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Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Joining equal parts: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

beginner

When to Use Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

  • •And: addition. I like tea and coffee.
  • •But: contrast. I'm tired but happy.
  • •Or: alternative. Tea or coffee?
  • •So: result. I was tired, so I went to bed.
  • •Yet: contrast (formal). It's small yet powerful.
  • •For: reason (formal). I stayed, for it was raining.
  • •Nor: negative addition. I don't smoke, nor do I drink.

How to Form Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Affirmative (+)

Clause + , + FANBOYS + clause (comma before conjunction with two clauses)

Negative (-)

Same structure; nor requires inversion

Question (?)

Same structure

💡 Comma before conjunction when joining two independent clauses.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

✓I was tired, so I went home.

✗I was tired so I went home.

Comma before 'so' joining two clauses.

✓She's smart but lazy.

✗She's smart, but lazy.

No comma when joining just adjectives.

✓I don't smoke, nor do I drink.

✗I don't smoke, nor I drink.

Inversion after nor.

Common Mistakes with Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

💡 Practice Tips for Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

  • • FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
  • • Comma + FANBOYS when joining two complete sentences.
  • • No comma when joining words or phrases.
  • • Nor requires inversion: nor do I, nor can she.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.I was tired,   I went home.
  2. 2.Which sentence is punctuated correctly? 
  3. 3.I don't smoke,   do I drink.
  4. 4.Which sentence shows correct inversion after 'nor'? 
  5. Question 5: It's small blank powerful. (formal contrast — choose a FANBOYS conjunction)
    5.It's small powerful. (formal contrast — choose a FANBOYS conjunction)
  6. Question 6: Add the missing comma: It was raining blank I took an umbrella.
    6.Add the missing comma: It was raining I took an umbrella.
  7. Question 7: Tea blank coffee? (offering a choice)
    7.Tea coffee? (offering a choice)
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