Here's how it works:
* Equal Elements: Correlative conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical value. This could be two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, two phrases, or two clauses.
* Relationship: The conjunction pair indicates a specific relationship between the connected elements. This could be:
* Choice: *either...or*, *neither...nor*
* Comparison: *both...and*, *not only...but also*
* Contrast: *whether...or*
* Cause and effect: *so...that*
Examples:
* Choice: *Either you can go to the movies or you can stay home and watch TV.*
* Comparison: *Both the cat and the dog are sleeping soundly.*
* Contrast: *Whether you like it or not, you have to go to school.*
* Cause and effect: *He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.*
Common Correlative Conjunctions
* either...or
* neither...nor
* not only...but also
* both...and
* whether...or
* so...that
Important Note: The elements connected by correlative conjunctions should be parallel in structure. This means they should have the same grammatical form.
For example:
* Incorrect: *He is not only a good student but also a talented athlete.*
* Correct: *He is not only a good student but also a talented athlete.*
In the incorrect example, the elements "a good student" and "a talented athlete" are not parallel. In the correct example, both elements are noun phrases, making them parallel.