The seven coordinating conjunctions in English are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. Each one shows a different relationship between two ideas. And adds ideas. But shows contrast. Or shows a choice. Nor adds a negative idea after another negative idea. For gives a reason. So shows a result. Yet shows an unexpected contrast. These words belong to Conjunctions, the group of words that connect parts of a sentence.

The seven basic coordinating conjunctions

Word	Definition	Example
and	Use and to show addition or connection between ideas.	I bought tea and coffee.
but	Use but to show contrast or difference.	The soup was hot, but it was delicious.
or	Use or to show choice between options.	Would you like juice or water?
nor	Use nor to add a negative idea after a negative statement.	He did not call, nor did he text.
for	Use for to show reason or cause in a formal way.	We stayed inside, for the rain was heavy.
so	Use so to show result or effect.	I was tired, so I went to bed early.
yet	Use yet to show unexpected contrast.	It was late, yet she kept working.

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A coordinating conjunction can join two words or two phrases that have the same grammatical role. In tea and coffee, the conjunction connects two nouns. In quickly but carefully, it connects two adverbs. In in the kitchen or in the garden, it connects two prepositional phrases. The joined parts must match in type, so a word joins a word and a phrase joins a phrase. The conjunction comes between the two parts and keeps the sentence smooth and clear.

Joining words and phrases of the same type

Usage	Explanation	Example
Two nouns	Use a coordinating conjunction to join two nouns that have the same role in the sentence.	We need bread and milk.
Two adjectives	Use a coordinating conjunction to join two adjectives that describe the same noun.	It was a long but happy trip.
Two verbs	Use a coordinating conjunction to join two verbs in the same sentence pattern.	She can sing and dance.
Two phrases	Use a coordinating conjunction to join two phrases with parallel form.	He came by bus or by train.

A coordinating conjunction can also join two independent clauses. An independent clause has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. In Maria cooked dinner, and Tom washed the dishes, each part could be its own sentence. The conjunction links the two complete thoughts into one sentence. This structure appears often in real writing and speaking, especially when ideas are closely related. It also supports clear Clauses and easier Word Order in longer sentences.

Joining two complete clauses

Usage	Explanation	Example
Addition between clauses	Use and when the second clause adds another idea to the first.	The lights went out, and we lit candles.
Contrast between clauses	Use but when the second clause contrasts with the first.	I wanted to go, but I was too busy.
Cause and result	Use so when the second clause shows the result of the first.	It started to snow, so we stayed home.
Reason in formal style	Use for when the second clause gives a reason in a more formal tone.	She was pleased, for the news was good.

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction. The train was late, so we took a taxi. She wanted to stay, but the hotel was full. The comma shows where one complete thought ends and the next begins. Leave out the comma when the conjunction joins only words or phrases. Bread and butter does not need a comma. The comma belongs to the clause structure, not to the conjunction itself.

Comma rules with coordinating clauses

Example	Pattern
I called, and he answered right away.	Use a comma before the conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
We bought apples and oranges.	Do not use a comma before the conjunction when it joins two words or short phrases.
The sun set, but the room stayed bright.	Use a comma before the conjunction when each side could stand alone as a sentence.
She spoke clearly and calmly.	Leave out the comma when the sentence is not joining two complete clauses.

Choose the conjunction that matches the relationship between the two ideas. Use and for addition, as in We packed our bags and left early. Use but for contrast, as in The room was small, but it was comfortable. Use or for choice, as in Would you like tea or coffee? Use so for result, as in It was raining, so we stayed inside. Use for for a reason, as in I closed the window, for the wind was strong. Use nor after a negative idea, as in He did not call, nor did he send a message. These choices are also useful with Correlative Conjunctions and Subordinating Conjunctions, where the relationship between ideas is expressed in a different way.

Matching conjunctions to the relationship

Example	Pattern
We packed snacks, and we packed water.	Use and for addition or a neutral link between ideas.
The test was short, but it was hard.	Use but for a difference, contrast, or surprise.
You can call me or send a message.	Use or when you want to present a choice.
The road was closed, so we took a taxi.	Use so when one idea is the result of another.
Stay quiet, for the baby is sleeping.	Use for to explain the reason behind an idea.
I do not swim, nor do I run.	Use nor after a negative idea to add another negative idea.
He was nervous, yet he gave a great speech.	Use yet for a contrast that feels unexpected.

Two complete thoughts need a clear link when they appear in one sentence. Without a conjunction or the right punctuation, the result is a run-on sentence. The store was closed we went home is incorrect because the ideas are joined too tightly. Add a coordinating conjunction and the proper comma when needed: The store was closed, so we went home. You can also keep the ideas in separate sentences. A coordinating conjunction gives the reader a clear path from one independent clause to the next.

Preventing run-on sentences with conjunctions

Example	Pattern
The meeting ended, so everyone went home.	Use a coordinating conjunction to join two complete thoughts correctly.
I was ready, and she was already there.	Use a comma and conjunction when two independent clauses are combined in one sentence.
Wrong: I was tired, I went to bed early.	Do not join two complete thoughts with only a comma.
We wanted to leave, but the storm got worse.	Do not leave out the conjunction when two full clauses need a clear link.

In everyday English, and is the most common way to add ideas, objects, or actions. But is the usual word for contrast. Or offers alternatives and choices. So shows cause and result in ordinary conversation. For also gives a reason, but it sounds more formal and often appears in writing. Nor is less common and usually follows a negative statement, as in He never phoned, nor did he explain. These meanings work in spoken English, school writing, and formal text, and they shape the kinds of clauses and phrases that Conjunctions can connect.

Common everyday meanings of key conjunctions

Word	Definition	Example
and	And means addition or shared action in everyday English.	My brother and I like chess.
but	But means contrast or exception in everyday English.	The jacket is small, but it is warm.
or	Or means a choice or alternative in everyday English.	Choose soup or salad.
nor	Nor means another negative idea after a negative statement and is less common in speech.	He did not smile, nor did he speak.
so	So means a result or consequence in everyday English.	The line was long, so we waited outside.
for	For means a reason and is more formal than many other conjunctions.	She left early, for she felt unwell.

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