See also Emphasis or emphatic writing
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) are words that connect two or more grammatically equal elements within a sentence. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and expressing a variety of relationships between ideas.
Here are the seven coordinating conjunctions, along with their meanings and examples: 1. For (indicates reason or cause): – I brought a jacket, for the weather was chilly. – We canceled the picnic, for it started to rain heavily. – She studied diligently, for she wanted to ace the exam.
- And (adds or joins items):
- I ordered a pizza and a salad.
- The painting was vibrant and colorful.
- She is intelligent, kind, and compassionate.
- Nor (indicates a negative addition):
- I didn’t want to go, nor did she.
- He didn’t eat breakfast, nor did he have lunch.
- The car wasn’t fast, nor was it fuel-efficient.
- But (indicates contrast or opposition):
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
- He studied hard, but he still failed the test.
- The house was small, but it was cozy.
- Or (presents alternatives or choices):
- Would you like tea or coffee?
- We can go to the beach or the mountains.
- You can finish your homework or go to bed early.
- Yet (indicates contrast, similar to “but”):
- He was tired, yet he continued working.
- The task was difficult, yet she managed to complete it.
- The weather was cold, yet the flowers were blooming.
- So (indicates a result or consequence):
- I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
- She was late, so she missed the train.
- The traffic was heavy, so we arrived late.
Key Points to Remember:
- Coordinating conjunctions always link elements of equal grammatical rank (words, phrases, or clauses).
- They can be used to create compound sentences or to join items within a sentence.
- They usually appear between the elements they are connecting, but they can also be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect.
- A comma is usually placed before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses (complete sentences).
Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) are words that connect two or more grammatically equal elements within a sentence. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and expressing a variety of relationships between ideas.
Here are the seven coordinating conjunctions, along with their meanings and examples: 1. For (indicates reason or cause): – I brought a jacket, for the weather was chilly. – We canceled the picnic, for it started to rain heavily. – She studied diligently, for she wanted to ace the exam.
- And (adds or joins items):
- I ordered a pizza and a salad.
- The painting was vibrant and colorful.
- She is intelligent, kind, and compassionate.
- Nor (indicates a negative addition):
- I didn’t want to go, nor did she.
- He didn’t eat breakfast, nor did he have lunch.
- The car wasn’t fast, nor was it fuel-efficient.
- But (indicates contrast or opposition):
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.
- He studied hard, but he still failed the test.
- The house was small, but it was cozy.
- Or (presents alternatives or choices):
- Would you like tea or coffee?
- We can go to the beach or the mountains.
- You can finish your homework or go to bed early.
- Yet (indicates contrast, similar to “but”):
- He was tired, yet he continued working.
- The task was difficult, yet she managed to complete it.
- The weather was cold, yet the flowers were blooming.
- So (indicates a result or consequence):
- I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
- She was late, so she missed the train.
- The traffic was heavy, so we arrived late.
Key Points to Remember:
- Coordinating conjunctions always link elements of equal grammatical rank (words, phrases, or clauses).
- They can be used to create compound sentences or to join items within a sentence.
- They usually appear between the elements they are connecting, but they can also be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect.
- A comma is usually placed before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses (complete sentences).