What is correlative conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs such as neither . . . nor, not . . . only, and but . . . also.

These conjunctions connect two balanced clauses, phrases, or words.

The two elements that correlative conjunctions connect are usually similar in length and grammatical structure.

Example sentences containing correlative conjunctions:

• either . . . or
  We can go to either Greece or Spain for our holiday.
  It’s my final offer – you can either take it or leave it.

• both . . . and
  Both rugby and football are popular in France.
  Both English and Welsh are spoken in Wales.

• not only . . . but also
  Not only is he a professional footballer, but he’s also a successful businessman.

• not . . . but
  There are not two but three Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
  In sport, what counts is not the winning but the taking part.

• neither . . . nor
  Neither Norway nor Switzerland is in the European Union.
  Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory. (Abraham Lincoln)

• whether . . . or
  Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit that the Rolling Stones are very popular.
  I’m totally confused – I don’t know whether I’m coming or going.

• no sooner . . . than
  No sooner had I finished watering the garden than it started raining.