What Are Coordinating Conjunctions? Usage and Practice Exercises

Coordinating conjunctions are essential elements in English grammar that help make sentences more coherent and easier to understand. They are not only used to join parts of a sentence but also to create smooth logical connections between ideas — a crucial skill in the IELTS Writing test. So, what exactly are coordinating conjunctions, and how are they used?

In this article, IDP IELTS will introduce the most common coordinating conjunctions and explain how to use them effectively in English writing and speaking.

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect elements of equal grammatical value in a sentence. These connectors help combine ideas to form clearer, more fluent sentences.

In English, there are seven common coordinating conjunctions, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:

• F – for

• A – and

• N – nor

• B – but

• O – or

• Y – yet

• S – so

Examples:

• You can choose to have a sandwich or cereal for breakfast.

• The cake was delicious, so everyone asked for a second slice.

Coordinating conjunctions create smooth transitions between ideas in a sentence. When used correctly, they not only enrich sentence variety but also clearly express the relationship between thoughts. Here's how to use them:

Connecting Single Words

When a coordinating conjunction connects single words, those words must be of the same grammatical type — noun with noun, verb with verb, adjective with adjective, etc.

Example:

• Remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat.

Here, or connects two nouns: umbrella and raincoat.

Connecting Phrases

Coordinating conjunctions can also connect two grammatical phrases, such as noun phrases or adjective phrases.

Example:

• The cozy armchair and the soft blanket made the room feel warm.

Here, and connects two noun phrases: the cozy armchair and the soft blanket.

Connecting Independent Clauses

An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. When two related independent clauses are joined, use a coordinating conjunction along with a comma.

Example:

• She did not have enough spare time, but she wanted to join the book club.

Here, but connects two independent clauses with a comma.

These seven FANBOYS words connect words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. Here's how to use each:

For

Indicates a cause-effect relationship. The clause following for gives the reason.

Example:

• The garden looks lush, for it has been raining all week.

And

Adds similar ideas or joins similar elements. When listing more than two items, and is placed before the final item.

Example:

• She enjoys drinking matcha latte and eating croissants.

Nor

Used to join two negative ideas. When connecting two independent clauses, the second clause requires subject-verb inversion.

Example:

• She has no time to cook, nor does she enjoy eating out.

But

Shows contrast between two ideas.

Example:

• The cake was delicious but a bit too sweet for my taste.

Or

Indicates a choice or alternative. Often used in questions or conditional sentences.

Example:

• We can take a bus, or we can walk if the weather is nice.

Yet

Similar in meaning to but, but often used in more formal writing. Requires a comma before yet when connecting independent clauses.

Example:

• She was exhausted, yet she continued working until midnight.

So

Shows a cause-effect relationship, where the second clause is the result of the first.

Example:

• Jan failed the exam, so he will have to retake it next semester.

To use coordinating conjunctions correctly, it is important to follow punctuation rules:

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when:

• Connecting two independent clauses

• Listing three or more items in a series

Example:

• This book was expensive, for it was a limited edition.

Do not use a comma when:

• Connecting only two words or short phrases

Example:

• He neither drinks coffee nor tea in the morning.

In IELTS Writing, coherence and clarity are key to achieving a high band score. A common mistake is writing long, disconnected sentences or using incorrect grammar structures. This can reduce the logical flow of the essay.

Using coordinating conjunctions effectively helps organize ideas and avoid common sentence structure mistakes.

Sample Task: Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What causes global warming and what measures can governments and individuals take to tackle the issue?

Example using FANBOYS conjunctions:

• For: The earth’s temperature is rising due to CO2 emissions, for many factories continue to use fossil fuels.

• And: The main causes of global warming are greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

• Nor: Many people are unaware of the damage caused by non-renewable energy use, nor do they take action to reduce their carbon footprint.

• But: Renewable energy is encouraged, but its adoption is limited by cost.

• Or: Governments can invest in green technology or offer subsidies to individuals.

• Yet: Some believe small actions like turning off lights are useless, yet these habits make a difference when practiced collectively.

• So: Governments and individuals must work together, so we can slow down climate change and protect the planet.

Exercise 1: Complete the following sentences using a coordinating conjunction

1. Would you want to go out to dinner ___ see a movie?

2. Neither coffee ___ tea are to her taste.

3. He put a lot of effort into studying for the test, ___ he failed.

4. They were too exhausted to go out, ___ they decided to stay home.

5. She enjoys traveling to explore the culture ___ experience the local cuisine.

Exercise 2: Combine the sentence pairs using a coordinating conjunction

1. She loves painting. She does not have much time for it.

2. He was worn out from the day. He continued working into the night.

3. You can take the bus. You can get to school by bicycle.

4. The weather was awful. They canceled the trip.

5. I am not a fan of scary films. My sister also dislikes them.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

1. or

2. nor

3. but

4. so

5. and

Exercise 2:

1. She loves painting, but she does not have much time for it.

2. He was worn out from the day, yet he continued working into the night.

3. You can take the bus, or you can get to school by bicycle.

4. The weather was awful, so they canceled the trip.

5. I am not a fan of scary films, nor is my sister.

Master Coordinating Conjunctions with IDP

We hope this guide helped you understand what coordinating conjunctions are, how to use them correctly, and how they can improve your writing — especially for the IELTS test. Mastering coordinating conjunctions will improve your sentence fluency, clarity, and logical flow.

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