Correlative Conjunctions: 80 Example Sentences

Today we are going to look at over 80 examples of correlative conjunctions to see just how to use them in natural, everyday English. Practice them with sentence examples to become familiar with their use and get better at using them! We will also be looking in a bit more detail at these specific correlative conjunctions with example sentences, later in the article:

• Neither + nor sentences
• No sooner + than sentences
• Either + or sentences
• Rather + than sentences
• Both + and sentences

What are Correlative Conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect ideas. They show balance or contrast between two parts of a sentence. These words always come in pairs. Common ones include either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, and whether…or. You can think of them like a team—they need each other to make the sentence complete. If you use one, you must use the other. These pairs help add rhythm, clarity, and emphasis to your writing or speech.

Related: Fronted Adverbials: 41 Example Sentences

Common Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative Pair	Example Sentence
either … or	You can either stay here or come with me.
neither … nor	Neither the cat nor the dog made a sound.
both … and	She is both kind and smart.
not only … but also	Not only did he call, but also he visited.
whether … or	I don’t know whether to wait or leave.
just as … so	Just as the sun rises, so must we begin.
no sooner … than	No sooner had I sat down than he arrived.
as … as	She is as fast as her brother.
the more … the more	The more you practice, the more you improve.
rather … than	I’d rather walk than take the bus.

Why Do We Use Them?

We use correlative conjunctions to join two ideas that are of equal importance. They make our sentences more precise and interesting. Instead of saying two things in two different sentences, we can combine them in one. For example, instead of saying “I like pizza. I like pasta,” you can say “I like both pizza and pasta.” It’s shorter, smoother, and more natural. These conjunctions also help us show choices, contrasts, or combinations clearly.

How Do We Use Correlative Conjunctions?

To use correlative conjunctions correctly, keep the sentence parts balanced. That means the words or phrases you connect should have the same grammatical form. If you start with a noun, follow with another noun. If you start with a verb phrase, use another verb phrase. For example, “She is not only a great singer but also a talented dancer.” Both “a great singer” and “a talented dancer” are noun phrases. That’s what makes the sentence sound right. A mistake in balance can make the sentence confusing or awkward.

Let’s look at a few more examples:

• Either you call me, or I call you.
• He is both strong and fast.
• I can neither swim nor ride a bike.
• Not only did she leave, but she also took the keys.
• Whether we win or lose, we play as a team.

Key Takeaway: don’t mix up the pairs. If you start with “either,” you must use “or”—not “but also.” Each pair has a job. Also, try not to make your sentence too long or complicated when using these. Short, clear connections work best, especially when you’re still getting used to them.

They help your sentences flow better and express your ideas clearly. Once you get used to them, you’ll start to notice them everywhere—in books, on TV, and in everyday conversation. Practice a little every day, and they’ll soon feel natural to use.

Related: 34 Awesome Present Simple Questions: Native English Grammar

Correlative conjunction examples

Here are some correlative conjunction examples in sentences. To get comfortable with using them, I would recommend reading and repeating all of these aloud and also try to recognize what the actual conjunctions are for each individual sentence.

1. Either we go now, or we miss the bus.
2. She likes neither tea nor coffee.
3. I want both the cake and the ice cream.
4. Not only is he tired, but he is also hungry.
5. You can choose either red or blue.
6. Neither John nor his brother showed up.
7. The room was both cold and dark.
8. He is not only smart but also kind.
9. Whether you agree or not, it’s happening.
10. We’ll go either today or tomorrow.
11. She speaks both French and Spanish.
12. Neither my phone nor my laptop is working.
13. They are not only coworkers but also friends.
14. I don’t know whether he’s late or just ignoring me.
15. Either bring your umbrella, or expect to get wet.

More correlative conjunction sentences

And here is the next lot of correlative conjunction sentences for us to practice today!

16. He wants to be both a musician and a writer.
17. Not only did it rain, but also the power went out!
18. She enjoys neither hiking nor swimming.
19. The child is either sleepy or bored.
20. I like both sunny days and rainy ones.
21. Whether you win or lose, try your best.
22. We saw neither stars nor the moon.
23. I want to go either to Italy or to Greece.
24. He is both funny and polite.
25. Not only was the movie long, but it was also boring.
26. She felt neither happy nor sad.
27. You must either leave now or wait an hour.
28. We will go out whether it rains or not.
29. The team is not only strong but also fast.
30. I can neither confirm nor deny that.

