Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions, also known as FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So), are the glue that holds our ideas together, connecting words, phrases, and clauses seamlessly. In this lesson, we’ll explore each conjunction in detail, share examples, and dive into rules to use them effectively.

✨ 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”

• 🍎 She bought apples and oranges.
• 🏃‍♂️ He runs and swims every morning.
• 📚 They study English and mathematics.
• 🎶 I like to sing and dance.
• 👫 We invited John and Mary to the party.
• 🌞 The sun rose and the birds started singing.
• 🍔 He ordered a burger and fries.
• 🎨 She paints landscapes and portraits.
• ✈️ They traveled to Paris and Rome.
• 🌟 The stars twinkled and the moon shone brightly.
• 🍰 I baked a cake and cookies.
• 🏠 We cleaned the house and washed the car.
• 🎤 He sang beautifully and played the guitar.
• 📖 She read a book and wrote a report.
• 🚴‍♀️ They cycled through the park and along the river.
• 🐶 The dog barked and wagged its tail.
• 🍃 The wind blew and the leaves rustled.
• 🎥 I watched a movie and enjoyed it.
• 🍳 He cooked breakfast and made coffee.
• 👩‍💻 She designed a website and developed an app.
• 📝 We wrote letters and sent emails.
• 💃 They danced and laughed all night.
• 🛍️ She went shopping and bought new shoes.
• 🎂 I celebrated my birthday and received gifts.
• 🏖️ We relaxed on the beach and swam in the sea.
• 🚗 He drove fast and arrived on time.
• 🍀 She found a four-leaf clover and felt lucky.
• 📷 They took photos and made memories.
• 🌺 The flowers bloomed and filled the air with fragrance.
• 🌈 A rainbow appeared and everyone admired it.
• 🍕 I ordered pizza and shared it with friends.
• 🎧 He listened to music and relaxed.
• 🎁 She wrapped the presents and decorated the room.
• 🌳 We planted trees and watered the garden.
• 🛌 They rested and recovered from the journey.
• 🎮 I played games and chatted with friends.
• 🍹 She made smoothies and served them chilled.
• 📞 He called his family and shared the good news.
• 🌌 The sky darkened and stars emerged.
• 💡 She had an idea and wrote it down.
• 📺 We watched the show and laughed together.

📌 Comma Rule:

In lists of more than two items, we often replace “and” with a comma for clarity and conciseness. This helps us list items smoothly without repetition.

Examples:

• 🍎 She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• 🎨 He enjoys painting, drawing, and sculpting.
• 🏀 They play basketball, soccer, and tennis.
• 🍰 I baked cookies, cakes, and pies.
• 🎶 She listens to jazz, rock, and classical music.
• 📚 He studies math, science, and history.
• 🚗 We traveled by car, bus, and train.
• 🌟 The sky was filled with stars, planets, and galaxies.
• 📝 They wrote essays, reports, and articles.
• 🍔 I ordered a burger, fries, and a soda.
• 🏡 She cleaned the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
• 📷 He took photos of landscapes, portraits, and wildlife.
• 🌞 We enjoyed the sun, sand, and sea.
• 🍃 The wind, rain, and thunder were intense.
• 🎤 They sang songs, told jokes, and performed skits.
• 👗 She bought dresses, shoes, and accessories.
• 🎄 We decorated the tree with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
• 🍦 I like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream.
• 🌺 The garden has roses, tulips, and daisies.
• 📖 He reads novels, biographies, and poetry.
• 🎯 She aims for success, happiness, and fulfillment.
• 🍹 They served cocktails, appetizers, and desserts.
• 💼 He carries a laptop, notepad, and pens.
• 🌈 We saw red, orange, and yellow hues in the sky.
• 🏋️‍♂️ She lifts weights, runs, and does yoga.
• 🎬 They watched comedies, dramas, and thrillers.
• 🛍️ I bought clothes, groceries, and gifts.
• 👨‍🍳 He cooks pasta, steak, and seafood.
• 🖌️ She uses brushes, pencils, and markers.
• 📺 We binge-watched series, movies, and documentaries.
• 🎈 The party had balloons, streamers, and confetti.
• 🌳 The park has trees, flowers, and benches.
• 🎣 He enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping.
• 🎉 They celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
• 🐾 She loves dogs, cats, and rabbits.
• 🍽️ We prepared appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
• 🛠️ He fixed the sink, painted the walls, and repaired the roof.
• 🎓 She studied biology, chemistry, and physics.
• 🌊 They surfed, swam, and sunbathed at the beach.
• 🎁 I wrapped gifts, wrote cards, and mailed packages.
• 🚴‍♂️ He cycled through towns, villages, and cities.
• 🍿 We enjoyed popcorn, nachos, and soda at the cinema.

