Coordinating Conjunctions
The short, simple conjunctions are called "coordinating
conjunctions":
- and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example
words or independent clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar. A
coordinating conjunction shows that the elements it joins are similar in
importance and structure:
Look at these examples - the two elements that the coordinating
conjunction joins are shown in square brackets [ ]:
- I like [tea] and [coffee].
- [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee].
Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or
clauses that they join.
When a coordinating conjunction joins independent clauses, it is
always correct to place a comma before the conjunction:
- I want to work as an interpreter in the future, so I am
studying Russian at university.
However, if the independent clauses are short and well-balanced, a
comma is not really essential:
- She is kind so she helps people.
When "and" is used with the last word of a list, a comma is
optional:
- He drinks beer, whisky, wine, and rum.
- He drinks beer, whisky, wine and rum.
| englishclub.com Tip |
The 7
coordinating conjunctions are short, simple words. They have only two or three
letters. There's an easy way to remember them - their initials spell:
| F |
A |
N |
B |
O |
Y |
S |
| For |
And |
Nor |
But |
Or |
Yet |
So |
|
|
Subordinating
Conjunctions |
