Correlative Conjunctions
Paired conjunctions coordinate choices or matched elements. Cambridge describes common examples as two-part coordinating conjunctions, so this guide uses “correlative conjunction” as a familiar label while acknowledging alternative terminology.
Correlative conjunction is a common teaching label for paired connectors such as “either...or,” “neither...nor,” and “both...and.” The pair links corresponding grammatical units, so parallel structure usually makes the relationship clearer.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Do not claim that “correlative conjunction” is the only accepted taxonomy for these paired forms.
Further guidance
Diagnostic
Identify the paired connector and check what element follows each half: word, phrase, or clause.
Parallelism
When practical, keep the connected elements grammatically parallel so readers can see the intended pairing.
Worked Example
“The role requires both careful analysis and clear writing” pairs two noun phrases after “both” and “and,” making the structure parallel.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Conjunctions (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge shows that subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and lists common forms such as although, because, if, when, whereas, and while.
- Either ... or ... (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge details either...or as a paired connector for choices and shows parallel connections between words, phrases, prefixes, and clauses.