Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses and show how they relate to each other. You can remember these words using the mnemonic FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
These conjunctions act like traffic signals, helping readers navigate your ideas.
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For signals that the next idea caused the first idea.
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And signals that two ideas are connected or have equal value.
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Nor signals that neither idea is applicable.
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But signals a shift in thinking or an unexpected twist.
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Or signals a choice between options.
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Yet signals an even stronger surprise than but.
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So signals that the next idea is the result of the first idea.
Your Turn Choose the best coordinating conjunction from the options in parentheses.
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Wilma Mankiller's life was marked by hardships, ( so or but ) she achieved many great things.
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During her childhood, the government took over her family's ancestral land in Oklahoma, ( so or for ) she moved to San Francisco.
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She called the move her personal “Trail of Tears,” ( for or but ) it reminded her of the forced relocation of Native Americans in the 19th century.
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At this point, she could have given into despair, ( so or but ) she could seek a productive outlet for her grief.
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She chose a life of service, ( and nor for ) she believed it was her duty to help the Cherokee people.
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Mankiller’s activism led to cleaner drinking water ( so but and ) better job opportunities for Cherokee people.
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Mankiller neither allowed social obstacles ( or nor so ) serious health problems keep her from her life’s work.
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Up until 1987 no woman had served as chief of the Cherokee Nation, ( and nor yet ) Mankiller ran for election and won easily.
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She understood the Cherokee Nation needed greater resources and support, ( so for or ) she opened a dialogue between the Cherokee Nation and the federal government.
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Upon her death in 2010, President Barack Obama memorialized Mankiller for serving “as an inspiration to women in Indian Country ( and but or ) across America.”
