August 27, 2025

FANBOYS: Coordinating Conjunctions

FANBOYS is an acronym used to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions in English:

• For

• And

• Nor

• But

• Or

• Yet

• So

These conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Usage of each FANBOY:

1. For: Used to show cause or reason (similar to "because").

   • Example: He went to the store, for he needed milk.

2. And: Used to add information or connect similar ideas.

   • Example: She likes to read and write.

3. Nor: Used to present a second negative option (usually preceded by "neither").

   • Example: He neither called nor wrote.

4. But: Used to show contrast or an exception.

   • Example: She is small, but she is strong.

5. Or: Used to present an alternative or choice.

   • Example: Do you want coffee or tea?

6. Yet: Used to show contrast or a surprising outcome (similar to "but").

   • Example: It was cold, yet they went swimming.

7. So: Used to show a result or consequence (similar to "therefore").

   • Example: He was hungry, so he ate an apple.