I'm Connie, and I join words, phrases, and clauses. Come on in, and let's bring it all together.
Parts of Speech · Today with Connie
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Section 1 · Meet the Conjunctions
Sections 2–3
Meet the Conjunctions!
A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. The coordinating conjunctions, the FANBOYS, join pieces of equal importance; correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs; and subordinating conjunctions lean one clause on another. Whichever you pick, it connects and names the relationship between the ideas.
One conjunction links two words, one links two phrases, and one links two whole thoughts.
Gavin's socks are usually yellow or green.
I generally brush my teeth in the morning and in the evening.
I did all my homework, so I get to watch television!
Coordinating Conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The seven coordinating conjunctions are FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. When joining independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
In a sentence
One FANBOYS word joins two words, one joins two phrases, and one joins two complete thoughts.
Jake and Susan rode the roller coaster.
Do you want to wear this new blue shirt or that old yellow one?
The sun is shining, yet I just felt a raindrop.
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Now you try
A FANBOYS word joins these two phrases into one. Try and, the go-anywhere FANBOYS word. The FANBOYS are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
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Joining Complete Thoughts
A FANBOYS word can join two complete thoughts into one sentence. A complete thought, or independent clause, makes sense on its own. Put a comma before the conjunction, then let so, but, or and say how the two thoughts relate.
In a sentence
Each FANBOYS word changes the meaning. The comma is already in place; you choose the conjunction.
I got a bad math grade, so I decided to study more diligently.
The schools are all closed, for there is a storm on the way.
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Now you try
A conjunction can tie two complete thoughts together. You could try and, but, or so. Notice how the meaning changes with each one.
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That's the whole department, all joined up. What's your function? The Big Conjunction Quiz is eight questions away, and I just know you'll bring it all together.
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