Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses together. Think of them as bridges that join two or more ideas. 

          1. For: Do not confuse the conjunction with the preposition “for”. The conjunction “for” is synonymous with “because”. 

          2. And: “And” is a commonly used conjunction that joins two elements together. “And” can add things, show sequence, or consequences. It’s important to note that when using “and” specifically as a coordinating conjunction, you should include a comma before the conjunction. When the conjunction joins two words or short phrases, then generally it is acceptable to not use a comma. 

          3. Nor: Many students are uncomfortable using this conjunction at first. “Nor” exists in a negative function. An easy way to remember this word “nor” is to think of it as a negative version of “or” (No + or). Often times, “nor” can follow the word “neither”, but does not always have to. 

          4. But: When “but” is used as a coordinating conjunction, it is to introduce a contrast between the two ideas. However, you can also use “but” to show an exception. You can clearly see “but” showing exception in the following example, “I like all fruits but bananas.” 

          5. Or: “Or” shows a choice or alternation. It is often paired with words like “either”, or “whether” to form correlative conjunctions. 

          6. Yet: When “yet” is used as a coordinating conjunction, it shows contrasting or opposing ideas like the conjunction, “but”. Be careful of this word because it can be used as an adverb. When it is used as an adverb, it emphasizes an action (e.g. I sent yet another resume), or shows that an action has not been completed still (e.g. I have not sent it yet). 

          7. So: Similar to “yet”, “so” can be used as a coordinating conjunction and as an adverb. When it is used as a conjunction, it shows a consequence or a result. On the other hand, when it is used as an adverb, it adds emphasis like “very” or “really”. You’ll commonly see this word in phrases like: “so much”, “so little”, or “so late”.