Correlative Conjunctions for Kids: Either Or, Neither Nor and More (Grade 5 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Some conjunctions work alone, like and or but. Others always travel in pairs, like dance partners. These pairs are called correlative conjunctions. Let's meet them!

Here are the five main pairs. Both and. Either or. Neither nor. Not only but also. And whether or. When you use the first word, its partner must come later in the sentence.

Both and joins two things that are true together. Both cats and dogs make good pets. Either or gives a choice between two. You can have either soup or salad, but you pick one.

Neither nor means not this one and not that one. Neither the bus nor the train was on time. Not only but also adds a surprise. She not only sings but also plays the drums.

Keep your pairs balanced. The words after each partner should match in type. Either we walk or we take the bike sounds right. Either walking or we bike does not, because the parts do not match.

Here is a tricky rule. With either or and neither nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Neither my brothers nor my sister is home. Sister is closest, so we use is.

Now it's your turn. Which pair fits? Blank Jada blank Omar remembered the snacks, so everyone was hungry. Pause and try. Neither and nor! Neither Jada nor Omar remembered the snacks.

Great job! Correlative conjunctions come in pairs. Keep the parts after each partner balanced, and match the verb to the closer subject. Practice correlative conjunctions in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!