Coordinating Conjunctions in English(FANBOYS): Rules, Uses, Examples + Story Practice

1. What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions are small but powerful words that connect ideas. They help English sound natural, smooth, and clear.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the main types, how to use each one, and how to spot common mistakes — plus enjoy a short conversation story at the end.

What Does Coordinating Conjunctions do?

Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or two independent clauses (complete sentences).

The most common ones follow the acronym FANBOYS:

• For

• And

• Nor

• But

• Or

• Yet

• So

They show how ideas connect:

• adding

• contrasting

• giving choices

• explaining results

  
  

2. Types & Functions of Coordinating Conjunctions

i) AND — adding ideas

Use it to connect similar ideas or add more information.

Example:

• I ordered a salad and a fresh juice.

ii) BUT — contrasting ideas

Use it to show difference or contrast.

Example:

• She loves cooking, but she doesn’t enjoy washing dishes.

iii) OR — giving choices

Use it when offering alternatives.

Example:

• Coffee or tea?

iv) SO — showing results/consequences

Use it to show what happens next or the result of something.

Example:

• It was late, so we took a taxi home.

v) YET — contrasting with surprise

Similar to “but,” but expresses a surprising contrast.

Example:

• The café was full, yet it felt quiet and relaxing.

vi) FOR — giving a reason (formal)

Shows a reason, similar to “because.” Mostly used in formal writing.

Example:

• I left early, for I wasn’t feeling well.

vii) NOR — negative alternative

Used after a negative phrase; offers another negative point.

Example:

• She didn’t call, nor did she send a message.

3. Rules for Using Coordinating Conjunctions

✅ Rule #1: Join two independent clauses

👉If you connect two full sentences, use a comma before the conjunction.

✔ I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.

✘ I wanted to go for a walk but it started raining.

✅ Rule #2: No comma for single words or short phrases

✔ Tea and biscuits

✔ slowly but surely

✅ Rule #3: Avoid starting every sentence with a conjunction

It’s possible in modern English, but avoid over-using it in formal writing.

✅ Rule #4: “For” and “nor” are more formal

These are common in writing but quite rare in casual speech.

4. 🗣️ Examples in Real-Life Sentences

• We went to the art market, and we bought a handmade candle.

• You can wear sneakers or sandals today.

• The movie was long, yet I didn’t feel bored.

• I tried calling her, but her phone was off.

• He saved money, so he could travel to Bali.

• She doesn’t like milk, nor does she drink coffee.

5. 🎙️Short Conversation Story: The Weekend Plan Mix-Up

Characters: Maya and Tasha — two friends planning a relaxing weekend.

👩‍🦰 Maya: Are you free this Saturday? I want to go to the new art café and try their matcha cheesecake.

👩‍🦱 Tasha: I’m free, but I might be a little tired after my yoga class.

👩‍🦰 Maya: We can go in the afternoon or in the evening. Whatever’s easier.

👩‍🦱 Tasha: Let’s go in the afternoon, so we still have time for a movie later.

👩‍🦰 Maya: Good idea! I heard the café is small, yet it’s usually quiet.

👩‍🦱 Tasha: Perfect. I didn’t eat breakfast, nor did I have coffee… I need both!

👩‍🦰 Maya: Then we must go early, for the cheesecake sells out quickly.

👩‍🦱 Tasha: Then it’s settled — art, coffee, cake and a movie. Best Saturday ever!

6. ✏️ Mini Practice

Choose the best conjunction:

1. I wanted to go hiking, ___ it started raining.

2. You can have iced tea ___ lemonade.

3. She works full-time, ___ she studies part-time.

4. The shirt was expensive, ___ I bought it anyway.

5. He didn’t call, ___ did he send a text.

Answers:

1. but

2. or

3. and

4. yet

5. nor

🔗 6. Helpful Links

• See a simpler timeline explanation here:

  👉 9 Parts of Speech In English Grammar: Uses and Examples

• 👉 Types of Verbs in English: A Complete Guide for ESL Learners

• 👉 Types of Pronouns Explained: Personal, Possesssive, Reflexive & More!

• For travel vocabulary stories, check: 

  👉Discover the Magic of Japan - Emma's Travel Diaries

  
  

• For more tense comparisons: Tense Comparison Series

  👉Past Simple vs Past Continuous: Easy Grammar Guide + Fun Story

  👉Present Simple vs Present Continuous: What's the Difference?

  👉Understanding Tenses: Past Simple vs Past Perfect

YouTube Playlist: 

🎥 Related Videos: YouTube Channel Playlist

🔗Learn Grammar Through Engaging Stories 

🔗Quick and Easy Vocabulary

🔗Learn Vocabulary Through Fun Stories

Need to review your Tenses?

👉Check out the related links below ⬇️

Enjoyed this Present Perfect vs Past Simple guide & short story?

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