Coordinating conjunctions are simple words that connect equal parts of a sentence, such as two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, or two independent clauses. They show how the parts are related, whether by addition, contrast, choice, or result.
What Coordinating Conjunctions Do
Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts of a sentence, which can be:
- Two words (e.g., cats and dogs)
- Two phrases (e.g., swimming in the pool or running in the park)
- Two independent clauses (e.g., I wanted to go, but it started raining)
They help create compound sentences and make your writing more fluent and interesting.
The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:
| Conjunction | Meaning/Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | reason/cause | I stayed home, for I was feeling sick. |
| and | addition | She likes apples and oranges. |
| nor | negative addition | He doesn’t like tea, nor does he like coffee. |
| but | contrast | I wanted to go, but it started raining. |
| or | choice/alternative | Would you like tea or coffee? |
| yet | contrast/surprise | She is young, yet very wise. |
| so | result/consequence | It was late, so we took a taxi. |
Which coordinating conjunction shows contrast with a sense of surprise?
yet
'Yet' is similar to 'but' but adds a surprising or unexpected contrast.
Using Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
Joining Words
Coordinating conjunctions can join two or more words.
Example: She bought apples and oranges.
Joining Phrases
They can join two or more phrases.
Example: I will go to the park or to the mall.
Joining Independent Clauses
They can join two independent clauses (complete sentences). When joining clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
Example: I wanted to stay out, but it was too late.
Examples With Each Conjunction
| Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
| for | He took an umbrella, for it looked like rain. |
| and | I cleaned my room and did my homework. |
| nor | She doesn’t eat meat, nor does she drink milk. |
| but | The dress is beautiful, but it is expensive. |
| or | We can watch a movie or play a game. |
| yet | He is tired, yet he continues working. |
| so | I was hungry, so I made a sandwich. |
What is a coordinating conjunction joining in this sentence: 'She bought apples and oranges'?
Two words.
The conjunction 'and' joins two words: 'apples' and 'oranges'.
Punctuation With Coordinating Conjunctions
In Lists (Words or Phrases)
When joining words or phrases in a list, do not use a comma before the conjunction unless it’s a list of three or more items.
Example: I like cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Between Independent Clauses
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (complete sentences), use a comma before the conjunction.
Example: She wanted to go out, but it was raining.
No Comma Needed for Short Clauses
If the clauses are short and closely connected, the comma can sometimes be omitted.
Example: I tried but failed.
Tips for Using Coordinating Conjunctions
- Use them to join equal parts of a sentence — don’t use them to join a phrase to a clause.
- Always put a comma before the conjunction if it joins two full sentences.
- Don’t start a sentence with “and,” “but,” or “so” in formal writing, though it’s common in conversation.
- Use “for” in writing to mean “because,” but it sounds formal or old-fashioned in speech.
- “Nor” is used for adding a second negative idea and often requires inversion (switching word order).
- “Yet” is like “but,” but adds a sense of surprise or contrast.
- “So” shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
Conclusion
Coordinating conjunctions are small words that make your sentences bigger and more connected. They help you add ideas, show choices, contrast, cause, and effect. Remember FANBOYS, and use commas correctly, and your writing will flow smoothly.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
