Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): Definition, Rules, and Examples

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that have equal grammatical status. The seven commonly taught coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, remembered through the acronym FANBOYS.

These words are short, but the conjunction you choose affects meaning, sentence structure, and punctuation.

What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

A coordinating conjunction is the conjunction that joins two or more grammatical elements of equal importance. Neither element becomes dependent simply because the conjunction connects them.

A coordinating conjunction may join two nouns, two adjectives, two phrases, or two clauses of the same type.

Coordinating Words

The recipe requires flour and sugar.

And connects two nouns.

The instructions were brief but clear.

But connects two adjectives.

Coordinating Phrases

We can meet before the presentation or after lunch.

Or connects two prepositional phrases.

Olivia enjoys walking through the park and cycling beside the river.

And connects two gerund phrases.

Coordinating Independent Clauses

The store was closing, so we paid quickly.

Both parts can stand alone:

• The store was closing.
• We paid quickly.

The conjunction so connects two independent clauses and shows a result.

Coordinating Dependent Clauses

Coordinating conjunctions may also join dependent clauses when the clauses have the same grammatical status.

I will call when the meeting ends or when the manager arrives.

Or connects two dependent time clauses:

• when the meeting ends
• when the manager arrives

The important point is not whether the clauses are independent or dependent. The connected elements must perform the same grammatical function.

How to Identify a Coordinating Conjunction

Use these three steps.

1. Find the Connecting Word

Look for one of the FANBOYS conjunctions:

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so.

2. Identify the Elements It Connects

Check the words, phrases, or clauses on both sides of the conjunction.

3. Check Whether the Elements Have Equal Status

The connected parts should perform the same grammatical role.

Consider this sentence:

The office was quiet but unusually warm.

• Before but: quiet
• After but: unusually warm
• Function of both elements: they describe the office

But coordinates two adjective phrases.

Now consider:

Lucas prepared the figures, and Emma reviewed the notes.

Both sides contain an independent clause. The conjunction and is coordinating them as equal sentence elements.

The Seven FANBOYS Coordinating Conjunctions

The acronym FANBOYS represents the seven coordinating conjunctions commonly taught in English grammar.

Each conjunction creates a different relationship between the connected elements.

For: Giving a Reason or Explanation

Coordinating for introduces a reason or explanation. It has a meaning similar to because, but it is more common in formal or literary writing.

We closed the windows, for the wind was becoming stronger.

The second clause explains why the windows were closed.

Coordinating for normally introduces a clause rather than a single word or short phrase.

Hannah declined the invitation, for she had already made other plans.

The reason usually follows the statement being explained.

Compare:

We remained inside, for the temperature had dropped sharply.

We remained inside because the temperature had dropped sharply.

Both sentences give a reason. However, for coordinates two clauses, while because introduces a dependent clause.

And: Adding Equal Elements

And adds one element to another.

It may join words:

The package contained books and stationery.

It may join phrases:

James worked with patience and with careful attention.

It may also join clauses:

Amelia prepared the schedule, and Oliver contacted the speakers.

The exact relationship may depend on context. And sometimes suggests sequence:

Sophie opened the envelope and read the letter.

The actions are presented in their natural order, but the grammatical function of and is still addition.

A single subject may perform two actions joined by and:

Sophie opened the envelope and read the letter.

Nor: Adding Another Negative Idea

Coordinating nor adds a second negative statement after an earlier negative idea.

Ryan did not apologise, nor did he explain his decision.

When nor introduces a second clause in this way, subject-auxiliary inversion normally follows it:

• nor did he explain
• not nor he explained

If the first clause already contains an auxiliary, use a suitable auxiliary after nor:

Ella cannot attend, nor can she send a representative.

The report was not completed, nor was it submitted on time.

When no auxiliary appears in the ordinary statement, use do, does, or did:

Marcus did not call, nor did he leave a message.

Do not confuse coordinating nor with the correlative pair neither…nor:

Neither Marcus nor Olivia called.

Here, neither…nor works as a paired conjunction.

But: Showing Contrast

But connects elements that contrast with each other.

The apartment is compact but comfortable.

The two adjectives describe contrasting qualities.

