Correlative Conjunctions

_______ students appreciate summer break, ______ do teachers relish their time off.

• Not only / But also

• Just as / So

• Either / Or

• Neither / Nor

Answer explanation

Just as / Also is a correlative conjunction showing an equal relationship (both students and teachers enjoy summer break!)

He ate ____ ten ____ twenty pieces of pie in the contest!

• Not / But

• Both / And

• Rather / Than

• Just as / So

Answer explanation

Not / But is a correlative conjunction that shows two opposing ideas. For example, we thought he would eat ten pieces of pie but he surprised us and ate twenty!

I had _______ finished my project _______ my professor emailed us about the final exam!

• Both / And

• Just as / So

• Whether / Or

• Scarcely / When

Answer explanation

Scarcely / When is a correlative conjunction showing a short amount of time between two events.

There are _____ many dogs _____ cats in the animal shelter looking for homes.

• As / As

• Such / That

• Rather / Than

• Neither / Nor

Answer explanation

As / As is a correlative conjunction that demonstrates an equal relationship. In this case, the same number of dogs and cats.

Oftentimes, people would ________ watch videos on their phones _________ have a conversation and meet someone new.

• Neither / No

• Either / Or

• Rather / Than

• As / As

Answer explanation

Rather / Than is a correlative conjunction that shows one preferred option over another.

Ex: I would rather have a four-day work-week than one that is five days.

_______ Mrs. Valen enjoys teaching, ______ her students enjoy learning!

• No sooner / than

• Scarcely / When

• Rather / Than

• Just as / so

Answer explanation

Jst as / so is a correlative conjunction that shows an even relationship.

In this case, we might not like the same thing, but our enthusiasm is equal.

The missing student is ________ in the bathroom _________ hiding in another hallway.

• Either / Or

• Not only / But also

• Such / That

• Both / And

Answer explanation

Either / Or is a correlative conjunction that shows two options.

After 10 minutes of questions, the suspect ________ confirmed ______ denied the accusations.

• rather / than

• both / and

• not only / but also

• neither / nor

Answer explanation

Neither / Nor is a correlative conjunction that shows two options that will not (or did not) happen.

You _________ failed to study for the test ________ broke my trust by sneaking out of the house.

• Rather / Than

• Not only / But Also

• As / As

• No sooner / than

Answer explanation

Not only / But also is a correlative conjunction that shows two consecutive actions that build upon each other in intensity.

I don't care _______ you make apple pie ______ pumpkin pie for dessert!

• No sooner / Than

• Rather / Than

• Whether / Or

• Not / But

Answer explanation

Whether / or is a correlative conjunction that shows two potential situations or choices.