Identify coordinating conjunctions

key notes:

1. What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

• Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two or more words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
• They help to join ideas smoothly in a sentence.

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2. The FANBOYS Rule

There are seven main coordinating conjunctions, remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

• F – For (reason/cause) → I stayed home, for I was sick.
• A – And (addition) → She likes apples and oranges.
• N – Nor (negative choice) → He doesn’t like tea, nor does he drink coffee.
• B – But (contrast) → She is small, but she runs fast.
• O – Or (choice) → Do you want pizza or pasta?
• Y – Yet (unexpected contrast) → It was late, yet he continued working.
• S – So (result) → She was hungry, so she ate a sandwich.

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3. How to Identify Coordinating Conjunctions

• Look for a word that connects two equal parts of a sentence.
• Check if both parts can stand alone as complete sentences (for clauses).
• Coordinating conjunctions are usually found in compound sentences.

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4. Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

• She wanted to go outside, but it was raining.
• He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
• We can go to the park or the beach.
• They were tired, yet they finished their work.

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5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t use a comma before FANBOYS when joining two words or phrases
  • ✅ I like tea and coffee.
  • ❌ I like tea, and coffee.
• Use a comma before FANBOYS only when connecting two independent clauses
  • ✅ She was tired, but she kept working.
  • ❌ She was tired but she kept working.

let’s practice!