Correlative conjunctions 

INTRODUCTION

Conjunctions are words that function as a link between clauses in sentences. Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that come in pairs.

FORM

Correlative conjunctions link different clauses or elements in sentences.

Affirmative

The position of either…or is in the affirmative sentence. The structure is:

… Either + 1st choice + or + 2nd choice + …

Negative

The position of neither…nor is used in negative senteces. The structure is:

… Neither + 1st negative choice + nor + 2nd negative choice + …

EXAMPLE

Either… or…

I can either cook pasta or make chips.

He will either drink chamomile tea or green tea.

They will either cook food or get fast food.

Neither… nor…

I neither like salty nor spicy foods.

She is neither from Europe nor Asia.

They neither eat hot nor cold meat.

USE

We use correlative conjunctions when we want to give alternatives, choises or make statements about two things or people.

We use:

in affirmative sentences either/or to express how two clauses relate to each other;

in negative sentences neither/nor  to connect two negative alternatives.

SUMMARY

We use the correlative conjunctions either… or… to give choices, alternatives or make statements about two things or people and neither… nor… to connect two negative alternatives.

The structures are:

Correlative conjunctions either… or…: We start with the word either followed by the first choice followed by or and the other choice.

Correlative conjunctions neither… nor…: We start with the word neither followed by the first negative choice followed by nor and the other negative choice.

For example:

— “I will either eat ice cream or a cupcake.” = I will eat only ice cream or a cupcake, not both of them.

— “I will neither drink beer nor wine.” = I will not drink beer and I will not drink wine.

NOTE: either cannot be used with nor, and neither cannot be used with or. 

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.