coordinating conjunctions

​What is a coordinating conjunction?

Coordinating conjunctions are the words we use to link ideas together to make a compound sentence. They always connect phrases, words and clauses.

In the compound sentence below, two ideas have been combined into one sentence with the coordinating conjunction ‘so’.

I am going on a bike ride, so I will need to wear my new helmet.

What is FANBOYS?

FANBOYS is an acronym used to help us remember the seven coordinating conjunctions used in the English language.

​FOR

The word ‘for’ is used to explain a reason or purpose. It can be used in a similar way to ‘because’.

​And

The word ‘and’ is used to show and link additional ideas into one sentence.

​NOR

We can use ‘nor’ to offer an alternative negative idea to another negative idea.

​BUT

The conjunction ‘but’ is used to show contrast or to compare ideas.

​OR

We use the word ‘or’ to present a choice or alternative idea.

​YET

The word ‘yet’ is used to link a different or contrasting idea to the first idea in the sentence.
It can be used in a similar
way to ‘but’.

SO

We use ‘so’ in compound sentences to help highlight a consequence or result.