Correlative conjunctions: either or, neither nor, not only … but also, both…and

Note: In all examples below, A and B are the same parts of speech.

A: verb => B: verb
A: noun => B: noun
A: adjective => B: adjective

NEITHER A NOR B: used in negative sense. The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.

Neither Kelly nor Sarah likes swimming.
His car is neither big nor small.
My grandpa neither likes nor cares about the technology.

EITHER A OR B: The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.

Either you or Jenny has to ask my permission for going out.
Either John or his parents are going to the meeting tomorrow.
I don’t like either badminton or tennis?

NOT ONLY A BUT ALSO B: The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.

Not only Tom but also Harry has got 10 on the test.
I not only work hard but also play hard.
She is interested in not only Math but also Science.

BOTH A AND B: verbs always take the plural forms.

Both Jim and Ann are coming to the party tomorrow.
Both Jack and his brother have passed the exam.
He can speak both English and Spanish.

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Correlative conjunctions: either or, neither nor, not only … but also, both…and

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