Coordinating
Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
The English language has seven
coordinating conjunctions, and they’re easy
to remember if you can just remember
FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Coordinating Conjunctions

For - Explains reason or purpose (just like
“because”)
Example: Fans love to watch Anna, for she dances
beautifully

And - Adds one thing to another
Example: She is a graceful dancer, and people
enjoy watching her.

Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea
to an already stated negative idea
Example: She hasn't taken dance lessons, nor does
she need to.
Coordinating Conjunctions

But - Shows contrast
Example: Her technique is unconventional, but her lines are
extraordinary.

Or - Presents an alternative or a choice
Example: She can fill an audience with joy, or she can bring people
to tears.

Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea
logically (similar to “but”)
Example: Other dancers try to imitate her style, yet they have not
succeeded.

So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
Example: She is talented, so she will attract fans for many years to
come.
Practice

Directions: Circle the coordinating conjunction.
Then circle the conjunction is used to show an
agreement, disagreement, or reason.
1. I normally like to run, but today I am walking.
agreement / disagreement / reason

2. I like strawberry and chocolate ice cream.
agreement/ disagreement/ reason

Practice
 Directions:
try to fill in the blanks using the
appropriate conjunction. Use commas if
necessary.
 1.
My dad _______ I are going fishing this
afternoon.
 2. The old man doesn’t have much
money _____ he always seems to have
nice things.
Group Work
Identifying Coordinating
Conjunctions in Text
L. Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz for his daughter,
but the book was much more than a child's story.
Baum's book is a political allegory, yet few people
today would recognize the original events in this story.
The Wizard of Oz is a story of economic reform, for Oz is
short for ounce and referred to the gold standard, and
the characters represented groups in American society.
Baum's original readers did not fail to recognize William
McKinley as the bumbling wizard, nor did they fail to
recognize William Jennings Bryan as the cowardly lion.
Exit Slip