Coordinating Conjunctions
Learn Coordinating Conjunctions in English and join ideas clearly with and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor.
Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts of a sentence. They can join two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor.
Each coordinating conjunction shows a relationship between ideas. Some show addition, some show contrast, some show choice, and some show result or reason. You choose the conjunction that matches the meaning you want.
| Word or Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| and | It adds one idea to another idea ➕. |
| but | It shows contrast between two ideas ↔️. |
| or | It shows a choice between ideas 🔀. |
| so | It shows a result from the first idea ➡️. |
| yet | It shows an unexpected contrast ⚖️. |
| for | It gives a reason for the first idea 🧠. |
| nor | It adds another negative idea 🚫. |
You can use coordinating conjunctions to join words and phrases that have the same job in a sentence. The two parts must be similar in form. This makes one clear sentence from shorter parts.
| Rule |
|---|
| Use a coordinating conjunction 🔗 to join two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, or two phrases. |
| Join parts that have the same grammar shape ⚖️ so the sentence stays balanced. |
| Use one conjunction between the two parts ✍️ to show their relationship. |
A coordinating conjunction can also join two independent clauses. An independent clause has its own subject and verb and can stand alone as a sentence. This helps combine short sentences into one clear sentence.
| Rule |
|---|
| Use a coordinating conjunction 🔗 when both parts are independent clauses. |
| Each clause must have its own subject and verb 🧩 to be independent. |
| The conjunction shows how the second clause connects to the first clause ➡️. |
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction. Do not use this comma when you join only words or phrases. The comma helps show the break between two full ideas.
| Rule |
|---|
| Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction ✋ when it joins two independent clauses. |
| Do not use a comma before the conjunction 🚫 when it joins only two words. |
| Do not use a comma before the conjunction 🚫 when it joins only two phrases. |
You can now join words, phrases, and independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions. You can choose and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor to show the correct relationship between ideas. You can also use a comma before the conjunction when two independent clauses are joined.