Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect two or more parts of
a sentence. Here are some common types and examples:
Type 1. Either... or: (Used to present two alternatives)
• Either you can go to the party or stay home.
• You can either study hard or fail the exam.
• She will either call you or send a text message.
Type 2. Neither... nor: (Used to present two negative alternatives)
• Neither rain nor snow will stop us from going.
• He neither likes coffee nor tea.
• She is neither tall nor short.
Type 3. Not only... but also: (Used to emphasize two points)
• Not only is she intelligent but also kind-hearted.
• He is not only a good student but also a talented athlete.
• She is not only beautiful but also intelligent.
Type 4. Both... and: (Used to indicate two things together)
• Both the teacher and the student were happy.
• She is both a doctor and a mother.
• I like both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
Type 5. Whether... or: (Used to present two possibilities)
• Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
• I don’t know whether to go or stay.
• Whether it rains or shines, we will go for a walk.
Type 6. As... as: (Used to compare two things)
• She is as tall as her sister.
• This book is as interesting as the last one.
• He runs as fast as a cheetah.
Type 7. No sooner... than: (Used to show that one thing happens immediately after
another)
• No sooner had I arrived than the phone rang.
• No sooner did the sun rise than the birds started singing.
• No sooner had I sat down than the teacher started talking.
Type 8. Scarcely... when: (Similar to “no sooner... than”)
• Scarcely had I finished eating when the doorbell rang.
• Scarcely had the rain stopped when the sun came out.
• Scarcely had she arrived when the party started.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that introduce a dependent clause, connecting it to an
independent clause. They create complex sentences by showing relationships between ideas.
Here are some common types and examples:
1. Time
Examples: after, before, since, until, while, when, whenever, as soon as
Sentence:
• After I finish my homework, I will play video games.
• Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth.
• Since it is raining, we will stay inside.
• Until you finish your chores, you cannot play video games.
• While I was cooking dinner, my phone rang.
• When the sun rises, the birds start singing
2. Cause and Effect
Examples: because, since, as
Sentence:
• Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• Because I studied hard, I got a good grade on the test.
• Since you were late, we missed the beginning of the movie.
• As the weather gets colder, people start wearing warmer clothes.
3. Condition
Examples: if, unless, whether, provided that
Sentence:
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If you eat all your vegetables, you can have dessert.
• Unless you apologize, I won’t talk to you.
• Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.
• Provided that you pay on time, you can avoid late fees.
4. Concession
Examples: although, though, even though
Sentence:
• Although it was cold, she went for a walk.
• Although I was tired, I went for a run.
• Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
• Though she was sick, she still went to work.
5. Comparison
Examples: as, as if, as though
Sentence:
• She sings as if she were a professional.
• She sings as well as a professional singer.
• He acts as if he knows everything.
• The child behaves as though he were the boss.
6. Place
Examples: where, wherever
Sentence:
Wherever you go, take this book with you.
* Where there is smoke, there is fire.
• Wherever you go, take this book with you.
7. Purpose
Examples: so that, in order that
Sentence:
• I studied hard so that I could pass the test.
• I study hard so that I can get good grades.
• In order that she could finish her work, she stayed up late.
