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Coordinating Conjunctions

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Coordinating conjunctions are words that join two or more elements of equal importance in a sentence, such as words, phrases, or clauses.

Coordinating conjunctions are small but powerful words that connect different parts of a sentence. They help join words, phrases, or whole clauses that are equally important, making our sentences more fluid and natural. The most common coordinating conjunctions in English are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. You can remember them using the acronym FANBOYS.
  • They connect elements of equal grammatical rank.
  • They can join words, phrases, or independent clauses.
  • They often use commas when joining clauses.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

Here are some simple examples to show how each coordinating conjunction works:
  • For: I stayed inside, for it was raining.
  • And: She likes tea, and he likes coffee.
  • Nor: He doesn’t like apples, nor does he like bananas.
  • But: I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
  • Or: Do you want cake, or would you prefer ice cream?
  • Yet: She studied hard, yet she didn’t pass the exam.
  • So: It was cold, so I wore a jacket.

Me quedé adentro, ___ estaba lloviendo.


Choose the coordinating conjunction that best fits: 'I stayed inside, ___ it was raining.'


for
'For' is used here to mean 'because,' giving a reason for staying inside.

What does the acronym FANBOYS stand for?


for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
FANBOYS is a mnemonic device to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Using Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

When joining two independent clauses (each could be a sentence on its own), use a comma before the coordinating conjunction:
  • I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
  • She called him, and he answered immediately.
When joining words or phrases (not full clauses), do not use a comma:
  • I bought apples and oranges.
  • She likes swimming and biking.

Common Mistakes

  • Comma splice: Using a comma between two independent clauses without a conjunction is incorrect.
    • Wrong: I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
    • Right: I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
  • Forgetting the comma before conjunctions joining two clauses:
    • Wrong: She was late but she apologized.
    • Right: She was late, but she apologized.

Practice Sentences

Try filling in the blanks with the correct coordinating conjunction:
  1. I wanted to call you, _ I lost my phone.
  2. She can come to the party, _ she might stay home.
  3. I don’t like spinach, _ do I like broccoli.
  4. He is tired, _ he will finish his homework.
  5. You can have tea _ coffee.

Summary

  • Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts of a sentence: words, phrases, or clauses.
  • The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).
  • Use a comma before the conjunction when joining two independent clauses.
  • Don’t use a comma when joining just words or phrases.
  • Avoid comma splices and remember to use a conjunction to link clauses correctly.

What do coordinating conjunctions do?


They join equal parts of a sentence: words, phrases, or clauses.
Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical rank, whether they are words, phrases, or independent clauses.
Next Up: Subordinating Conjunctions

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025

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