Coordinating conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two grammatically equal elements, such as two words, two phrases or two independent clauses. English has seven: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS. They show relationships like addition, contrast, choice, reason or result between the joined items.
Types of coordinating conjunctions
Addition
Adds one idea to another of equal weight.
e.g. and: She studies and works., nor: He does not smoke nor drink.
Contrast
Shows a difference or unexpected result between two ideas.
e.g. but: It was raining, but we went out., yet: She was tired, yet she kept working.
Choice
Presents alternatives between two options.
e.g. or: You can call or email me., nor: Neither the manager nor the staff agreed.
Reason
Introduces a cause or explanation, mainly used in formal or literary style.
e.g. for: He left early, for he was unwell.
Result
Shows the consequence or outcome of the first clause.
e.g. so: It was late, so we went home.
Rules to remember
- Coordinating conjunctions join elements of the same grammatical type: noun with noun, verb with verb, phrase with phrase, or independent clause with independent clause.
- When joining two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction: 'I wanted to stay, but I had to leave.'
- No comma is usually needed when the conjunction simply joins two words or short phrases: 'bread and butter'.
- 'For' and 'yet' are more formal or literary; 'so', 'but' and 'and' are common in everyday speech and writing.
- A coordinating conjunction can start a sentence for emphasis in modern writing, but this should be used sparingly in formal IELTS essays.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| She likes tea, and he prefers coffee. | 'And' joins two independent clauses with a comma before it. |
| He was exhausted, but he finished the marathon. | 'But' shows contrast between two clauses. |
| Would you like rice or noodles? | 'Or' presents a choice between two nouns. |
| The exam was difficult, so many students felt nervous. | 'So' introduces the result of the first clause. |
| She neither called nor texted. | 'Nor' pairs with 'neither' to join two negative verb phrases. |
| The team played well, yet they lost the match. | 'Yet' shows an unexpected contrast. |
| I stayed home, for it was snowing heavily. | 'For' gives a formal reason for the first clause. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: I like coffee, but, I don't like tea.
Correct: I like coffee, but I don't like tea.
Incorrect: She was tired she kept working.
Correct: She was tired, yet she kept working.
Incorrect: He studies hard and to pass the exam.
Correct: He studies hard and wants to pass the exam.
Why this matters for IELTS
Using coordinating conjunctions accurately, especially with correct comma placement before them when joining two independent clauses, demonstrates control of sentence structure and helps you avoid comma splices and run-on sentences. Varying between 'and', 'but', 'so' and less common choices like 'yet' or 'for' shows range, which examiners reward in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion for both IELTS Writing and Speaking.
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven coordinating conjunctions?
They are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so, commonly remembered with the acronym FANBOYS.
Is it correct to start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction?
Yes, it is grammatically acceptable, especially in informal or narrative writing, but formal IELTS essays should use it sparingly and prefer transition words for academic tone.
Do I always need a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
Only when it joins two independent clauses. If it simply joins two words or a short phrase, no comma is needed, as in 'coffee and tea'.
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