Fanboys Swabi Thamo

FANBOYS, SWABIs, and THAMOs are acronyms we use to represent three different types of conjunctions. Note that there are more conjunctions in each category than those included in the acronym. However, we find that the acronyms can help students better remember the different types of conjunctions.

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​are coordinating conjunctions that join two complete thoughts into one sentence. The letters stand for "For," "And," "Nor," "But," "Or," "Yet," and "So." 

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• John baked the cupcakes, but I covered them in frosting.

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​are subordinating conjunctions that join two complete thoughts into one sentence. The letters stand for "Since," "When," "After," "Because," and "If."

• After John baked the cupcakes, I covered them in frosting.

​are conjunctive adverbs that show the relationship between two complete thoughts. The letters stand "Therefore," "However," "Also," "Meanwhile," and "Otherwise." 

• John and I spent all afternoon making the cupcakes; meanwhile, Jill decorated the living room for the party.