the virus evolved into a strain that could be transmitted between humans, then it could quickly spread worldwide.
3. ) Complete the sentence with the better correlative conjunctions.
Most vertebrates can perceive the same five flavors that humans can: bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. However, genetic research indicates that whales and dolphins are unable to taste any flavor other than salty.
- either . . . or
- both . . . and
The sentence tells about two things that are each true, so use the correlative conjunctions both and.
Most vertebrates can perceive the same five flavors that humans can: bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. However, genetic research indicates that both whales and dolphins are unable to taste any flavor other than salty.
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