Coordinating conjunctions: What they are and how to use them

Coordinating conjunctions are essential tools in English grammar, seamlessly connecting words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance within a sentence. Known by the acronym FANBOYS—for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—these seven conjunctions enable writers and speakers to express relationships such as addition, contrast, choice, or consequence. This guide breaks down each coordinating conjunction, offering examples and practical tips for ESL learners to master their use. Understanding and applying these conjunctions enhances sentence variety and clarity, making them a vital component of effective communication.

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions link elements in a sentence that are of the same grammatical importance. In English, there are seven main coordinating conjunctions in English, which can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS:

• For: This conjunction is less common in modern English for this role but means “because” when used as a coordinating conjunction. Thus, it gives a reason or explanation for the preceding clause.

Example: She must be tired, for she has been working all day.

• And: Used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are to be considered together. It indicates addition or continuation.

Example: She likes tea, and he likes coffee.

• Nor: Often used in negative constructions to indicate another negative option or to continue a negative statement. To explain further, it’s akin to “and not.”

Example: She doesn’t like tea, nor does she enjoy coffee.

• But: Shows contrast or exception between two statements or elements. In addition, it introduces an opposing or contrasting idea.

Example: I would love to come, but I have to work late.

• Or: Used to present alternatives or choices between two or more items. It can also indicate that only one of the options might be true or possible.

Example: Do you want tea, or would you prefer coffee?

• Yet: Similar to “but,” it introduces a contrasting idea or a fact that seems surprising or unexpected given the previous statement.

Example: He’s very talented, yet he hasn’t found success.

• So: Indicates result or consequence; it’s used to show the effect of something mentioned in the previous clause.

Example: It was raining, so we decided to stay inside.

Tips for ESL learners

• Practice with simple sentences: Start by using these conjunctions in basic sentences to understand their function.
• Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how coordinating conjunctions are used in conversations, movies, or TV shows.
• Join sentences: Try to combine short sentences into more complex ones using these conjunctions. For example, “I like apples. I like bananas.” can become “I like apples and bananas.”

Remember, the key to mastering coordinating conjunctions is practice and exposure to how native speakers use them in context.

In summary

This guide explores the seven coordinating conjunctions in English, represented by FANBOYS: “for” (reason), “and” (addition), “nor” (negative continuation), “but” (contrast), “or” (alternatives), “yet” (surprising contrast), and “so” (result). Each is illustrated with examples, such as “She likes tea, and he likes coffee” or “It was raining, so we stayed inside,” highlighting their role in linking grammatically equal elements. For ESL learners, the guide suggests practicing with simple sentences, listening to native speakers, and combining short sentences into complex ones to build proficiency. Mastery of these conjunctions, achieved through practice and contextual exposure, strengthens sentence construction and fluency. Additional resources on other conjunction types, like subordinating or correlative conjunctions, are recommended for further learning.

Learn more about conjunctions in English

◦Types of conjunctions in English
◦Conjunctive adverbs
◦Correlative conjunctions
◦Subordinating Conjunctions