🔀 “Or” for Alternatives

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

Examples with “Or”

• ☕ Would you like tea or coffee?
• 🌧️ Bring an umbrella or you’ll get wet.
• 📚 Should we study now or later?
• 🍔 Do you want a burger or a salad?
• 🎬 Watch a movie or read a book tonight?
• 🚗 Shall we drive or take the train?
• 🐶 Is that a dog or a wolf?
• 📞 Call me or send a message.
• 🎁 Should I wrap the gift or leave it unwrapped?
• 🛍️ Buy it now or wait for a sale?
• 🎤 Sing or dance at the talent show?
• 🌄 Wake up early or sleep in?
• 🍦 Choose vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• 📅 Meet today or postpone to tomorrow?
• 🚴‍♀️ Ride a bike or walk to the park?
• 🎯 Try again or give up?
• 🎓 Study hard or risk failing the exam.
• 🍰 Have dessert or skip it?
• 🌟 Reach for the stars or settle for less?
• 💡 Think positively or remain pessimistic.
• 🚨 Follow the rules or face the consequences.
• 🏖️ Go to the beach or stay home?
• 🎮 Play games or watch TV?
• 📞 Answer the call or let it ring?
• 🍎 Eat healthy or indulge in junk food?
• 💼 Accept the job offer or wait for a better one?
• 📝 Write an email or make a phone call?
• 🌐 Travel abroad or explore locally?
• 🎉 Attend the party or stay in?
• 🍿 Watch a comedy or a horror movie?
• 📚 Read fiction or non-fiction?
• 🖌️ Draw or paint in art class?
• 🏋️‍♂️ Exercise now or later?
• 👗 Wear the blue dress or the red one?
• 🎵 Listen to music or enjoy the silence?
• 🛌 Go to bed early or stay up late?
• 🍕 Order pizza or cook at home?
• 📷 Take photos or just enjoy the moment?
• 🌳 Hike in the forest or walk by the lake?
• 🚴‍♂️ Participate in the race or watch from the sidelines?
• 📆 Plan ahead or be spontaneous?

🚫 “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”

• 🚫 She doesn’t like tea, nor does she drink coffee.
• 😴 He didn’t sleep well, nor did he feel rested.
• 👎 They didn’t attend the meeting, nor did they send apologies.
• 💰 I don’t have cash, nor do I carry a card.
• 🌧️ It wasn’t sunny, nor was it warm.
• 🚫 She can’t swim, nor can she dive.
• 🍽️ He didn’t eat breakfast, nor did he have lunch.
• 📞 They didn’t call, nor did they text.
• 💡 I don’t know the answer, nor do I want to guess.
• 🚫 She hasn’t arrived, nor has she sent a message.
• 💤 He won’t sleep, nor will he rest.
• 👂 They couldn’t hear, nor could they see.
• 💼 I don’t work there, nor do I plan to.
• 🌱 She isn’t growing, nor is she changing.
• 🚫 He hasn’t apologized, nor has he shown remorse.
• 🍏 They don’t like apples, nor do they eat pears.
• 💬 I didn’t speak, nor did I write.
• 🚗 She doesn’t drive, nor does she own a car.
• 🎤 He didn’t sing, nor did he dance.
• 🚫 They can’t attend, nor can they send a representative.
• 📚 I haven’t read the book, nor have I seen the movie.
• 🚫 She doesn’t smoke, nor does she drink alcohol.
• 🏋️‍♂️ He didn’t exercise, nor did he follow a diet.
• 🛍️ They didn’t shop, nor did they browse.
• 💤 I wasn’t asleep, nor was I fully awake.
• 🚫 She can’t remember, nor can she forget.
• 💡 He didn’t invent it, nor did he improve it.
• 🌞 It isn’t morning, nor is it evening.
• 🚶‍♂️ They didn’t walk, nor did they run.
• 📞 I haven’t heard from him, nor have I seen him.
• 🚫 She won’t agree, nor will she compromise.
• 👓 He doesn’t wear glasses, nor does he need them.
• 🎂 They didn’t celebrate, nor did they mention it.
• 🍽️ I haven’t eaten, nor have I drunk anything.
• 💬 She didn’t respond, nor did she acknowledge.
• 🚫 He can’t play guitar, nor can he sing.
• 🌟 They aren’t famous, nor are they wealthy.
• 🚫 I don’t agree, nor do I support this.
• 📖 She hasn’t studied, nor has she practiced.
• 🚫 He didn’t win, nor did he lose gracefully.
• 🐶 They don’t own a dog, nor do they want one.
• 🚫 We can’t stay, nor can we leave.

