Correlative Conjunctions Anchor Chart
Grammar Toolkit • Grade 5
Correlative Conjunctions
Nickname “The Dynamic Duos”
What are they? Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work like a team to connect equal words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They always travel together!
The 5 Essential Pairs & What They Do
Use these for your bellwork!
1
both … and Adds 2 positive ideas
Example: We saw both dolphins and sea turtles at the aquarium.
2
either … or Gives 2 choices (Pick 1)
Example: You can have either hot cocoa or apple cider after recess.
3
neither … nor Rejects both choices (Zero)
Example: Neither rain nor chilly wind could stop our kickball game.
4
not only … but also Adds surprise / bonus idea
Example: She is not only kind but also super funny.
5
whether … or Shows 2 possibilities
Example: I must finish my book report whether I want to or not.
3 Golden Rules to Keep in Mind
R1
Never Mix Duos
Each partner must stay with its buddy.
❌ either … nor ✔ either … or
R2
Keep It Balanced
Match word types (noun + noun, verb + verb).
❌ likes both running and to read ✔ likes both running and reading
R3
The Closeness Rule
With either/or & neither/nor, match verb to nearest noun!
Neither the coach nor the players were late.
Quick Bellwork Checklist
1. Find both partner words • 2. Check if they match correctly • 3. Make sure the sentence sounds balanced
Grade 5 Reference
Paired Connectors Bellwork Sheet
Daily Warm-Up • Grade 5
Correlative Conjunctions Bellwork
Use your Anchor Chart for help!
Name:
Week Of:
Class/Period:
T Tuesday: Spot & Pair Day 1
1. Circle the two paired conjunctions in this sentence:
“Marcus enjoys both playing soccer and swimming at the pool.”
2. Fill in the missing partner word for each duo:
a. either …
b. neither …
c. not only …
Target: Identifying partners Score: __/4
W Wednesday: Choose & Combine Day 2
1. Fill in the blanks with the pair showing two positive things:
the teacher the class cheered.
2. Combine into ONE sentence using either … or:
We can eat pizza for lunch. We can eat tacos for lunch.
Target: Sentence combining Score: __/2
Th Thursday: Error Detective Day 3
1. Find and cross out the mismatched pair word, then write the correct buddy:
“Neither the cat or the dog wanted to go inside.”
Correct replacement word:
2. Rewrite to fix the unbalanced words (Rule 2):
“He likes both baking cookies and to eat cake.”
Target: Editing & parallel structure Score: __/2
F Friday: Sentence Showcase Day 4
1. Write an original sentence about weekend choices using whether … or:
2. Write an original sentence about a superhero or friend using not only … but also:
Target: Mastery application Score: __/2
Weekly Self-Check: How confident do you feel with correlative conjunctions?
Needs Practice Getting It Conjunction Master!
Total Score:
/10
