Conjunctions are parts of speech that allow you to connect two or more thoughts. In academic writing, coordinating conjunctions do not only connect words, phrases, or sentences, they can also stand at the start of a sentence or phrase. In this article we’ll discuss coordinating conjunctions, the different rules in specific cases, and how they differ from conjunctive adverbs.
Coordinating conjunction in a nutshell
A coordinating conjunction is a grammatical device that connects two words, phrases, ideas, or clauses of equal importance.
Definition: Coordinating conjunction
Coordinating conjunctions connect two clauses or ideas of equal grammatical and syntactic importance. For instance, these conjunctions can join two verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or independent clauses but can never start sentences. The seven coordinating conjunctions are also referred to by the acronym “FANBOYS.”
The 7 coordinating conjunctions
There are seven main coordinating conjunctions in English. Each conjunction has a specific function. Therefore, memorizing all of them and how you can use them is essential in academic writing. The seven types are:
“For” is one of the most common conjunctions in the English language. Many people use this conjunction without recognising what part of speech it is. This conjunction indicates that one part of a sentence occurred because of the other one. “For” is also a preposition; therefore, you should be keen about how you use it in your sentences.
Examples
- We sat and waited, for the visitors had not arrived.
- He left early, for he was incredibly exhausted.
- We waited for two hours. (Preposition)
“And” is not only one of the most common words in English but also one of its most frequently used conjunctions. This conjunction helps connect two words that occur equally or with equal significance. As illustrated by the examples below, “and” can connect many words, such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or adverbs. It can also connect general ideas as seen in the examples below.
Examples
- We bought bananas and oranges at the shop.
- The puppies barked and chased the guests down the road.
- I put the pillow behind me and fell asleep immediately.
Th conjunction “nor” is used when combining one negative statement with another. It can only come after a negation word.
Examples
- We didn’t have pizza that day, nor the day after.
- He doesn’t like eggs nor cow milk.
- Luna doesn’t miss the parties, nor does he miss the drinking.
The conjunction “but” contrasts or differentiates an idea from another; however, the second idea is surprising or changes direction.
Examples
- She was trying to listen to music, but the noise outside distracted her.
- He restarted his laptop, but forgot to save his essay document.
- We tried to apologise, but he wouldn’t listen to us.
“Or” expresses an alternative in a sentence. It is one of the simplest conjunctions to use.
Examples
- You can eat a cake or a brownie at the shop.
- I told him, “Listen to me or find out what happens next.”
- We can walk to the museum or we can skate.
This conjunction contrasts the first idea in the sentence and the one after the conjunction. Also, you can use “yet” the same way you use “but”; however, “yet” demonstrates that the contrasting idea may occur in the future.
Examples
- I wanted to play the piano, yet I never had the change.
- He studied all night for the exam, yet he barely passed.
- She trained every day, yet she struggled to make the final cut.
Comma rules
When it comes to comma rules with FANBOYS, there are some specific rules. If you’d like to find out more about this, click on the button below.
Coordinating conjunctions vs. conjunctive adverbs
We have compared both below.
Coordinating conjunctions
They connect two equal grammatical elements.
Examples
- I was tired, but I kept working.
- She can sing and dance.
- We can stay, or we can go home.
Conjunctive adverbs
They show ties between two independent clauses.
Examples
- I was tired; however, I kept working.
- She didn’t study; therefore, she failed the test.
- We missed the bus; thus, we were late.
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FAQs
The seven coordinating conjunctions are referred to as FANBOYS: For, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
Five examples are:
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- She plays the guitar and sings beautifully.
- We can watch a movie, or we can go bowling.
- He didn’t learn, so he did it again.
- They didn’t call, nor did they text.
A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two or more equal parts of a sentence.
While coordinating conjunctions simply connect two equal grammatical elements, conjunctive adverbs show relationships between two independent clauses.
