What Are Conjunctions?

• Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or sentences.
• They help make our sentences clearer and help us express ideas together.

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What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

• Coordinating conjunctions are a type of conjunction that connects words, phrases, or independent clauses that are similar or equal in structure.
• They help join ideas that are of equal importance.

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The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions

There are seven main coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

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How to Use Coordinating Conjunctions

And: connects similar ideas or adds information.

• Example: “I like ice cream and cake.”

But: shows contrast between two ideas.

• Example: “I want to play, but it is raining.”

Or: presents a choice or alternative.

• Example: “Would you like tea or coffee?”

Nor: presents an alternative negative idea.

• Example: “I do not like bananas, nor do I like grapes.”

For: explains the reason or cause.

• Example: “He is tired, for he worked all day.”

Yet: shows contrast similar to “but.”

• Example: “She is young, yet very wise.”

So: shows a result or consequence.

• Example: “It was raining, so we stayed inside.”

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How to Identify Coordinating Conjunctions

Look for the FANBOYS words in a sentence.

• Check if they are connecting two similar parts, such as:
• Two subjects: “Tom and Jerry are friends.”
• Two verbs: “I can run or walk.”
• Two complete sentences: “I wanted to go outside, but it was too cold.”

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Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

• “I like pizza and pasta.”
• “She wanted to go swimming, but it was too cold.”
• “You can have juice or water.”
• “He studied hard, so he passed the test.”