What is a Coordinating Conjunction? Examples and Worksheet

What is a coordinating conjunction?

A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins together two independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions words are typically FANBOYS, which stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. These words help connect thoughts and ideas in a sentence.

In this blog post, we will discuss coordinating conjunctions and how to use them correctly in your writing!

Coordinating conjunctions can be used to join simple sentences or compound sentences together. To demonstrate how coordinating conjunctions can be used to join simple sentences together, let’s take a look at the following sentence:

I ate breakfast, and then I left for work.

In this sentence, the word “and” is used as a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses. The result is a compound sentence with two main clauses.

Coordinating Conjunction Words

There are only eight coordinating conjunctions words. They connect two main clauses and sync up the sentence rhythm.

• for
• and
• nor
• but
• or
• yet
• so

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Coordinating Conjunctions Rules & Usage

There are a few things to keep in mind when using coordinating conjunctions.

• First, you need to make sure that the two clauses are independent. It means that they can stand on their own as two complete thoughts.
• Secondly, the coordinating conjunction should be used between the two clauses, and not at the beginning or end.
• Finally, make sure that each clause has its own subject and verb. Here’s an example:

The concert was great, but I was really tired.

In this sentence, “The concert was great” is an independent clause, and “but I was really tired” is another independent clause. The coordinating conjunction “but” connects these two clauses together. Note that both clauses have their own subjects.

Coordinating Conjunction Examples (50 Sentences)

They join words, phrases and sentences to form one compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions join either coordinate clauses, or coordinate nouns.

1. I want to go to the party tonight, and I need to finish my homework first.
2. I really wanted to go outside and play, but it was raining.
3. You can’t have a party, but you can have a sleepover.
4. Tom says he’s coming, but I don’t believe him yet.
5. The forecast said it would rain, but it’s only been cloudy.
6. I’ve never been there before, and I’m a little scared yet.
7. The party doesn’t start until later, so we still have time to get ready.
8. Self-care is so important, but it’s hard.
9. I don’t eat meat, nor do I drink alcohol – I am a vegetarian.
10. He is not my friend, nor is he my accountant – he is my lawyer.
11. You cannot claim free health care, nor can you claim free dental visits
12. I’ll go on holiday in July, nor will I see you in March.
13. I had no way to earn an income, nor would I live on government handouts.
14. Katie greeted her friend with a smile and a handshake, yet she could not suppress the shiver of cold that ran through her body.
15. The shop is open 24 hours a day, yet it is still not generating a profit.
16. The president has been slower than we would have liked in moving forward with plans that could create jobs, but he has offered a positive agenda.
17. The dog barked, yet his owner didn’t hear him.
18. I had hoped to return for a visit soon, but I’m afraid that yet another emergency has brought that trip up in the air.
19. Yes, the Maple Leafs have had a raft of injuries to key players, yet they still find themselves in a playoff position.
20. He accepted my proposal, so I started making plans for our future.
21. The man could swim for a long time, for he had lots of stamina.
22. You can use vinyl material or decorate with stencils.
23. I’ll either sell it myself or take it to a pawnbroker.
24. Wearing comfortable sports clothes makes exercising much more enjoyable, and it gives you a better chance of doing it regularly.
25. For instance, there are a lot of spaces available on other sites as well, but they charge you to be able to use them.

Coordinating Conjunction Worksheet

Underline the coordinating conjunction words in the given sentences.

1. I like going running, but I’m not in the mood today.
2. She’s a great singer, but she can’t dance for beans.
3. I want to go outside, and I need my coat.
4. The dog could jump over the fence, for it was very high. 
5. We don’t offer any discounts, nor do we have money-back guarantees.
6. When I return; I will see her, or call her on the phone.
7. I need to get groceries, but I don’t have any money.
8. I have a big project due tomorrow, and I haven’t started yet.
9. I watched TV last night, so I couldn’t read the book.
10. He said he would call, but he did not call her.
11. I did not go out tonight, for I have to study.
12. It’s cold in here, nor is it very comfortable.
13. The party starts at eight, so we should leave soon.
14. Tom hasn’t done well on his tests this semester, yet he still plans to apply to college.
15. I cannot find my phone anywhere! Or has someone borrowed it without asking?

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Answers

1. but
2. but
3. and
4. for
5. nor
6. or
7. but
8. and
9. so
10. but
11. for
12. nor
13. so
14. yet
15. or

Further Reading

• Coordinating Conjunctions
• Subordinating Conjunctions
• Correlative Conjunction
• Conjunctive Adverb
• Yet Conjunction Example Sentences
• But Conjunction Example Sentences
• Although Conjunction Example Sentences
• Types of Conjunction
• Conjunction Examples