Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. The seven in English are easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS.
What are coordinating conjunctions?
A coordinating conjunction connects two grammatically equal elements — two nouns, two adjectives, two phrases, or two independent clauses. Unlike subordinating conjunctions, neither side is more important than the other.
The FANBOYS
Each conjunction explained
| Conjunction | Meaning / Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | Reason / cause (formal) | She rested, for she was tired. |
| and | Addition | I bought bread and milk. |
| nor | Neither option (negative) | He didn't call, nor did he write. |
| but | Contrast / exception | She is tall but her brother is short. |
| or | Alternative / choice | Do you want tea or coffee? |
| yet | Contrast (despite this) | It was cold, yet they went swimming. |
| so | Result / consequence | It rained, so we stayed inside. |
What they can join
- Words: cats and dogs, slow but steady
- Phrases: in the morning or at night
- Independent clauses: She studied hard, so she passed.
Comma rules
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (each has a subject and verb), place a comma before the conjunction. When joining just two words or short phrases, no comma is needed.
I wanted to go, but I was too tired. (two independent clauses → comma)
She likes tea and coffee. (two nouns only → no comma)
We ran to the station, yet we still missed the train. (two clauses → comma)
nor — the tricky one
Nor is used after a negative statement to add another negative. After nor, the subject and auxiliary verb are inverted (like in a question).
She doesn't smoke, nor does she drink. ✓
He can't swim, nor can he ride a bike. ✓
Common mistake — comma splice: Do not join two independent clauses with only a comma. ✗ I was hungry, I ate a sandwich. → ✓ I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
Tip: Starting a sentence with And, But, or So is acceptable in informal writing and conversation — but avoid it in formal academic essays.