Correlative conjunctions Worksheet Practice Exercises with Answers

Question 1. Both the windows and the doors need to be replaced.
Answer: This sentence shows a correlative conjunction pair: both/and. The word "both" introduces the first item (the windows), and "and" links it to the second item (the doors). Both parts work together to join these two related ideas about what needs fixing.
In simple words: The pair "both...and" combines two things: the windows and the doors. They both need to be replaced.

Exam Tip: Remember that correlative conjunctions always come in pairs — you will never see "both" without "and" nearby, or "either" without "or".

Question 2. Either I cook or we order take-out.
Answer: This sentence uses the correlative conjunction pair either/or. The word "either" starts with the first choice (I cook), and "or" connects it to the second choice (we order take-out). This pair shows that one of two options will happen.
In simple words: "Either...or" gives two choices: I cook, or we order food. One of these two things will occur.

Exam Tip: Either/or is used when you have two possible choices or outcomes — always look for both words in the sentence.

Question 3. Neither the French nor the British were willing to surrender.
Answer: This sentence has the correlative conjunction pair neither/nor. The word "neither" introduces the first group (the French), and "nor" connects it to the second group (the British). This pair shows that both groups share the same quality: unwillingness to surrender.
In simple words: "Neither...nor" means: not the French, and not the British — both groups refused to give up.

Exam Tip: Neither/nor is the negative pair — it says that none of the listed items did something or are something.

Question 4. If that's a problem, then let me know.
Answer: This sentence shows the correlative conjunction pair if/then. The word "if" starts a condition (that's a problem), and "then" shows the result (let me know). This pair links a situation with what will happen because of it.
In simple words: "If...then" sets up cause and effect: if something occurs, then something else will follow.

Exam Tip: If/then correlative conjunctions show cause and effect — the "if" part is the condition, and the "then" part is the result.

Correlative Conjunctions Definition

Correlative conjunctions are two-part conjunctions. They always work as a pair to connect related ideas in a sentence, even though the two parts are not right next to each other. Common correlative conjunctions include: both/and, either/or, if/then, and neither/nor.

Test Yourself 20.1 - Getting Started

Question 1. Neither you nor your friends are likely to win that race.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: Neither and nor.
In simple words: Look for the pair "neither...nor" — both parts are underlined.

Exam Tip: Always underline both parts of the correlative pair, not just one.

Question 2. Both Laurette and Denise have been working towards that goal.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: Both and and.
In simple words: The pair "both...and" joins two people who are doing the same thing.

Exam Tip: Do not forget to underline the second part of the pair — in this case, the word "and".

Question 3. If my neighbor decides to plant bushes there, then I'll do some landscaping on my side of the fence as well.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: If and then.
In simple words: This shows a cause and effect: "if" the neighbor plants bushes, "then" the speaker will do landscaping.

Exam Tip: The "if" part can come at the start of the sentence, and the "then" part may be further along — both parts must still be underlined.

Question 4. Neither Don's comments nor his actions surprised me.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: Neither and nor.
In simple words: This pair says that both Don's comments and his actions failed to surprise the speaker.

Exam Tip: Remember that "neither...nor" tells us that both items are being ruled out or grouped together in a negative way.

Question 5. This athlete is likely to win either a gold or a silver medal.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: either and or.
In simple words: The pair "either...or" shows two possible choices: the athlete might win gold, or the athlete might win silver.

Exam Tip: Either/or offers a choice between two things — underline both words of the pair.

Test Yourself 20.1 - More Practice

Question 6. If the train runs on Sunday, then I won't drive.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: If and then.
In simple words: The speaker says: "if" the train runs on Sunday, "then" the speaker will not drive.

Exam Tip: If/then pairs show a condition and its result — both parts must be identified and underlined.

Question 7. Both the director and the playwright attended the rehearsal.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: Both and and.
In simple words: The pair "both...and" joins two people who both came to the same event.

Exam Tip: Both/and always appears with two items that share the same action or quality.

Question 8. Neither Iowa nor Tennessee lies on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: Neither and nor.
In simple words: Neither Iowa nor Tennessee is located on the Atlantic coast — this pair rules out both states.

Exam Tip: Neither/nor is a negative pair that excludes both items being discussed.

Question 9. If they're as nice as they seem, then we'll all get along well.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: If and then.
In simple words: "If" they are nice, "then" everyone will get along — this shows a condition and its expected outcome.

