Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts of a sentence. They can join two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor.

Each coordinating conjunction shows a relationship between ideas. Some show addition, some show contrast, some show choice, and some show result or reason. You choose the conjunction that matches the meaning you want.

You can use coordinating conjunctions to join words and phrases that have the same job in a sentence. The two parts must be similar in form. This makes one clear sentence from shorter parts.

A coordinating conjunction can also join two independent clauses. An independent clause has its own subject and verb and can stand alone as a sentence. This helps combine short sentences into one clear sentence.

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction. Do not use this comma when you join only words or phrases. The comma helps show the break between two full ideas.

You can now join words, phrases, and independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions. You can choose and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor to show the correct relationship between ideas. You can also use a comma before the conjunction when two independent clauses are joined.