Coordinating Conjunctions

What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal importance—whether those elements are words, phrases, or independent clauses. The FANBOYS acronym helps us remember the seven main conjunctions:

“And” for Addition

The conjunction “and” is used to combine similar ideas, actions, or items. It creates a seamless flow and avoids repetition.

Examples with “And”

1. She bought apples and oranges.
2. He runs and swims every morning.
3. They study English and mathematics.
4. I like to sing and dance.
5. We invited John and Mary to the party.
6. The sun rose and the birds started singing.
7. He ordered a burger and fries.
8. She paints landscapes and portraits.
9. They traveled to Paris and Rome.
10. The stars twinkled and the moon shone brightly.

“Nor” for Negative Ideas

The conjunction “nor” links two negative ideas and requires subject–verb inversion. It’s often paired with “neither.”

Examples with “Nor”

1. She doesn’t like tea, nor does she drink coffee.
2. He didn’t sleep well, nor did he feel rested.
3. They didn’t attend the meeting, nor did they send apologies.
4. I don’t have cash, nor do I carry a card.
5. It wasn’t sunny, nor was it warm.
6. She can’t swim, nor can she dive.
7. He didn’t eat breakfast, nor did he have lunch.
8. They didn’t call, nor did they text.
9. I don’t know the answer, nor do I want to guess.
10. She hasn’t arrived, nor has she sent a message.

“But” for Contrast

The conjunction “but” highlights contrasting ideas or exceptions.

Examples with “But”

1. It’s sunny, but it’s cold.
2. He studied hard, but he didn’t pass.
3. She loves cake, but she can’t eat it.
4. They want a car, but they can’t afford one.
5. I ran fast, but I didn’t win.
6. She bought a dress, but she didn’t wear it.
7. He called her, but she didn’t answer.
8. They went to the beach, but it rained.
9. I got the job, but I declined it.
10. She planned a party, but no one came.

“Yet” for Unexpected Contrast

The conjunction “yet” is similar to “but” but emphasizes surprise or unexpected outcomes.

Examples with “Yet”

1. It’s raining, yet we will go outside.
2. He is young, yet he drives responsibly.
3. She felt tired, yet she continued working.
4. They are new, yet they understand the process.
5. I love chocolate, yet I avoid eating it.
6. He failed the exam, yet he remains optimistic.
7. She is famous, yet she is humble.
8. It’s cold, yet he swims every morning.
9. They were warned, yet they proceeded.
10. I didn’t know the answer, yet I guessed correctly.

“So” for Results

The conjunction “so” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

Examples with “So”

1. It’s raining, so I took an umbrella.
2. My phone died, so I couldn’t call you.
3. It’s his birthday, so we bought a cake.
4. She missed the bus, so she drove to work.
5. I studied hard, so I passed the exam.
6. The sun was shining, so we went to the park.
7. They had extra tickets, so we joined them.
8. He was hungry, so he made a sandwich.
9. She loves music, so she became a DJ.
10. They needed information, so they visited the library.

Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions

Knowing when to use commas with coordinating conjunctions is essential for clarity.

1. Joining Two Independent Clauses:

Use a comma before the conjunction:
I wanted to read, so I went to the library.
She sang beautifully, and the audience applauded.

2. In Lists of Three or More Items:

Use commas between items and before the conjunction:
He ordered a burger, fries, and a soda.
The garden has roses, tulips, and daisies.

3. No Comma for Two Items:

When joining only two items, omit the comma:
She likes apples and oranges.
He listens to music or podcasts.

More Examples:

1. He ran quickly, and he won the race.
2. She baked a cake, but it didn’t rise.
3. I wanted to read, so I went to the library.
4. It’s sunny today, yet it’s quite chilly.
5. They went to the beach, and they swam all day.
6. He is hungry, but he has no food.
7. She called me, so I answered.
8. They can drive, or they can take the train.
9. I studied hard, for I wanted to succeed.
10. We can meet now, or we can meet later.

“Or” for Alternatives

The conjunction “or” is used to present choices or alternatives. It can also suggest consequences.

Examples with “Or”

1. Would you like tea or coffee?
2. Bring an umbrella or you’ll get wet.
3. Should we study now or later?
4. Do you want a burger or a salad?
5. Watch a movie or read a book tonight?
6. Shall we drive or take the train?
7. Is that a dog or a wolf?
8. Call me or send a message.
9. Should I wrap the gift or leave it unwrapped?
10. Buy it now or wait for a sale?

“Nor” for Negative Ideas

The conjunction “nor” links two negative ideas and requires subject–verb inversion. It’s often paired with “neither.”

Examples with “Nor”

1. She doesn’t like tea, nor does she drink coffee.
2. He didn’t sleep well, nor did he feel rested.
3. They didn’t attend the meeting, nor did they send apologies.
4. I don’t have cash, nor do I carry a card.
5. It wasn’t sunny, nor was it warm.
6. She can’t swim, nor can she dive.
7. He didn’t eat breakfast, nor did he have lunch.
8. They didn’t call, nor did they text.
9. I don’t know the answer, nor do I want to guess.
10. She hasn’t arrived, nor has she sent a message.

“But” for Contrast

The conjunction “but” highlights contrasting ideas or exceptions.

Examples with “But”

1. It’s sunny, but it’s cold.
2. He studied hard, but he didn’t pass.
3. She loves cake, but she can’t eat it.
4. They want a car, but they can’t afford one.
5. I ran fast, but I didn’t win.
6. She bought a dress, but she didn’t wear it.
7. He called her, but she didn’t answer.
8. They went to the beach, but it rained.
9. I got the job, but I declined it.
10. She planned a party, but no one came.

“Yet” for Unexpected Contrast

The conjunction “yet” is similar to “but” but emphasizes surprise or unexpected outcomes.

Examples with “Yet”

1. It’s raining, yet we will go outside.
2. He is young, yet he drives responsibly.
3. She felt tired, yet she continued working.
4. They are new, yet they understand the process.
5. I love chocolate, yet I avoid eating it.
6. He failed the exam, yet he remains optimistic.
7. She is famous, yet she is humble.
8. It’s cold, yet he swims every morning.
9. They were warned, yet they proceeded.
10. I didn’t know the answer, yet I guessed correctly.

“So” for Results

The conjunction “so” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

Examples with “So”

1. It’s raining, so I took an umbrella.
2. My phone died, so I couldn’t call you.
3. It’s his birthday, so we bought a cake.
4. She missed the bus, so she drove to work.
5. I studied hard, so I passed the exam.
6. The sun was shining, so we went to the park.
7. They had extra tickets, so we joined them.
8. He was hungry, so he made a sandwich.
9. She loves music, so she became a DJ.
10. They needed information, so they visited the library.