A coordinating conjunction links together words, phrases, or clauses that share the same grammatical status, ensuring balance and clarity in a sentence. In English, the main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS.
- Connect elements of equal importance
- Create compound subjects, predicates, or sentences
- Provide clear relationships between ideas
For, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so are coordinating conjunctions. 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction.
The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Each conjunction serves a specific purpose:
| Conjunction | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| For | Shows reason/explanation | I stayed home, for it was raining. |
| And | Adds information | She likes tea and coffee. |
| Nor | Adds a negative option | He does not drink, nor does he smoke. |
| But | Shows contrast | I wanted to go, but I was tired. |
| Or | Presents choices/options | You can have cake or ice cream. |
| Yet | Shows contrast/surprise | He’s strict, yet fair. |
| So | Shows result/consequence | It was late, so we left. |
'Yet' expresses contrast or an unexpected outcome.
- Don’t use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two single words (e.g., bread and butter).
- Use a comma before the conjunction when joining two independent clauses (e.g., I called him, but he didn’t answer).
- Avoid repeating conjunctions excessively for cleaner sentences.
Use a comma before the conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
And: She bought apples and oranges.
But: I wanted to attend, but I was too busy.
Or: Would you prefer coffee or tea?
Nor: He doesn’t like spinach, nor does he like broccoli.
For: I didn’t go out, for I was tired.
Yet: The exam was tough, yet I enjoyed it.
So: It started to rain, so we went inside.
To show contrast, use 'but' or 'yet'.
Coordinating conjunctions are essential tools for connecting ideas smoothly and clearly, balancing sentence elements of equal importance.
- Remember the FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
- Use commas wisely: before conjunctions joining independent clauses.
- Match conjunctions to the relationship you want to express (addition, contrast, choice, etc.).