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What are correlative conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect words, phrases, or clauses. They show a relationship between the items they connect, such as equality, contrast, or choice.

Here are some common correlative conjunctions:

Equality:

* both...and: *Both the dog and the cat were hungry.*

* not only...but also: *He was not only tired but also hungry.*

Contrast:

* either...or: *You can either have cake or ice cream.*

* neither...nor: *Neither the dog nor the cat was allowed inside.*

* whether...or: *Whether you go or stay, it's your choice.*

Choice:

* not...but: *Not the cat, but the dog, ate the food.*

Important Notes:

* Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs.

* The items connected by correlative conjunctions should be grammatically parallel. This means they should have the same grammatical structure. For example, if you use a noun phrase after the first conjunction, you should use a noun phrase after the second conjunction.

* Correlative conjunctions can be used to connect words, phrases, or clauses.

Examples:

* Words: *Both the red and the blue shirts were on sale.*

* Phrases: *She was not only tired but also extremely hungry.*

* Clauses: *Either we go to the beach, or we stay home and watch a movie.*

Understanding correlative conjunctions can help you write more precise and elegant sentences.

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