Coordinating conjunctions connect two elements of equal grammatical status, such as two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. They show a clear relationship like addition, contrast, choice, cause, or result without making one part dependent on the other. In writing, they help you combine ideas smoothly, avoid repetition, and control the flow of information. The most common coordinating conjunctions are often remembered as FANBOYS.

A coordinating conjunction can join single words, longer phrases, or whole independent clauses. The key idea is balance: both sides should play the same role in the sentence, such as noun with noun, verb with verb, or clause with clause. When the joined elements are not equal, English usually requires a subordinating conjunction instead. Coordinating conjunctions can also join more than two items when used with parallel structure.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
word + word	two single words with the same function	tea and coffee
phrase + phrase	two phrases with the same function	in the morning or after lunch
clause + clause	two independent clauses	I called, but no one answered.

English has seven common coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Each one signals a specific logical relationship between the coordinated parts. Some are frequent in everyday speech like and, but, or, so, while others like for and nor are more formal or less common. Learning the meaning of each conjunction helps you choose the best connector instead of overusing and.

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
for	reason or explanation, similar to because	I left early, for I was tired.
and	addition or combination	She writes and edits.
nor	negative addition after a negative idea	He did not call, nor did he text.
but	contrast or exception	I tried, but it failed.
or	choice or alternative	We can walk or take the bus.
yet	strong contrast, surprising continuation	It is small, yet powerful.
so	result or consequence	It rained, so we stayed inside.

Choosing a coordinating conjunction depends on the relationship you want the reader to understand. And adds information, but and yet introduce contrast, or presents options, and so gives a consequence. For introduces a reason in a more literary style, and nor continues a negative structure. The conjunction you choose shapes emphasis: yet often feels more dramatic than but, and so can feel more direct than therefore.

Rule	Example
Use and for addition or sequence	She opened the file and started reading.
Use but for simple contrast	The plan is risky, but it might work.
Use yet for unexpected contrast	He apologized, yet he repeated the mistake.
Use or for alternatives	Call me now or send an email later.
Use so for result	The store was closed, so we went home.
Use for to introduce a reason in formal style	Do not worry, for everything is ready.
Use nor to add a second negative idea	She did not complain, nor did she quit.

When a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, English normally uses a comma before the conjunction. This comma helps the reader see that two complete sentences are being linked. If the second part is not an independent clause, the comma is usually unnecessary. For very short clauses, writers sometimes omit the comma, but the standard rule is to include it for clarity.

Rule	Example
Use comma + conjunction between two independent clauses	I finished the report, and I sent it to my manager.
No comma when joining two words or two short phrases	We bought apples and bananas.
No comma when the second part is not an independent clause	I finished the report and sent it to my manager.
Comma is recommended for clarity even with short independent clauses	I came, but I left.

Coordinating conjunctions work best when both sides have the same grammatical form, called parallel structure. This makes sentences easier to read and avoids awkward imbalance. Parallelism applies to words, phrases, and clauses, and it becomes especially important when you join longer or more complex items. When parallel structure is consistent, the conjunction clearly signals the relationship rather than forcing the reader to reinterpret the sentence.

Rule	Example
Join matching forms like noun with noun or clause with clause	She likes swimming and running.
Keep verb forms consistent across the coordination	He plans to study and to work.
Use the same clause pattern on both sides when possible	She not only called, but she also emailed.
Use lists with consistent structure when adding items with and or or	The job requires accuracy, patience, and attention to detail.

Nor typically follows a negative statement and adds another negative idea of equal weight. It often appears in a more formal structure where the auxiliary verb comes before the subject, especially with full clauses. You can also use nor to connect two negative alternatives, usually paired with neither. Understanding nor helps you avoid double negatives and keeps the sentence logically consistent.

Rule	Example
Use nor after a negative clause to add a second negative clause	He was not ready, nor was he willing.
Use neither ... nor to connect two negative options	Neither the manager nor the staff knew.
Use auxiliary inversion with nor in formal clause patterns	She did not agree, nor did she explain.
Avoid adding another negative word after nor in standard English	He did not call, nor did he text.

For and so can both connect clauses, but they differ in tone and typical context. For introduces a reason and sounds more literary or formal than because, and it is mainly used to join clauses rather than single words. So introduces a result and is common in speech and writing, but it can sound informal when overused. In more formal writing, therefore or consequently may replace so, but so remains correct as a coordinating conjunction.

Rule	Example
Use for to give a reason with a formal tone	We stayed inside, for the weather was dangerous.
For usually links two independent clauses, not single words	I rested, for I was exhausted.
Use so to show a result from the first clause	The deadline moved, so we adjusted the schedule.
In very formal writing, consider alternatives to so for a more academic tone	The deadline moved; therefore, we adjusted the schedule.

But and yet both signal contrast, but yet often suggests a stronger or more surprising contrast. But is the most neutral and common option for opposition or exception. Yet can highlight that the second clause is unexpected given the first clause, which can create a more emphatic effect. Choosing between them lets you control nuance without changing the basic grammar of coordination.

Rule	Example
Use but for neutral contrast	The room is warm, but the floor is cold.
Use yet for stronger or more surprising contrast	The method is simple, yet it works reliably.
Yet commonly appears after a comma when linking independent clauses	He was warned, yet he ignored the signs.

Coordinating conjunctions are one way to connect ideas, but punctuation choices affect style and clarity. A semicolon can connect two related independent clauses without a conjunction, while a semicolon plus a coordinating conjunction is usually unnecessary. A comma alone cannot correctly join two independent clauses in standard writing, so the conjunction or a stronger punctuation mark is needed. Knowing these options helps you avoid run-ons and choose the tone you want.

Rule	Example
Do not join two independent clauses with only a comma in standard writing	I called, but no one answered.
Use a semicolon to link closely related independent clauses without a conjunction	I called; no one answered.
Use period to separate ideas for a stronger break	I called. No one answered.
Avoid semicolon + coordinating conjunction in most cases	I called, and no one answered.