🤔 “But” for Contrast

The conjunction “but” highlights contrasting ideas or exceptions.

Examples with “But”

• ☀️ It’s sunny, but it’s cold.
• 🎓 He studied hard, but he didn’t pass.
• 🍰 She loves cake, but she can’t eat it.
• 🚗 They want a car, but they can’t afford one.
• 🏃‍♂️ I ran fast, but I didn’t win.
• 👗 She bought a dress, but she didn’t wear it.
• 📞 He called her, but she didn’t answer.
• 🌊 They went to the beach, but it rained.
• 💼 I got the job, but I declined it.
• 🎉 She planned a party, but no one came.
• 📚 He likes books, but he rarely reads.
• 🍔 They ordered food, but it never arrived.
• 🌟 I tried my best, but it wasn’t enough.
• 🎤 She can sing, but she’s shy.
• 🏡 They own a house, but they live abroad.
• 💡 He had an idea, but he forgot it.
• 🍦 I wanted ice cream, but the shop was closed.
• 🎾 She plays tennis, but not professionally.
• 📺 They have a TV, but they don’t watch it.
• 📝 He wrote a letter, but didn’t send it.
• 🌄 We woke up early, but missed the sunrise.
• 🚲 She has a bike, but she prefers walking.
• 🎁 He bought a gift, but lost it.
• 🍀 They found a clover, but it wasn’t lucky.
• 🌳 I planted a tree, but it didn’t grow.
• 📷 She took photos, but they were blurry.
• 🎧 He listens to music, but he can’t hear well.
• 👠 They bought shoes, but they didn’t fit.
• 🚶‍♂️ I wanted to run, but I walked instead.
• 💦 She watered the plants, but they died.
• 🎈 They had balloons, but they popped.
• 🍝 He cooked pasta, but it burned.
• 📖 She opened the book, but didn’t read it.
• 🚫 They tried to enter, but were denied access.
• 🎶 I love music, but I can’t play an instrument.
• 🌧️ It was cloudy, but it didn’t rain.
• 🍬 She bought candy, but she didn’t eat it.
• 💤 He felt tired, but couldn’t sleep.
• 🚫 We wanted to stay, but had to leave.
• 🎬 They made a film, but it wasn’t released.
• 🚲 I can ride a bike, but I don’t have one.

🔹 “Yet” for Unexpected Contrast

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

Examples with “Yet”

• 🌧️ It’s raining, yet we will go outside.
• 🚗 He is young, yet he drives responsibly.
• 😴 She felt tired, yet she continued working.
• 💼 They are new, yet they understand the process.
• 🍫 I love chocolate, yet I avoid eating it.
• 🎓 He failed the exam, yet he remains optimistic.
• 🌟 She is famous, yet she is humble.
• 💧 It’s cold, yet he swims every morning.
• 🚫 They were warned, yet they proceeded.
• 💡 I didn’t know the answer, yet I guessed correctly.
• 🎤 He is shy, yet he sings on stage.
• 🍎 She dislikes fruit, yet she eats apples.
• 📞 He didn’t call, yet he arrived on time.
• 💰 They are wealthy, yet they live modestly.
• 📝 I forgot to study, yet I passed the test.
• 🚲 She doesn’t own a bike, yet she cycles daily.
• 🌞 It’s winter, yet the sun is shining.
• 🎁 He didn’t expect gifts, yet he received many.
• 🚫 She was unprepared, yet she managed well.
• 🎈 The balloon popped, yet the child laughed.
• 🌊 He can’t swim, yet he loves the ocean.
• 📚 They dislike studying, yet they have good grades.
• 💔 She is heartbroken, yet she smiles.
• 🎨 I lack talent, yet I enjoy painting.
• 🍽️ He isn’t hungry, yet he ate everything.
• 📖 She hasn’t read the book, yet she knows the story.
• 🌧️ It’s forecast to rain, yet the sky is clear.
• 👟 They forgot their shoes, yet they ran the race.
• 📺 I rarely watch TV, yet I know the show.
• 🎁 She didn’t ask for gifts, yet she received many.
• 💡 He made a mistake, yet he learned from it.
• 🍰 They are dieting, yet they ate cake.
• 🌟 She is a beginner, yet she plays beautifully.
• 🛌 He needs rest, yet he works late.
• 🌍 They travel often, yet they love coming home.
• 🎉 I didn’t plan a party, yet everyone came.
• 🚫 She can’t dance, yet she enjoys it.
• 💰 He earns little, yet he saves a lot.
• 🌌 It’s cloudy, yet the stars are visible.
• 🚶‍♂️ They arrived late, yet they didn’t miss anything.
• 🍀 I have no luck, yet I won the prize.

