Coordinating Conjunctions - FANBOYS

Learn how to use the coordinating conjunctions in English.
Sound Grammar

Coordinating Conjunctions

Hear four conversations using this grammar point for free on elllo.org

Answer the following questions about the interview.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Point 1: Coordinating Conjunctions connect words, phrases and clauses. There are seven of them.
  1. I work in the city, and I study at university.
  2. I am tired, but I will keep working.
  3. It was cold, so we stayed inside.
  4. You can leave, or you can stay.
  5. I don't like math, nor do I like history.
  6. We went home, for it was getting late.
  7. I was so tired, yet I could not sleep.
Point 2: And shows similarity and associates things.

Word: I have a dog and a cat.
Phrase
: I like to study at night and in the morning.
Clause: I can sing and I write music, too.

Point 3: But contrasts ideas.

Word: It is cloudy but warm.
Phrase
: It is open on Saturday but not on Sunday.
Clause: I play sports, but I never watch sports on TV.

Point 4: So shows cause and effect. It has other meanings. Thus, it can only be used with clauses.

Word: --x--
Phrase
: --x--
Clause: I was tired, so I went home.

Point 5: For shows reasons. It means because. It has other meanings. Thus, it can only be used with clauses.

Word: --x--
Phrase
: --x--
Clause: We did not make it, for the traffic was bad.

Point 6: Or connects related choices.

Word: You can have coffee or tea.
Phrase
: We can stay by the lake or in the woods.
Clause: We can take the train, or we can drive there.

Nor connects two related negative concepts.

Word: The book was not fun, nor useful.
Phrase
: I don't sit much at home, nor at work.
Clause: I don't eat meat, nor do I drink caffeine.

Point 7: Yet shows a surprising contrast between two things.

Word: Her dress was elegant yet simple.
Phrase
: --x--
Clause: He is rich, yet he never spends any money.

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