Exam Tip: Even when the sentence is long, find both the "if" and "then" parts and underline them both.

Question 10. You must call either heads or tails.
Answer: The correlative conjunctions are: either and or.
In simple words: The pair "either...or" gives two choices: call heads, or call tails.

Exam Tip: Either/or presents a choice between two options — both parts of the pair must be underlined.

Test Yourself 20.2 - Grand Finale

Question 1. Neither the brown nor the black shoes look good with that outfit. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunctions: Neither and nor
Type: CORR (Correlative conjunction)
In simple words: The pair "neither...nor" connects two types of shoes and rules out both — this is a correlative conjunction pair.

Exam Tip: Always identify both parts of the pair and classify it correctly — correlative conjunctions always work as matching pairs.

Question 2. They were pleased with the plan and happy about the decision. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: and
Type: C (Coordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "and" joins two equal ideas: being pleased and being happy. This is a coordinating conjunction, not correlative, because "and" stands alone without a matching partner like "both".

Exam Tip: Do not confuse a standalone "and" with the correlative pair "both...and" — look for both parts of the pair before marking it as correlative.

Question 3. I'll see you when you get here. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: when
Type: S (Subordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "when" links a main clause with a dependent clause, showing when the action will take place. This is a subordinating conjunction.

Exam Tip: Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that explain time, reason, or condition — they are not used in pairs.

Question 4. They're worried because she hasn't been feeling well lately. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: because
Type: S (Subordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "because" shows the reason why they are worried. This is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a reason clause.

Exam Tip: Subordinating conjunctions like "because" explain why something happens — they create a dependent clause that supports the main clause.

Question 5. Our encounter was short but sweet. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: but
Type: C (Coordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "but" joins two equal, contrasting ideas: short and sweet. This is a coordinating conjunction that shows contrast between equal parts.

Exam Tip: The coordinating conjunction "but" shows contrast between two equal ideas — it is not part of a correlative pair.

Question 6. If you tell the truth, then I won't get upset. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunctions: If and then
Type: CORR (Correlative conjunction)
In simple words: The pair "if...then" shows a condition and its result: if you are honest, then the speaker will stay calm. This is a correlative pair.

Exam Tip: The correlative pair "if...then" always shows cause and effect — look for both words before classifying as correlative.

Test Yourself 20.2 - More Practice

Question 7. I will be on this case till it is resolved. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: till
Type: S (Subordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "till" shows the time period or the point when something happens. This is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a time clause.

Exam Tip: Subordinating conjunctions like "till" (until) show timing — they introduce a dependent clause that clarifies when the main action stops or continues.

Question 8. Once she settles down in her apartment, Jane does not plan to move for a while. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: Once
Type: S (Subordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "once" introduces a time condition: when she settles down, then she will stay. This is a subordinating conjunction that sets up a time relationship.

Exam Tip: The word "once" as a subordinating conjunction means "as soon as" or "after" — it introduces a dependent time clause.

Question 9. You and I make a good team. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: and
Type: C (Coordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "and" joins two equal subjects: you and I. This is a coordinating conjunction, not correlative, because it stands alone without a partner word.

Exam Tip: A standalone "and" is always a coordinating conjunction — only "both...and" together form a correlative pair.

Question 10. Either you or I will get to the bottom of this. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunctions: Either and or
Type: CORR (Correlative conjunction)
In simple words: The pair "either...or" shows that one of two people will solve the problem. This is a correlative pair that offers a choice.

Exam Tip: The correlative pair "either...or" always presents a choice or alternative between two options or outcomes.

Question 11. They dressed as though they were members of the aristocracy. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: as though
Type: S (Subordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The phrase "as though" introduces a comparison or shows how they behaved. This is a subordinating conjunction that creates a dependent clause showing manner or condition.

Exam Tip: Subordinating conjunctions like "as though" introduce clauses that explain manner, comparison, or condition — they are not correlative pairs.

Question 12. but I still wasn't the first in line. Write C if it's a coordinating conjunction, S if it's a subordinating conjunction, and CORR if it's a correlative conjunction.
Answer: Underlined conjunction: but
Type: C (Coordinating conjunction)
In simple words: The word "but" shows contrast between two equal ideas: despite something good, the speaker was not first. This is a coordinating conjunction.

Exam Tip: The coordinating conjunction "but" expresses contrast — it is not part of a correlative pair and joins equal, independent clauses.