1. Connect words, phrases and clauses

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The first type of conjunctions we’re going to look at is coordinating conjunctions. They include FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, and SO.

FOR: shows a reason

I hate to waste a drop of gas, for it is very expensive these days.

connect clauses

AND: add ideas

The dish is very savory and delicious.

connect words

NOR: give a negative alternative

We can’t delay nor abort this project. We have to go on.

connect phrases

BUT: show opposite ideas

My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails cut.

connect phrases

YET: show opposite ideas

My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails cut.

connect phrases

OR: show choices

You can eat your cake with a spoon or fork.

connect words

SO: show a result

Jim can’t take time off work, so we cancel the family vacation.

connect clauses

You can use FANBOYS to connect words, phrases or clauses, as noted in each example above.

We use these correlative conjunctions to connect words or phrases of the same grammatical type e.g. noun, verb or adjective.

both... and

either… or

neither… nor

not only… but also

whether… or

both... and

either… or

neither… nor

not only… but also

whether… or

READY | Grammar & Writing