Coordinating Conjunction: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about Coordinating Conjunctions in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, provide a complete list, and show you examples. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Coordinating Conjunction?
Coordinating Conjunction Definition: A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Why are Coordinating Conjunctions Important? They help us join equal parts of a sentence and create compound sentences by connecting independent clauses.
Function in Grammar
Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical rank. They can join:
- Words: cats and dogs
- Phrases: in the morning or in the evening
- Independent clauses: I studied hard, but I failed the test.
Coordinating vs Subordinating Conjunction
| Coordinating Conjunction | Subordinating Conjunction |
|---|---|
| and | because |
| but | although |
| or | when |
| so | if |
A coordinating conjunction joins equal parts, while a subordinating conjunction creates dependent clauses.
📌 Coordinating Conjunction Challenge!
Can you spot the coordinating conjunctions in these sentences?
- I wanted to go, but it was raining.
- She likes apples and oranges.
- Do you want tea or coffee?
Show Answers
- but
- and
- or
Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
- I wanted to go, but it was raining.
- She likes apples and oranges.
- Do you want tea or coffee?
- He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
- I don't like pizza, nor do I like pasta.
- She was tired, yet she continued working.
- We stayed inside, for it was raining heavily.
- The movie was long but interesting.
- You can walk or take the bus.
- I called him, and he answered immediately.
Notice how each coordinating conjunction connects equal parts of the sentence.
Complete List: FANBOYS
- For - shows reason or cause
- And - adds information
- Nor - adds negative information
- But - shows contrast
- Or - shows choice or alternative
- Yet - shows contrast (similar to but)
- So - shows result or consequence
FANBOYS Usage Guide
| Conjunction | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| For | Reason/Cause | We stayed inside, for it was raining. |
| And | Addition | I like cats and dogs. |
| Nor | Negative Addition | I don't like pizza, nor do I like pasta. |
| But | Contrast | I wanted to go, but it was raining. |
| Or | Choice/Alternative | Do you want tea or coffee? |
| Yet | Contrast | She was tired, yet she continued. |
| So | Result/Consequence | He studied hard, so he passed. |
Each FANBOYS conjunction serves a specific purpose in connecting ideas.
Special Rules and Notes
- Comma Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses.
- No Comma: Don't use a comma when joining words or phrases (not complete clauses).
- Compound Sentences: Coordinating conjunctions create compound sentences (two independent clauses).
- Equal Rank: They only connect elements of equal grammatical importance.
- Nor Usage: "Nor" requires special word order (subject-verb inversion).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Commas: Remember to use commas when joining independent clauses.
- Wrong Conjunction: Choose the coordinating conjunction that shows the correct relationship.
- Overusing "And": Vary your conjunctions to make writing more interesting.
- Starting Sentences: While possible, avoid starting too many sentences with coordinating conjunctions.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Coordinating Conjunction!
Which words are coordinating conjunctions in these sentences?
- I wanted to go, but it was raining.
- She likes apples and oranges.
- Do you want tea or coffee?
- He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
- I don't like pizza, nor do I like pasta.
Answers: but, and, or, so, nor
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete these sentences with appropriate coordinating conjunctions:
- I wanted to go, _____ it was raining.
- She likes apples _____ oranges.
- Do you want tea _____ coffee?
- He studied hard, _____ he passed the exam.
- I don't like pizza, _____ do I like pasta.
Show Answers
- but
- and
- or
- so
- nor
Exercise 2: FANBOYS Memory
What does each letter in FANBOYS stand for?
- F - _____
- A - _____
- N - _____
- B - _____
- O - _____
- Y - _____
- S - _____
Show Answers
- F - For
- A - And
- N - Nor
- B - But
- O - Or
- Y - Yet
- S - So
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coordinating conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
What does FANBOYS stand for?
FANBOYS stands for: For (reason/cause), And (addition), Nor (negative addition), But (contrast), Or (choice/alternative), Yet (contrast), So (result/consequence).
How do you use coordinating conjunctions in a sentence?
Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical rank. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses. For example: I wanted to go, but it was raining.
What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
A coordinating conjunction joins equal parts and creates compound sentences (and, but, or, so), while a subordinating conjunction creates dependent clauses and shows relationships like time, cause, condition, or contrast (because, although, when).
Can you give examples of coordinating conjunctions?
Yes! The seven coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Examples: I like cats and dogs. She was tired, yet she continued working.
When do you use commas with coordinating conjunctions?
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses. Don't use a comma when joining words or phrases (not complete clauses).
What are compound sentences?
Compound sentences are formed when coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
How is "nor" used differently from other coordinating conjunctions?
"Nor" requires special word order (subject-verb inversion). Example: I don't like pizza, nor do I like pasta.
Conclusion
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) help us join equal parts of sentences and create compound sentences. Remember to use commas when joining independent clauses!