What Is A Coordinating Conjunction? | Definition And Examples

Coordinating Conjunction Definition

A coordinate conjunction adds two words, two phrases or two clauses. The elements of two sentences must be the same (they must be coordinated) to be added to such a combination, often in the middle of a sentence with some close punctuation marks. There are seven (7) coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor. In this lesson, we will look at the definition of a coordinating conjunction, examine what a coordinating conjunction is, and how it works in a sentence, and look at many examples of integrated connections.

What is a Coordinating Conjunction?

A coordinating conjunction, also called a coordinate conjunction, is a conjunction that is used to connect words, clauses, phrases and sentences together. For example, a coordinating conjunction to the word and sentence, Aaron speaks English and Scottish.

Coordinating conjunctions are very commonly used in all types of writing and speech. Here are some parts of the speech that we can connect using the coordinate conjunctions:

• Nouns: The Eagles and the falcons are birds.
• Verbs:  He did not know if he would stay or leave.
• Adjectives: Pepper is spicy but sweet.
• Adverbs: He went quickly and silently.
• Prepositional phrases: You can go there by air or sea.
• Noun phrases: Reading books and playing the guitar are my two hobbies.
• Clauses: My sister likes winter, but I like summer.

Coordinating Conjunction Rules

Since there are only seven of these terms, there are a few rules for using properly coordinated connections:

1. It's a good idea to use memory "FANBOYS" to remember coordinate combinations so you never forget them.

They are:

• F = for
• A = and
• N = nor
• B = but
• O = or
• Y = yet
• S = so

2. Coordinating conjunctions always connect phrases, and words, clauses. Such as: This batch of mushroom stew is delicious and tasty.

3. Some instructors have warned that it is wrong to start a sentence with a coordinate connection. Mostly, this is because they are trying to stop you from writing the pieces instead of the whole sentence; Sometimes though, it’s just a personal choice. The point is, as long as you follow these three rules to do this, you can start the sentence with the coordinating conjunctions:

• Ensure that the coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a mainstream.
• Don't use coordinating conjunctions to start all your sentences. Only do this when it makes your writing more effective.
• Although commas usually follow integrated conjunctions used in cases other than the beginning of a sentence, if no interrupter is followed immediately, they should not be used after the coordinating conjunctions used to open the sentence.

Why are Coordinating Conjunctions Important?

The main function of a conjunction is to link different parts of a sentence together which helps you to connect or emphasize an idea or action.

A conjunctions help you to form more complex and interesting sentences and make your writing flow smoother.

Coordinating conjunctions serve a very large function. They combine obvious ideas, creating integrated, comprehensive ideas.

A compound sentence is a sentence that is formed after the addition of a coordinating conjunction of two separate clauses. This is different from complex sentences, which form the key after adding a subordinate addition.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

In the following examples, coordinating conjunctions are slanted for easy detection.

• I am tired but not weak.
• Zeba lost but played well.
• She is sad but not broken.
• He falls quickly and clearly.
• Sohan and Niki will go with us.
• I told you but you didn't listen.
• Alex won the first or best prize.
• Michael played well but he lost.
• Shawn played well but still lost.
• Jack stood first and got a prize.
• He is quick and He reads clearly.
• Smith and Robin went the beach.
• When I was asleep but you were out.
• Alex is in good form but Smith is not.
• Robin and Russell went to the beach.
• He was sorry but did not break down.
• Warner and Watson are in good form.
• I told you but you didn't listen and left.
• Sleep now, or you'll miss class tomorrow.
• He and I broke up at least three years ago.
• Rockey didn't try hard so he didn't succeed.
• I was sleeping and you made a lot of noise.
• She is smarter but her boyfriend is smarter.
• You can eat your bread with a fork or spoon.
• Alex became the first or best win the award.
• Rick, and as well as Shakh, came here yesterday.
• You have to listen to me or you have to leave.
• Life is full of problems but no one wants to die.
• Bill refuses to eat peas, and he won't touch carrots.
• Watson and Warner are in good form in the team.
• Alex has been first in the competition but he is not happy.
• Along with Shawn, and Rita also came here yesterday.
• My cat enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails trimmed.
• I hate wasting a drop of gas, and because it's so expensive these days.
• Play to the best of your ability, and otherwise you will be eliminated from the team.
• I will not say anything, but otherwise you may misunderstand me.

Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises

The following exercises will help you to understand more about how Coordinating Conjunctions work. So choose the best answer to complete each sentence below.

Exercises:
1. Jenifer will be late to work, _____ he has a dental appointment.
A. but
B. or
C. for
D. nor

2. Thomas doesn't like to swim, ____ does she enjoy cycling.
A. and
B. or
C. but
D. nor

3. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of bread, ____ he was on a diet.
A. for
B. but
C. yet
D. so

4. Would you like have cheese _____ bologna in your sandwich?
A. For
B. Nor
C. Or
D. So

5. His two favorite sports are cricket ______ tennis.

A. Or
B. And
C. Nor
D. For

6. I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mick refused.
A. But
B. Or
C. So
D. For

7. I am allergic to dogs, ­­­­______ I have two of them.
A. Or
B. For
C. Yet
D. So

8. I am a vegetarian, ­­­­_______ I don’t like to eat any meat.
A. So
B. Yet
C. Nor
D. But

9. I am a patient, _______ I do not eat any meat.
A. Yet
B. Or
C. So
D. And

Answer Key:

1. – C. Jenifer will be late to work, for he has a dental appointment
2. – D.  Thomas doesn't like to swim, nor does she enjoy cycling.
3. – B. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of bread, but he was on a diet.
4. – C. Would you like to have cheese or bologna in your sandwich?
5. – B. His two favorite sports are cricket and tennis.
6. – A. I wanted to go to the beach, but Mick refused.
7. – C. I am allergic to cows, yet I have two of them.
8. – A. I am a vegetarian, so I don’t like to eat any meat.
9. – C. I am a patient, so I do not eat any meat.

Conclusion

Conjunctions are used in sentences to express an additional or opposite idea, to show the relationship between cause and effect, to show purpose, to show the relation of time and place.

The coordinating conjunction  joins two elements of the same type, where the two elements do not depend on each other. Subordinate conjunction, on the other hand, add subordinate conjunction to the main clause to provide additional details.