The forecast predicted rain, but the afternoon remained dry.

The conjunction connects two independent clauses.

But may also appear in the pattern but not:

The software is useful but not essential.

Emma invited the design team but not the consultants.

The connected elements should remain grammatically balanced.

The job is demanding but rewarding.

Both connected elements are adjectives.

Or: Presenting Choices and Alternatives

Or introduces a choice, alternative, or possibility.

Would you prefer tea or coffee?

We can travel by train or by coach.

It may also connect clauses:

You can submit the form online, or you can deliver it in person.

After a command, or may introduce a possible negative consequence:

Leave now, or you will miss the bus.

This means:

Leave now; otherwise, you will miss the bus.

The context determines whether the alternatives exclude each other.

You may pay by card or cash.

This usually presents two available methods, but it does not necessarily imply that one method is permanently unavailable if the other is chosen.

Yet: Showing Unexpected Contrast

Yet introduces a contrast that is surprising in light of the first element.

The task was difficult, yet everyone completed it.

The result is unexpected because the task was difficult.

The jacket is lightweight yet remarkably warm.

But and yet both express contrast, but their emphasis differs.

The journey was long, but it was comfortable.

This presents a general contrast.

The journey was exhausting, yet the children remained cheerful.

The second idea is more unexpected because of the first.

Yet is not simply a stronger version of but. It is especially useful when the second idea goes against what the first idea might lead you to expect.

So: Showing a Result

Coordinating so introduces a result or consequence.

The battery was empty, so the device stopped working.

The second clause shows what happened because the battery was empty.

The meeting ended early, so we caught the earlier train.

In this use, so normally connects clauses.

Do not confuse so with so that.

The road was flooded, so we turned back.
Result

We turned back so that we could find another route.
Purpose

So is coordinating in the first sentence. So that introduces a dependent purpose clause in the second.

How Conjunction Choice Changes Meaning

Different coordinating conjunctions may connect similar sentence elements while creating different relationships.

Consider these ideas:

• The path was narrow.
• We continued walking.

With and:

The path was narrow, and we continued walking.

The sentence simply adds the second event.

With but:

The path was narrow, but we continued walking.

The sentence presents a contrast.

With yet:

The path was narrow, yet we continued walking.

The continuation seems unexpected because of the difficult path.

With so:

The path was narrow, so we walked in single file.

The second clause gives a result.

Choosing a coordinating conjunction is not only a matter of connecting sentence parts. The conjunction must express the intended relationship between them.

Comma Rules With Coordinating Conjunctions

Comma use depends on what the conjunction connects.

Use a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses

A comma is normally used before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.

The train was delayed, so we took a taxi.

Both clauses can stand alone:

• The train was delayed.
• We took a taxi.

Another example:

The shop had closed, but the lights were still on.

A comma is normally used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. This is the clearest rule to follow in edited writing.

Compound Sentence or Compound Predicate?

This distinction prevents many comma mistakes.

Compound Sentence

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses.

Ava checked the figures, and Noah reviewed the notes.

The sentence has two subjects:

• Ava
• Noah

It also has two complete clauses, so a comma is used.

Compound Predicate

A compound predicate contains one subject performing two or more actions.

Ava checked the figures and reviewed the notes.

The two verbs share the subject Ava. A comma is normally unnecessary.

Compare:

Daniel opened the file, and Mia checked the calculations.
Two independent clauses

Daniel opened the file and checked the calculations.
One subject with two verbs

Do Not Add a Comma Between Two Simple Words or Phrases

A comma is not normally needed when a conjunction joins only two words or phrases.

Incorrect: The room was quiet, but warm.

Correct: The room was quiet but warm.

Incorrect: We searched under the desk, and behind the cabinet.

Correct: We searched under the desk and behind the cabinet.

A comma may be needed for another reason, such as setting off an interrupting element, but the conjunction alone does not require one.

Coordinating Conjunctions in a Series

A coordinating conjunction commonly appears before the final item in a list.

The folder contains invoices, receipts, and contracts.

The comma before the final conjunction is called the serial comma or Oxford comma. Some style systems require it, while others omit it unless it prevents confusion.

