Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical function or of equal value in the sentence. They can join two words, two groups, or two independent clauses without creating a dependency between them. In French, the main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, nor, but, for, so and yet. They serve to organize addition, alternative, coordinated negation, cause, consequence and opposition, in connection with Word Order.

Coordinating conjunctions are invariable words: they do not change according to gender, number, or person. Their form remains identical no matter what term they link. Their position is fixed between the coordinated elements, which distinguishes them from subordinating markers and certain correlative structures.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Mot invariableInvariable word	et relie deux noms : pain et beurreand links two nouns: bread and butter
Forme fixeFixed form	mais relie deux propositions : Il pleut, mais je sorsbut links two clauses: It rains, but I go out
Position médianeMid-position	donc se place entre cause et conséquence : Il a faim, donc il mangethus placed between cause and consequence: He is hungry, so he eats

The conjunction and serves to add an element to another without opposition or contrast. It easily links two nouns, two adjectives, two groups or two propositions of the same status. In speech, it is used very frequently and a comma is generally avoided before it, except in a enumeration or a stylistic effect related to Punctuation.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Ajout simpleSimple addition	le pain et le beurrebread and butter
Deux adjectifsTwo adjectives	calme et patientcalm and patient
Deux propositionsTwo clauses	Elle arrive et je parsShe arrives and I leave

The conjunction or presents an alternative between two possibilities. It can be inclusive when both options remain compatible, or more exclusive when the choice is limited to a single option, often with 'or else' to remove ambiguity. This nuance depends on the context and the register.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Choix ouvertOpen choice	tu peux prendre thé ou caféyou can take tea or coffee
Choix exclusifExclusive choice	tu prends le thé ou bien le caféyou take tea or coffee
Possibilités compatiblesCompatible possibilities	travail ou étudeswork or studies

The conjunction nor is used to coordinate elements in a negative construction, often with not, and often repeated before each term. It expresses that none of the coordinated elements is selected. This construction belongs to a coordinated negation and is mainly used for two nouns, two groups or two infinitives.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Double refusDouble refusal	Il ne veut ni thé ni caféHe wants neither tea nor coffee
Coordination négativeNegative coordination	ni pluie ni vent ne l’arrêtentNeither rain nor wind stops him
Forme parallèleParallel form	ne lire ni écrireread nor write

The conjunction car introduces an explanation, whereas donc introduces a consequence or a conclusion. Car announces the reason after the main statement, while donc links the idea to what precedes to draw a result. Car is often perceived as more formal in writing, whereas parce que is more natural in speech, which nicely echoes Causal Conjunctions.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
ExplicationExplanation	Il reste, car il est fatiguéHe stays, for he is tired
ConséquenceConsequence	Il est fatigué, donc il resteHe is tired, so he stays
Registre soutenuFormal register	J’accepte, car la demande est claireI accept, for the request is clear

The conjunction but marks a contrast between two ideas, an expectation and a counterpoint, or two propositions that partially oppose each other. Or expresses also an opposition or argumentative reversal, but it is more formal and more frequent in written language than in casual conversation. These uses align with the values studied in Adversative Conjunctions.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Contraste directDirect contrast	Il veut venir, mais il est maladeHe wants to come, but he is sick
Style soutenuFormal style	Il promettait beaucoup, or il n’a rien faitHe promised a lot, yet he did nothing
Changement d’idéeChange of idea	Le ciel est clair, mais il fait froidThe sky is clear, but it is cold

The comma is often placed before but, for, therefore and or when these conjunctions connect two independent clauses. It is rarely placed before and, which more tightly binds the coordinated elements. Punctuation depends on rhythm, register and desired clarity, which aligns with the principles of Punctuation.

IdéeIdea	ExempleExample
Virgule fréquenteFrequent comma	Il voulait sortir, mais il est restéIt was desired to go out, but he stayed
Virgule rareRare comma	Pierre et Marie arriventPierre and Marie arrive
Deux propositionsTwo clauses	Il est tard, donc nous rentronsIt is late, so we return home

Coordinating conjunctions do not add anything or modify their form, but they strongly organize the meaning and rhythm of the sentence. They are used to link words, groups or propositions placed on the same level, with values of addition, alternative, negation, cause, consequence or opposition. Their correct usage depends as much on the logical relation as on the register, punctuation and the order of the coordinated elements, as in Word Order.