There are certain conjunctions, called correlatives, that are used in pairs. They are
| both—and | as—as, so—as |
| either—or | not only—but also |
| neither—nor | whether—or |
| so—that | such—as |
Illustrations
| Both—and | He has both skill and energy. |
| Either—or | I shall leave either Monday or Tuesday. |
| Neither—nor | I can neither sing nor play. |
| So—that | It rained so hard that we stayed at home. |
| As—as | We shall come as early as we can. |
| So—as | She is not so tall as you are. |
| (Used in negative expressions.) | |
| Not only—but also | We saw not only Mr. Brown but his wife also. |
| Whether—or | Whether I return to work or stay at home depends on my mother's health. |
| Such—as | We shall buy only such goods as we think we can sell. |
Be very careful not to use the correlative so as incorrectly for so that. So as is used in negative expressions of comparison; so that is used to express result.
Wrong: We went early so as we could get good seats.
Right: We went early so that we could get good seats.
In the illustrations given above, notice that the correlatives always join two similar or coördinate expressions. It is important that they be placed each immediately before one of the two coördinate expressions.
Wrong: I neither can sing nor play.
Right: I can neither sing nor play.
Recast the following sentences, placing the correlative conjunctions before coördinate expressions: