Identify coordinating conjunctions

key notes:

Definition:

• Coordinating Conjunctions: Words that connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance in a sentence.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions:

• For: Indicates reason (e.g., I went to bed early, for I was tired.)
• And: Adds information (e.g., I like apples and oranges.)
• Nor: Presents a negative alternative (e.g., I don’t like apples, nor do I like oranges.)
• But: Shows contrast (e.g., I like apples, but I don’t like bananas.)
• Or: Offers an alternative (e.g., Would you like tea or coffee?)
• Yet: Introduces a contrast (e.g., It was raining, yet we went for a walk.)
• So: Indicates a result (e.g., I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.)

Usage:

• Connecting Words: Coordinating conjunctions can connect single words (e.g., “I want pizza and salad.”).
• Connecting Phrases: They can also connect phrases (e.g., “She likes to read, but he prefers to watch movies.”).
• Connecting Clauses: They connect independent clauses (e.g., “I wanted to go for a run, yet it was raining.”).

Tips for Identification:

• Look for words that join similar elements in a sentence.
• Remember the acronym FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) to help recall coordinating conjunctions.

let’s practice!