Definition and Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction joins two parts of a sentence of equal emphasis. Coordinating conjunctions are used in English grammar to link independent words, clauses, or phrases. Coordinating conjunctions include words like “for,” “yet,” “and,” and “but” to connect the independent clauses within a compound sentence. This makes them similar to conjunctive adverbs like “for example,” “however, or “therefore,” though conjunctive adverbs reflect the progression of ideas. Coordinating conjunctions often come after a comma that follows the first independent clause of a compound sentence.

The most common coordinating conjunctions are summed up in the acronym FANBOYS. Here are the seven types of conjunctions in this category, using this particular mnemonic.

1. 1. For: Using the conjunction “for” indicates a relationship between two main clauses by indicating that one clause is the reason that the other is happening. For example, you could say: “I want to go to the pizza parlor, for it is my birthday.
2. 2. And: Using “and” indicates additional information of equal weight to the information provided in the first clause. For example, you could say “I went to the grocery store and bought snacks for the party.”
3. 3. Nor: “Nor” connects two clauses that have negative modifiers. For example, it would be correct to say “I don’t get enough sleep, nor do I try.”
4. 4. But: The conjunction “but” precedes information that opposes the first main clause in some way. For example, you could say: “I want to go outside, but I don’t have any sunblock.”
5. 5. Or: “Or” indicates a difference between two equal options. For example, you could say “I can’t decide whether I want chocolate or vanilla.”
6. 6. Yet: “Yet” introduces a new idea that contradicts the main clause. For example, you could say “I’m always eating, yet I’m always hungry.”
7. 7. So: “So” joins two equally-weighted thoughts that imply cause and effect. For example, you could say, “There wasn’t a wait at the DMV, so I decided to go this morning.”

Coordinating conjunctions link thoughts and ideas of equal grammatical rank to form complete sentences. These types of conjunctions can help make your writing flow better by eliminating choppy, short sentences, and cutting down on sentence fragments. Here are five ways that you can use coordinating conjunctions.

1. 1. To indicate a reason for an action. “For” and “so” are coordinating conjunctions that function similarly to the word “because.” When you need further explanation for an action you can end it with a comma and follow it up with “for” or “so” along with the second clause.
2. 2. To link two ideas. The word “and” is often placed between two ideas or between the second-to-last and last item in a series (with or without an Oxford comma). The word “and” connects two equal parts of the same sentence. When you link negative statements, the word “nor” is sometimes used in place of “and.”
3. 3. To contrast things. Conjunctions like “but” and “yet” help to contrast two ideas of equal importance in a sentence. “But” is used to show a divergence between two thoughts when it is a conjunction, though it can also function as a preposition. The difference between “but” and “yet” is a matter of the tone you wish to establish.
4. 4. To present an alternative. “Or” is a coordinating conjunction that provides a second idea or option. “Either” can precede the word “or” is sometimes used following the word “either” when linking two positive ideas.
5. 5. To connect main clauses. The independent clauses in a compound sentence connect with coordinating conjunctions like “for” and “yet,” or conjunctive adverbs, such as “however” and “nevertheless.” Many compound sentences begin with an independent clause, followed by a comma (unless the clauses are short), the coordinating conjunction, and then the second independent clause.

Become a better writer with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Dan Brown,
Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, and more.