Neither nor sentences

Neither…nor is a correlative conjunction used to connect two negative ideas. It emphasizes that two things are not true or not happening. For example, if you say “Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry,” it means both the cat and the dog are not hungry. It always pairs a negative idea with another negative idea. Here are 10 example sentences using neither…nor:

31. Neither the sun nor the moon was visible tonight.
32. She has neither the time nor the energy to help.
33. He can neither speak French nor understand it.
34. Neither the coffee nor the tea is ready.
35. They are neither friends nor enemies.
36. Neither my brother nor I like scary movies.
37. The restaurant serves neither pizza nor pasta.
38. Neither the boss nor the clients were satisfied with the results.
39. I have neither seen that movie nor read the book.
40. Neither John nor Sarah answered the phone.

No sooner than sentences

“No sooner…than” is a correlative conjunction pair used to describe one event happening immediately after another. The structure for no sooner…than is as follows:

No sooner + auxiliary verb (had/did) + subject + verb + than + subject + verb.

It must be used with both parts of the conjunction together to emphasize the quick succession between actions.

41. No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang.
42. No sooner did she finish her lunch than she got back to work.
43. No sooner had we arrived than the event started.
44. No sooner did the rain stop than we went outside.
45. No sooner had I finished my book than I started a new one.
46. No sooner did they announce the sale than the store was crowded.
47. No sooner had the bell rung than the students rushed out.
48. No sooner did he speak than everyone agreed.
49. No sooner had the news spread than people began to talk.
50. No sooner did I close the door than I heard a knock.

Either or sentences

“Either…or” is a correlative conjunction used to show that one of two options will happen or is true. It presents a choice between two alternatives.

51. Either you study hard or you will fail the test.
52. Either the movie is starting now or we’re too late.
53. Either my friend or I will bring the snacks.
54. Either you finish the project or you won’t get paid.
55. Either the book or the magazine is on the table.
56. Either she calls me or I’ll call her.
57. Either we go to the beach or we stay indoors.
58. Either the cake or the cookies will be served for dessert.
59. Either you agree or we can’t move forward.
60. Either I walk to work or I take the bus.

Rather than sentences

“Rather…than” is used to show a preference for one option over another. It often compares two things, highlighting the choice of one over the other.

61. I would rather go to the beach than stay home.
62. She would rather read a book than watch TV.
63. He would rather walk to work than drive.
64. I would rather spend the evening with friends than alone.
65. They would rather eat at a restaurant than cook at home.
66. She would rather wear sneakers than sandals.
67. He would rather be outdoors than sitting inside.
68. I would rather have tea than coffee.
69. She would rather travel by train than by plane.
70. He would rather live in the city than the countryside.

Both and sentences

“Both…and” is a correlative conjunction pair used to emphasize that two things are included or involved.

71. Both my brother and I love hiking.
72. She enjoys both pizza and pasta.
73. Both the cat and the dog are sleeping.
74. I will both read the book and watch the movie.
75. They are both talented and hardworking.
76. We visited both the museum and the art gallery.
77. He likes both science and math.
78. Both the manager and the assistant were present at the meeting.
79. She speaks both French and Spanish fluently.
80. Both the car and the bike need repairs.

Correlative conjunctions – needed for communication

Correlative conjunctions help us speak and write more clearly. They are word pairs like either…or, neither…nor, both…and, and not only…but also. These pairs connect ideas that have equal importance. Without them, our sentences can sound broken or confusing. For example, instead of saying, “She likes apples. She likes oranges,” we can say, “She likes both apples and oranges.” This sounds smoother and gives more meaning in fewer words.

We use correlative conjunctions in daily conversation, writing, and even texting. They help show choice, contrast, agreement, or reason. They also help listeners and readers understand what we really mean. Clear communication is important in every part of life—work, relationships, and daily tasks. Correlative conjunctions give us a simple way to connect ideas and be understood.

Learning to use them well helps you sound more natural and fluent and natural in English. With practice, they become a normal part of your speech.