Coordinating conjunctions are words like "and", "but", and "or" that connect independent clauses and other grammatical units. The seven coordinating conjunctions are known by the acronym FANBOYS, which stands for for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. When using coordinating conjunctions, commas are required between independent clauses but optional between other grammatical units. Examples are provided to demonstrate proper use of coordinating conjunctions and punctuation.
2. WHAT ARE THEY?
• Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses. It connects 2
independent clauses. With the conjunction in the middle.
3. FANBOYS
• F = for
• A = and
• N = nor
• B = but
• O = or
• Y = yet
• S = so
• These are all of the coordinating conjunctions.
4. HOW TO PUNCTUATE THEM
• Part 1- When you connect two main clauses with a coordinating conjunction, use a
comma.
• Part 2- You can also use a coordinating conjunction to connect any two items. These
items can be any grammatical unit except main clauses.
• Part 3- When you have three or more items in a series, you generally use a comma
before the coordinating conjunction.
5. EXAMPLES
• The soup is hot and delicious.
• You can eat rice with a fork or spoon.
• I hate soccer, but I will watch it in the Olympics.
• My dogs fear the German Shepard next door yet they love the poodle across the street.
• My dogs refuses to eat carrots, nor will they touch the beans.
• I hate to waste ant gumbo, for it is so good.
• Even though I added more sauce to the soup, my sister still wouldn't eat it, so I ate it.
