Coordinating Conjunctions | Definition | Examples | Rules

 Coordinating Conjunctions | Definition | Uses | Rules | Examples

 

What is a Coordinating Conjunction?

Coordinating conjunctions are small words that connect to independent parts of a sentence.

Coordinating conjunctions join words, join phrases, and join independent clauses.

Use of Coordinating Conjunction

There are only seven coordinating conjunctions. 

1. And

2. But

3. Or

4. Nor

5. Yet

6. For

7. So

We use coordinating conjunctions to join nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives.

We also use coordinating conjunctions to join phrases so phrases are a small group of words that make a part of the clause.

Grammar Rule Coordinating Conjunctions

we can remember them with the slang word FANBOYS for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

FANBOYS

F – for

A – and

N – nor

B – but

O – or

Y – yet

S – so

IMPORTANT

By joining two words we don’t need to use a comma.

however, if there is a list of words in the sentence then we must place a comma between each word and just before the conjunction, and in phrases, we don’t need to use a comma.

Joining independent clauses we place a comma before the coordinating conjunctions

as for conjunctive adverbs we place a semicolon before the verb.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions :

FOR

The word ‘FOR’ is most often used as a preposition.

It is also used, as a coordinating conjunction.

Beginning a sentence with the conjunction and for should be avoided

Examples :

 Vinita thought she had a good chance to get the job. for her father was on the company’s board.

AND

To suggest that one work is sequential to another :

Tanya sent in her applications and waited by the message for a response.

To reflect that one clause is conditionally dependent upon another 

(usually, the first clause is an imperative)

 To suggest that one idea is in contrast to another  (frequently replaced by but in this usage)

Kartik is brilliant and Kriti has a pleasant smile.

NOR

The conjunction NOR is not used as often as the other conjunctions, so it might feel a bit odd when NOR does come up in conversation or writing.

It is commonly used in the correlative pair, neither-nor

examples :

She is neither sane nor intelligent

That is not what I wanted to say, nor should you interpret my statement as an admission of guilt.

BUT 

To reflect a contrast that is unexpected in light of the first clause:

Shalini lost a fortune in the stock market, but he still seems able to live quite comfortably.

To reflect in an affirmative sense what the first part of the sentence implied in a negative way 

(sometimes replaced by on the contrary):

The club never invested foolishly but used the services of some intelligent counselors.

Everybody but Shreya is trying out for the team.

OR

To suggest that only one possibility can be  realized, excluding one or the other:

You study for this exam or you will not get good marks.

To suggest an inclusive combination of alternatives.

We can cook dinner tonight, or we can just eat leftovers.

YET

The word yet functions sometimes as an adverb.

It can be used to reflect several meanings

Raghav plays badminton well, yet his favorite sport is cricket.

SO

So, sometimes connects two independent clauses along with a comma, but sometimes it doesn’t for instance, in this sentence.

He has always been nervous in large gatherings, so it is no surprise that he avoids crowds of his fans.

So, the judge peremptorily removed the child from the custody of the claimants.