correlative conjunction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “correlative conjunction” mean?
A pair of conjunctions used together to link words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of conjunctions used together to link words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance.
These conjunctions establish specific logical relationships such as addition, alternative, or contrast, and require parallel structure in their usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the same pairs are used in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral grammatical term.
Frequency
Equally common in educational materials in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “correlative conjunction” in a Sentence
explain correlative conjunctionsidentify correlative conjunctionsapply correlative conjunctionsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correlative conjunction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Pupils are taught to identify correlative conjunctions in texts.
American English
- Students learn to recognize correlative conjunctions in passages.
adverb
British English
- She uses correlative conjunctions quite effectively in her essays.
American English
- He applies correlative conjunctions very skillfully in his writing.
adjective
British English
- The correlative function of these words is crucial.
American English
- The correlative role of these terms is important.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in formal writing guides or presentations on effective communication.
Academic
Commonly used in linguistics, grammar textbooks, and English language teaching.
Everyday
Seldom used; typically only in educational contexts or when discussing grammar.
Technical
Frequently used in grammatical analysis and language instruction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correlative conjunction”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correlative conjunction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correlative conjunction”
- Using only one part of the pair, e.g., 'Either he will go but she will stay.'
- Incorrect pairing, e.g., 'Neither he or she is coming.' instead of 'nor'.
- Lack of parallel structure, e.g., 'She not only sings but also dancing.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that link words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance, such as 'either...or' or 'both...and'.
Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and emphasize a specific relationship, while coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'but' can stand alone and connect elements with less emphasis on correlation.
Yes, for example: 'Neither John nor Mary attended the meeting.' or 'She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.'
Common mistakes include using incomplete pairs, incorrect pairing, and failing to maintain parallel structure between the connected elements.
A pair of conjunctions used together to link words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance.
Correlative conjunction is usually academic/technical in register.
Correlative conjunction: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛl.ə.tɪv kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈrɛl.ə.t̬ɪv kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'correlative' as 'co-relative', meaning they relate together in pairs, like partners in a dance.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correlative conjunction pair?