Correlative Conjunctions - ESL worksheet by missola - Free Printable

Let's solve the worksheet on Correlative Conjunctions step by step, explaining each part clearly.

---

🔹 What are Correlative Conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect two equal parts of a sentence. The most common ones are:

| Pair | Meaning |
|------|--------|
| Either...or | One or the other (affirmative choice) |
| Neither...nor | Not one nor the other (negative choice) |
| Both...and | Two things together (addition) |
| Not only...but also | Emphasizes addition |

---

## ✔ Part A: Underline the correlative conjunctions

We need to identify and underline the pairs of correlative conjunctions in each sentence.

1. Both the man and his wife came down the hall and went into the room.
→ Both...and

2. Either you or I will have to move.
→ Either...or

3. I like neither reading nor writing.
→ Neither...nor

4. Your work is both neat and accurate.
→ Both...and

5. The meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.
→ Not only...but also

6. The boys and the girls not only like but also adore both the puppies and the kittens.
→ Not only...but also

7. Canada is both beautiful and cold, but I like to go there.
→ Both...and

8. I will wear either the red sweater or the black shirt.
→ Either...or

9. I enjoyed both reading the story and seeing the movie.
→ Both...and

10. Either I heard someone knocking, or I thought that I did.
→ Either...or

✔ So, the underlined pairs should be:
- 1. Both...and
- 2. Either...or
- 3. Neither...nor
- 4. Both...and
- 5. Not only...but also
- 6. Not only...but also
- 7. Both...and
- 8. Either...or
- 9. Both...and
- 10. Either...or

---

## ✔ Part B: Choose the correct answer

Now let’s analyze each question carefully.

---

1. When they found the lost child, he was _________ tired __________.

Options:
a. neither ... nor
b. either ... or
c. not only ... but also

➡️ We need a pair that makes sense with “tired”.
“Neither...nor” would mean he was *not* tired and *not* something else — but we don’t know what the second part is.
“Either...or” doesn't make sense here because it implies a choice between two states.
“Not only...but also” suggests emphasis: he was not only tired but also [something else] — this fits best.

But wait — the sentence says “he was ________ tired ________.” There’s no second adjective given. But since the blank is after "tired", maybe it's implying he was tired and something else?

Actually, the structure needs to complete the idea:
"he was not only tired but also scared" — that makes sense.

So the correct answer is:
👉 c. not only ... but also

---

2. _________ in the movie _________ in the book, the plot was outstanding.

Options:
a. neither ... nor
b. either ... or
c. not only ... but also

This sentence compares the movie and the book.
It means: the plot was outstanding in the movie AND in the book.

So we need a pair that shows both versions were good.

“Neither...nor” = not in movie, not in book → contradicts “outstanding”

“Either...or” = only one of them → too weak

“Not only...but also” = emphasizes both: not only in the movie but also in the book → perfect!

👉 c. not only ... but also

---

3. Sarah is neither my aunt _______ my cousin.

Options:
a. and
b. or
c. nor
d. but

This is a negative construction: she is not my aunt and not my cousin.

The correct pair is neither...nor.

So:
"Sarah is neither my aunt nor my cousin."

👉 c. nor

Note: “neither” must be paired with “nor”, not “or”.

---

4. Tina has worked for _________ public and private schools.

Options:
a. either
b. neither
c. both
d. not only

We want to say she has worked for public AND private schools.

So: “Tina has worked for both public and private schools.”

→ Correct pair: both...and — so we use both.

👉 c. both

(Note: “both” goes with “and” — the sentence already has “and”, so “both” fits.)

---

5. The story is _________ educational but also funny.

Options:
a. either
b. neither
c. both
d. not only

We have: “is _________ educational but also funny”

This is a classic not only...but also pattern.

But look: the word “also” is used — so we need the first part to be “not only”.

So: “The story is not only educational but also funny.”

👉 d. not only

(“Both” would require “and”: “both educational and funny” — but here we have “but also”)

So correct answer: d. not only

---

## ✔ Final Answers:

Part A: Underline these pairs:

1. Both...and
2. Either...or
3. Neither...nor
4. Both...and
5. Not only...but also
6. Not only...but also
7. Both...and
8. Either...or
9. Both...and
10. Either...or

Part B: Multiple Choice

1. c. not only ... but also
2. c. not only ... but also
3. c. nor
4. c. both
5. d. not only

---

📌 Summary Tips:

- Either/or: choose one of two options.
- Neither/nor: reject both options.
- Both/and: include both.
- Not only/but also: emphasize two positive ideas.

Let me know if you'd like this as a printable PDF or with explanations in simpler language!