Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions link equal grammatical elements of a sentence. For example, they can link two or more nouns, adjectives, phrases, or even clauses. There are seven of these coordinating conjunctions. An easy way to remember them is to use the mnemonic device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. In this interactivity, click each of the tabs to explore examples that use coordinating conjunctions to link words, phrases, and clauses. Click the player button to begin.

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Using Coordinating Conjunctions

You may find that identifying coordinating conjunctions is fairly easy, but can you use them appropriately? In this interactivity, you will examine closely the meaning and usage of six coordinating conjunctions, also known as coordinators. The coordinating conjunctions and, or, and but are the easiest and most versatile to use. The coordinating conjunctions yet, so, and for are not as versatile but are just as important. Click the player button to learn more about these six coordinators.

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Taking a Closer Look at Nor

The coordinating conjunction nor is used mostly with clauses, although it is occasionally used to link words or phrases. Among the seven standard coordinators, nor is the one that causes the most confusion regarding correct usage. Some of this has to do with how usage of the word nor has evolved over time. Likewise, nor tends to modify the order of other words in the sentence, whereas the other coordinating conjunctions can link grammatical elements without requiring further change. Due to the added complexity of using nor as a coordinating conjunction, take a moment to focus on the use of this coordinator so that you will be able to create your own sentences using nor correctly. Click the player button to begin.

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Coordinating Conjunctions Review

Now that you have explored the use of coordinating conjunctions and how they link words, phrases, and clauses, it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the set of directions associated with each question and provide your answers. Click the player button to get started.