Coordinating Conjunction — Definition, Uses, and Examples
What is a coordinating conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction joins phrases, clauses, groups of words, and words that share equal importance and grammatical rank. Their function is to give equal emphasis to the ideas they connect.
The simplest way to remember the seven types of conjunctions in the English language is through the acronym FANBOYS.
| Coordinating Conjunction | Indicates | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| For | Reason | I'd hate to waste a drop of water, for it is crucial when crossing the desert. |
| And | Agreement | Jennifer and Ron wanted to spend the weekend at the beach. |
| Nor | Negative agreement | Sam wouldn't go down the water slide, nor would he jump off the diving board. |
| But | Opposing idea | Paul is ready to leave, but Steve needs more time. |
| Or | Alternative options | Kim wasn't sure if she wanted a dog or cat. |
| Yet | Contrasting idea | Leonard wasn't sure he'd like the lake, yet he jumped right in on the first day of camp. |
| So | Result or effect | Lisa couldn't find time to study, so she didn’t do well on the exam. |
How to use coordinating conjunctions
When using coordinating conjunctions, sometimes called joining words, it is important to identify what is being connected within a sentence. Ultimately, coordinating conjunctions connect the following parts of a sentence:
Independent Clauses: Contain a subject and a verb and presents a complete thought; these clauses can stand alone as complete sentences
Dependent Clauses: Do not present a complete thought; these clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences
Phrases: Collection of words that behave like a part of speech; noun phrase, adjectival phrase, adverbial phrase, etc.
Words: Connecting two nouns, verbs, or adjectives
When using coordinating conjunctions to create compound sentences, the following grammar rules apply:
Independent Clauses: Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.
Independent clause + comma + coordinating conjunction + independent clause
Rita considered moving to New York, but she wasn't sure if she'd like the city.
Words: A comma is not needed when a coordinating conjunction connects two items.
word + coordinating conjunction + word
Leslie wanted to visit the zoo and the museums.
Sentence Starters: A coordinating conjunction CAN be the beginning of a sentence. Teachers may advise against it because it helps less experienced writers avoid sentence fragments.
The class expected a pop quiz today. But the teacher decided to delay it until next week.
Items in a Series: When connecting two or more words, phrases, or clauses, a comma and a coordinating conjunction should be placed before the last item (known as an Oxford comma).
word + comma + word + comma + coordinating conjunction + word
Uma has homework in math, science, and English.
Coordinating conjunction examples
The following sentences incorporate examples of coordinating conjunctions:
For
Ian didn't like going to the lake, for he couldn't swim.
It is difficult for Gina to wake up early, for she always works the late shift.
Liam must have been extremely tired, for he fell asleep when his head hit the pillow.
And
Tina needed to pick up eggs, cheese, and bread.
Brad and Liza wanted to take the subway into the city.
We can serve both chocolate and vanilla ice cream at the party.
Nor
Neither the apartment nor the townhouse interested Hank.
Tom is not a fan of the Steelers nor the Eagles despite living in Pennsylvania.
Luke did not return to the store, nor did Heather.
But
Molly finds the cold weather refreshing, but Ryan finds it uncomfortable.
He tried to switch lanes, but there was too much traffic.
Tara likes the summer, but her husband prefers the spring.
Or
We had the option of chicken or beef at the wedding this weekend.
Wes wasn't sure if he wanted to study in the library or his dorm room.
Does your brother prefer coffee or tea?
Yet
He trained extremely hard for the marathon, yet he was disappointed by his time.
Hector enjoys spending winter in the south, yet they decided not to go this year.
His dad is almost 70, yet he runs five miles every weekend.
So
Polly stayed late at work all week so she could take a long weekend.
The music has been playing all night, so now I have a headache.
Mike is coming into town today, so you'll finally be able to meet him.