2) The correlative conjunctions (which always come in pairs) are:

Either / or Neither/ nor Both / and Not only / but also

The correlative conjunctions are really just coordinating conjunctions with an additional adverbial element; they obey the same rules of punctuation as well as the principle of parallel structure.

Ex.: He is either courageous or crazy.

This paint is neither expensive nor toxic.

The shoplifter stole not only the canoe but also the paddles.

The correlative conjunctions are frequently used to connect two subjects. Subjects joined by both/and take a plural verb.

Ex.: Both my sister and my older brother are taller than I am. (are is plural)

When subjects are joined by either/or or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the closer subject.

Ex.: Either you or your friends are responsible for this.

Neither John's friends nor John is interested in buying your car.

Complete sentences can be joined using correlative conjunctions, in which case a comma is placed before the second element.

Ex.: Either you should come to visit us, or we should go to see you.

Independent clauses introduced by neither and nor both require inversion.

Ex.: Neither does he understand the problem, nor does he care what happens.

If neither is used within a clause, there is no inversion in that clause.

Ex.: He neither understands the problem, nor does he care what happens.

An independent clause introduced by Not only requires inversion.

Ex.: Not only is he acting suspiciously, but he also refuses to cooperate with the

police. (note that also belongs within the second clause)

EXERCISE Punctuate the following sentences:

1. The children are either in the park or at the store.

2. Neither do I believe him nor do I trust him.

3. She is both kind and intelligent.

4. Not only does he like your idea but he also wants to lend you the money you need to market it.