💡 “So” for Results

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

Examples with “So”

• 💧 It’s raining, so I took an umbrella.
• 🔋 My phone died, so I couldn’t call you.
• 🎂 It’s his birthday, so we bought a cake.
• 🚗 She missed the bus, so she drove to work.
• 📝 I studied hard, so I passed the exam.
• 🌞 The sun was shining, so we went to the park.
• 🎟️ They had extra tickets, so we joined them.
• 🍽️ He was hungry, so he made a sandwich.
• 🎧 She loves music, so she became a DJ.
• 📚 They needed information, so they visited the library.
• 🚫 The store was closed, so we went elsewhere.
• 🌊 It was hot, so they swam in the lake.
• 💰 He saved money, so he could travel.
• 📖 I love stories, so I became a writer.
• 👫 She met him, so they became friends.
• 🍎 The apples were ripe, so we picked them.
• 💡 He had an idea, so he started a business.
• 📞 They called me, so I went to see them.
• 🛏️ I was tired, so I went to bed early.
• 🚴‍♂️ He wanted exercise, so he rode his bike.
• 🎬 She loves films, so she studied cinema.
• 🍰 There was leftover cake, so we shared it.
• 📅 It’s a holiday, so the office is closed.
• 🎉 They celebrated, so they threw a party.
• 🚗 My car broke down, so I took the bus.
• 💧 The plant was dry, so I watered it.
• 🎁 She found a gift, so she thanked him.
• 🍿 We got snacks, so we could watch the movie.
• 📖 He enjoys teaching, so he became a professor.
• 🎯 I set a goal, so I worked hard.
• 🚫 It was dangerous, so we stayed away.
• 🌟 She wanted to help, so she volunteered.
• 🌧️ It started to rain, so we went inside.
• 📷 He likes photography, so he bought a camera.
• 🎈 It’s a special day, so we decorated the room.
• 🍬 I have a sweet tooth, so I ate dessert.
• 💻 She learned coding, so she could build apps.
• 🏡 They moved cities, so they bought a new house.
• 🎓 He needed a degree, so he enrolled in college.
• 🎁 It’s her birthday, so we bought presents.
• 🚲 The weather was nice, so we went cycling.

📝 Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions

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

Rules for Comma Usage

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:

• 🏃‍♂️ He ran quickly, and he won the race.
• 🍰 She baked a cake, but it didn’t rise.
• 📚 I wanted to read, so I went to the library.
• 🌞 It’s sunny today, yet it’s quite chilly.
• 🌊 They went to the beach, and they swam all day.
• 🍔 He is hungry, but he has no food.
• 📞 She called me, so I answered.
• 🚗 They can drive, or they can take the train.
• 🎓 I studied hard, for I wanted to succeed.
• 👥 We can meet now, or we can meet later.
• 🌟 He is talented, yet he is humble.
• 💡 She had an idea, and she shared it with us.
• 🌳 The tree is old, but it still bears fruit.
• 🎤 They performed well, so the audience applauded.
• 🏡 We moved to the city, and we love it here.
• 🎈 It’s his birthday, so we’re celebrating.
• 📺 She watches TV, but she doesn’t enjoy it.
• 🍨 I wanted ice cream, yet I chose fruit instead.
• 🎶 He plays the guitar, and he sings beautifully.
• 🚲 They cycled to the park, but it started to rain.
• 🌞 It’s warm and sunny.
• 🍎 She likes apples and oranges.
• 📚 He studies math and science.
• 🎧 They listen to music or podcasts.
• 🍕 We can have pizza or pasta.
• 🌺 The garden has roses, tulips, and daisies.
• 🍪 She baked cookies, brownies, and muffins.
• 📖 I bought books, magazines, and newspapers.
• 🎨 He uses brushes, pencils, and markers.
• 🍹 They served lemonade, iced tea, and water.
• 🚗 We can drive, take a bus, or ride a bike.
• 🎥 She watched comedies, dramas, and thrillers.
• 👕 He packed shirts, pants, and jackets.
• 🌅 They woke up early, ate breakfast, and went hiking.
• 🎈 The party had balloons, confetti, and music.
• 🎾 She plays tennis, basketball, and volleyball.
• 📷 He took photos of mountains, rivers, and forests.
• 🍽️ We prepared appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
• 🏖️ They visited beaches, museums, and parks.
• 📞 I called friends, family, and colleagues.
• 📚 She studied grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.