--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing
(Text-only version of Quirks of English)
Correlative conjunctions are coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, only) that are used in pairs to connect sentence elements such as words, phrases, or clauses. The following correlative conjunctions are frequently used:
the . . . , the . . . (idiomatic)
either . . . or
both . . . and
neither . . . nor
not so . . . as
whether . . . or
not only . . . but (also)
Proper usage demands that the connected elements be (1) equal in grammatical rank (parallel construction) and (2) equivalent in thought. For example, parallel grammatical construction is another way of saying that the syntax is equal on both sides of the conjunction pair (like a balanced equation). The idiomatic correlative conjunction is the simplest to illustrate (note that only this type requires a comma):
The higher the taxes,
the angrier the taxpayer.
article + comparative adjective + article + noun =
article + comparative adjective + article + noun
This sentence also illustrates equivalence in thought in that the high taxes (a cause) result in a specific taxpayer reaction (an effect). Equal grammatical rank and equivalent thought content (in italics) are illustrated by the following conjunctions (in bold):
Correct: Experts agree that not so many PC's as Macs break down.
Incorrect: Experts agree that not so many PC's are breaking down as Macs.
Correct: Anyone who flicks through commercials has to be either manipulative or unimaginative.
Incorrect: Anyone who flicks through commercials has to be either trying to manipulate or is unimaginative.
Correct: Hard-working Americans can be had not only in the Senate but also in the House.
Incorrect: Hard-working Americans can be had not only in the Senate but they also can be had in the House.
Correct: I find that I have neither the time to volunteer for my church's bazaar nor the energy to attend for my family's pleasure.
Incorrect: I find that I have neither the time to volunteer for my church's bazaar nor do I want to attend for my family.
Correct: Whether the west gate was open from September to June or it was closed from June to September, employees were greatly inconvenienced.
Incorrect: Whether the west gate was open from September to June or authorities closed it from June to September, employees were greatly inconvenienced.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009