Coordinating conjunctions are the glue of English sentences, linking words, phrases, or clauses to create smooth, balanced ideas. These small words—like and, but, and or—pack a punch, making your writing clearer and more dynamic.
This detailed guide explores what coordinating conjunctions are, how they work, provides a complete list, and shares plenty of examples to help you master their use.
What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
A coordinating conjunction joins elements of equal grammatical weight, such as two nouns, verbs, phrases, or independent clauses (complete thoughts that can stand alone). They ensure the parts of a sentence work together harmoniously, showing relationships like addition, contrast, or choice.
For example:
- “I wanted tea and coffee.” (And links two nouns.)
- “She ran but tripped.” (But connects two independent clauses.)
The key is equality—coordinating conjunctions don’t make one part more important than the other, unlike subordinating conjunctions (because, although), which create dependency.
The FANBOYS List
There are exactly seven coordinating conjunctions, easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS:
- For: Shows reason or purpose (similar to because).
- And: Adds information or combines items.
- Nor: Presents a negative alternative.
- But: Indicates contrast or exception.
- Or: Offers a choice or alternative.
- Yet: Shows contrast, often like but but with a sense of surprise.
- So: Signals a result or consequence.
These cover all the ways to coordinate equal parts in a sentence.
How Coordinating Conjunctions Work
Coordinating conjunctions can connect:
- Words: “Apples and oranges” (nouns), “run or jump” (verbs).
- Phrases: “In the park or at the beach” (prepositional phrases).
- Independent Clauses: “I was tired, so I slept” (two complete thoughts).
When joining clauses, they often need punctuation—usually a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence (e.g., “I studied, and I passed”). For simple lists, no comma is needed (e.g., “Cats and dogs”).
Examples by Type
Let’s break down each FANBOYS conjunction with examples to show their unique roles:
- For: Explains why something happened, often formal.
- “I stayed inside, for a storm was coming.” (Clauses)
- “She packed water for the hike.” (Phrases)
Note: For is less common in casual speech, often replaced by because.
- And: Adds more info or combines similar ideas.
- “I bought milk and bread.” (Words)
- “She sings and dances beautifully.” (Phrases)
- “He worked late, and he missed dinner.” (Clauses)
- Nor: Pairs negative options, often after a negative verb.
- “I don’t like tea nor coffee.” (Words)
- “He didn’t call, nor did he text.” (Clauses, note inversion)
Tip: Nor usually follows a negative to keep the sentence balanced.
- But: Shows contrast or an unexpected twist.
- “I wanted cake but got cookies.” (Words)
- “She tried hard, but she didn’t win.” (Clauses)
- “It’s sunny but cold outside.” (Phrases)
- Or: Presents options or alternatives.
- “Do you want soup or salad?” (Words)
- “We can hike or swim today.” (Phrases)
- “I’ll go, or I’ll regret it.” (Clauses)
- Yet: Highlights contrast, often with a surprising outcome.
- “It’s small yet powerful.” (Words)
- “He was exhausted, yet he kept running.” (Clauses)
Note: Yet can feel stronger than but, implying persistence.
- So: Shows a result or effect.
- “I was hungry, so I ate.” (Clauses)
- “She studied math so she could teach.” (Phrases)
Tip: So doesn’t join single words, only phrases or clauses.
Punctuation Rules
Coordinating conjunctions need proper punctuation for clarity:
- Clauses: Use a comma before the conjunction when joining two independent clauses:
- Right: “I called, but no one answered.”
- Wrong: “I called but no one answered.” (Comma needed for clarity.) Exception: Very short clauses might skip the comma, like “I ran and I fell,” but it’s safer to include it.
- Lists or Words: No comma before the conjunction in a two-item list:
- Right: “Pen and paper.”
- Wrong: “Pen, and paper.”
For three or more items, use commas: “Apples, bananas, and oranges.”
- Semicolon Option: For complex clauses, a semicolon can replace a comma:
- “She loves hiking; and she climbs mountains.”
Why Use Coordinating Conjunctions?
They make your writing:
- Connected: Combine related ideas instead of choppy sentences (“I’m tired. I’ll rest” becomes “I’m tired, so I’ll rest”).
- Varied: Avoid repetitive sentence starters by linking thoughts.
- Clear: Show relationships—whether you’re adding, contrasting, or explaining.
For example:
Instead of: “I wanted to go. It was late.”
Try: “I wanted to go, but it was late.”
It flows better and shows the contrast.
Common Uses in Writing
- Narrative: “The sun set, and the stars appeared.” (Adds sequence.)
- Persuasive: “We can act now, or we’ll lose the chance.” (Presents stakes.)
- Descriptive: “The room was cozy yet elegant.” (Balances qualities.)
- Explanatory: “I was sick, for I caught a cold.” (Gives reason, though formal.)
Tips for Mastery
- Choose the Right Conjunction
Match the relationship. “I studied, or I passed” doesn’t fit—so works better for cause and effect. - Vary Your Choices
Overusing and gets boring. Swap in but, or, or yet to keep it fresh. - Check Equality
Ensure both parts are equal. “I ate and running” is wrong—running isn’t a clause. Fix to “I ate and ran.” - Test the Split
If joining clauses, both sides should stand alone. “I left, and it was fun” fails—“it was fun” isn’t enough. Try “I left, and the party was fun.” - Mind Formality
For and nor sound formal. In casual writing, use because or rephrase nor (e.g., “I don’t like tea or coffee” instead of nor).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Comma: “She danced and he sang” needs a comma if both are full clauses: “She danced, and he sang.”
- Wrong Conjunction: “I was late, and I missed the bus” implies addition, not cause. Use “so I missed the bus.”
- Unequal Parts: “I like hiking but to swim” mismatches a clause and a phrase. Fix to “I like hiking but swimming.”
- Overusing One: Repeating and in every sentence feels flat. Mix in but, or, or so.
Practice Examples
Try spotting or fixing these:
- “I was tired so I slept.” (Correct? Yes, but add a comma: “I was tired, so I slept.”)
- “Cats and to dogs.” (Wrong—fix to “Cats and dogs.”)
- “She left nor she called.” (Wrong—try “She didn’t leave, nor did she call.”)
Final Thoughts
Coordinating conjunctions—for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—are your toolkit for building sentences that flow and connect. From linking simple words like “sun and moon” to crafting compound sentences like “I tried, but I failed,” they add clarity and rhythm. Keep the FANBOYS list handy, play with examples, and watch your writing level up. Which conjunction do you lean on most? Try a new one in your next sentence!