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Coordinating Conjunctions

28 April, 2016 - 10:40

A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two independent clauses. The most common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Note that a comma precedes the coordinating conjunction when joining two clauses.

Independent Clause

Coordinating Conjunction

Independent Clause

Revised Sentence

I will not be attending the dance.

for (indicates a reason or cause)

I have no one to go with.

I will not be attending the dance, for I have no one to go with.

I plan to stay home.

and (joins two ideas)

I will complete an essay for class.

I plan to stay home, and I will complete an essay for class.

Jessie isn’t going to be at the dance.

nor (indicates a negative)

Tom won’t be there either.

Jessie isn’t going to be at the dance, nor will Tom be there.

The fundraisers are hoping for a record-breaking attendance.

but (indicates a contrast)

I don’t think many people are going.

The fundraisers are hoping for a record-breaking attendance, but I don’t think many people are going.

I might go to the next fundraising event.

or (offers an alternative)

I might donate some money to the cause.

I might go to the next fundraising event, or I might donate some money to the cause.

My parents are worried that I am antisocial

yet (indicates a reason)

I have many friends at school.

My parents are worried that I am antisocial, yet I have many friends at school.

Buying a new dress is expensive.

so (indicates a result)

By staying home I will save money.

Buying a new dress is expensive, so by staying home I will save money.

 

Tip

To help you remember the seven coordinating conjunctions, think of the acronym
FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Remember that when you use a coordinating conjunction in a sentence, a comma should precede it.