Correlative Conjunction Examples & Definition

When it comes to using and spotting correlative conjunctions, it’s all about slowing down, reading, and practicing the process of identifying the pairs. The pairs are always the same, so these duos can be easy to spot and use once you have a sense of which belongs with which!

Here are some sample sentences that contain correlative conjunctions. As you’ll see, pairs remain together. 

• Either the flowers bloom in spring, or they wait until early summer to show their colors.

• Neither the snow nor the ice will stop us from building a snowman in winter.

• It was such a sunny day that everyone wanted to go to the beach.

• I can’t decide whether to wear my sweater or my jacket in the fall.

• The temperature in summer is not only warm, but also perfect for a swim.

• Both the leaves and the grass change color in the fall.

• There were as many colorful leaves as fallen branches after the storm.

• I’d rather enjoy a hot chocolate in winter than have a cold drink.

• Either we can pick apples or go on a hayride this autumn.

• Neither the clouds nor the drizzle stopped our picnic in the spring.

• Such cold temperatures came with the winter storm that the pond froze.

• I wonder whether we’ll have a hot summer or a cooler one this year.

• The autumn fair had not only pumpkin carving but also a haunted maze.

• Both the rain showers and the blooming flowers make spring feel magical.

• No sooner did the leaves turn orange than they began to fall.

• I’d rather spend the day at the beach in summer than stay indoors.

• Either we can go sledding or have a snowball fight in the fresh snow.

• Neither the chilly winds nor the early sunsets could take away the joy of fall.

As you’ll see, the pairs are always the same. Some you may already use and be familiar with, but others you may not have recognized as correlative conjunctions. 

Remember, these pairs are used to show relationships between ideas. The duos also always follow the same order. They never reverse their order. 

In the following paragraph, note the correlative conjunction examples the writer uses to illustrate ideas about animals: 

     Many animals have special ways of surviving in the wild. Both lions and tigers are known for their strength and hunting skills. Some animals, like chameleons, have such amazing camouflage that they can blend in with their surroundings. Either they use colors to hide from predators, or to sneak up on their prey. In cold places, animals like polar bears have not only thick fur but also layers of fat to stay warm. Whether they are big or small, every animal has unique abilities that help it survive in its environment.

Similes 

Correlative conjunctions also have a role in similes. Similes as sentences that compare two things using the words “like” or “as.” 

The pair “as”/ “as” is used to connect an adverb or adjective and a noun. An adverb describes how an action is performed and an adjective describes a noun. 

Here are some examples of the correlative conjunction pair “as” and “as” at work in similes. 

• The kitten was as soft as a fluffy cloud.
• Her smile was as bright as the sun on a summer day.
• The turtle moved as slow as a sleepy snail.
• His backpack was as heavy as a bag of rocks.
• The snow was as white as a blank sheet of paper.
• She ran as fast as a cheetah chasing its prey.
• The puppy’s fur was as black as the night sky.
• His voice was as loud as thunder during a storm.
• The lemonade was as sweet as candy from the fair.
• The river was as clear as a sparkling window.