Without the serial comma:

The folder contains invoices, receipts and contracts.

Both styles may be acceptable. Consistency and clarity matter most.

Do Not Place a Comma Automatically After the Conjunction

A comma should not separate a coordinating conjunction from the clause it introduces.

Incorrect: The train was delayed, so, we took a taxi.

Correct: The train was delayed, so we took a taxi.

A comma may follow a conjunction when an interrupting expression comes next:

The train was delayed, so, unfortunately, we missed the appointment.

Here, the commas set off unfortunately. They are not required by so itself.

Avoid a Comma Splice

A comma alone cannot normally join two independent clauses.

Incorrect: The train was delayed, we took a taxi.

Correct: The train was delayed, so we took a taxi.

Other possible corrections include:

The train was delayed. We took a taxi.

The train was delayed; therefore, we took a taxi.

The first correction uses a coordinating conjunction. The second uses a conjunctive adverb with different punctuation.

Parallel Structure With Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join equal grammatical elements. Those elements should follow compatible structures.

Adjective With Adjective

The explanation was clear and concise.

Noun Phrase With Noun Phrase

The position requires careful planning and clear communication.

Gerund Phrase With Gerund Phrase

Sophie enjoys hiking in the hills and swimming in the lake.

Clause With Clause

Marcus prepared the report, but Olivia presented the findings.

Problems arise when unlike grammatical forms are joined.

Incorrect: Sophie enjoys hiking and to swim.

Correct: Sophie enjoys hiking and swimming.

Another correct version is:

Sophie likes to hike and to swim.

Both corrected sentences use parallel forms.

Coordinating Conjunctions and Similar Connectors

Several kinds of words connect ideas, but they do not create the same grammatical structure.

Coordinating vs. Subordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction connects equal elements.

The office was closed, so we left.

Both clauses are independent.

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause.

We left because the office was closed.

The clause because the office was closed depends on the main clause.

Compare another pair:

The room was crowded, but we found two seats.

Although the room was crowded, we found two seats.

The meanings are similar, but the sentence structures differ.

Coordinating Conjunction vs. Conjunctive Adverb

A coordinating conjunction may directly join two independent clauses with a comma.

The office was closed, so we returned home.

A conjunctive adverb requires different punctuation.

The office was closed; therefore, we returned home.

Common conjunctive adverbs include:

• however
• therefore
• moreover
• nevertheless
• consequently

They connect the meanings of clauses, but they do not function like FANBOYS conjunctions.

When FANBOYS Words Have Another Grammatical Role

A word’s grammatical classification depends on how it functions in a sentence. Some FANBOYS words are not always conjunctions.

For

Coordinating conjunction:

We postponed the trip, for the weather was worsening.

For introduces a clause that gives a reason.

Preposition:

We waited for the bus.

For introduces the noun phrase the bus.

But

Coordinating conjunction:

The task was difficult but manageable.

But connects two adjectives.

Preposition meaning “except”:

Everyone but James attended.

Here, but means except.

So

Coordinating conjunction:

The room was full, so we waited outside.

So introduces a result clause.

Adverb:

The suitcase was so heavy.

Here, so modifies the adjective heavy.

Yet

Coordinating conjunction:

The evidence was limited, yet the claim appeared convincing.

Yet connects two clauses and shows unexpected contrast.

Adverb:

The parcel has not arrived yet.

Here, yet relates to time.

Can a Sentence Begin With a Coordinating Conjunction?

A sentence may begin with a coordinating conjunction when the relationship with the previous sentence is clear.

We expected the office to be open. But the doors were locked.

The team had completed every task. So we ended the session early.

You may submit the form today. Or you may bring it tomorrow morning.

Starting with and, but, or, yet, or so is grammatically acceptable. However, frequent use may make the writing sound repetitive.

Do not place a comma after the conjunction merely because it begins the sentence.

Incorrect: But, the doors were locked.

Correct: But the doors were locked.

A comma may follow when another structure requires it:

But, despite the delay, the event began successfully.

The commas set off the phrase despite the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

First English Grade Editorial Team

The First English Grade Editorial Team creates simple English grammar, vocabulary, and language guides for students, beginners, and everyday learners.