Conjunctions List: The FANBOYS Rule

The "Superglue" of English Grammar

📌 Quick Answer
A Conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. The most common ones are called Coordinating Conjunctions. You can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS:

  • For (Reason)
  • And (Addition)
  • Nor (Negative addition)
  • But (Contrast)
  • Or (Option)
  • Yet (Surprise contrast)
  • So (Result)

Memory Trick: Just remember the fanboys cheering for grammar rules!

Quick Comparison

Focus What to Check Why It Matters
Main rule Conjunctions List: The FANBOYS Rule Start with the quick answer before applying the rule in a sentence.
Final check Compare the sentence against the examples on this page. This helps you avoid choosing a form or rule too early.

Comparing FANBOYS Usage

Word Meaning Example
For Because I drank water, for I was thirsty.
And Plus I like tea and coffee.
Nor Neither I don't like tea, nor do I like coffee.
But However I like tea, but not coffee.
Or Choice Do you want tea or coffee?
Yet Even so He was tired, yet he kept running.
So Therefore I was hungry, so I ate.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent clause. They show relationships like time, cause, condition, and contrast.

Relationship Conjunctions Example
Time after, before, when, while, until, since, as soon as After the rain stopped, we went outside.
Cause/Reason because, since, as, now that I stayed home because I was sick.
Condition if, unless, provided that, as long as You'll pass if you study.
Contrast although, though, even though, whereas, while Although she was tired, she finished the project.
Purpose so that, in order that She studied hard so that she could pass.
💡 Comma Rule for Subordinating Conjunctions

If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma: "Because it rained, we stayed inside."
If it comes second, no comma is needed: "We stayed inside because it rained."

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join equal grammatical elements.

Pair Function Example
both…and Addition (emphasis) She is both smart and hardworking.
either…or Choice Either call me or send an email.
neither…nor Negative choice He neither called nor texted.
not only…but also Emphatic addition She is not only talented but also dedicated.
whether…or Alternative I'll go whether you join me or not.

Common Mistakes

The Comma Splice

❌ Incorrect:

I love pizza, I eat it every day.

✓ Correct:

I love pizza, so I eat it every day.

You cannot join two sentences with just a comma. You need a conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.

Fragment After Subordinating Conjunction

❌ Incorrect:

Because she was tired.

✓ Correct:

Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

A subordinating conjunction creates a dependent clause — it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Add an independent clause to complete the thought.

Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions

❌ Incorrect:

She not only sings but also a talented dancer.

✓ Correct:

She is not only a singer but also a dancer.

Correlative conjunctions must join grammatically parallel elements. If one side is a noun, the other must be too.

Missing Comma Before FANBOYS

❌ Incorrect:

She wanted to leave early but her boss asked her to stay.

✓ Correct:

She wanted to leave early, but her boss asked her to stay.

When a FANBOYS conjunction joins two independent clauses (complete sentences), place a comma before the conjunction.

🎯 Test Your Knowledge

Choose the correct conjunction.

1. I wanted to go, ___ I was too tired.

2. It was raining, ___ I took an umbrella.

3. ___ she studied hard, she didn't pass the test.

4. He doesn't like coffee, ___ does he drink tea.

5. You can ___ call me ___ send an email.

6. I stayed home ___ I was feeling unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 types of conjunctions?

Coordinating (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join equal elements. Subordinating (because, although, if, when, while) connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. Correlative (both…and, either…or, neither…nor) work in pairs to join parallel elements.

Do I always need a comma before "and" or "but"?

Only when joining two independent clauses (complete sentences): "I called, and she answered." No comma when joining words or phrases: "I like tea and coffee."

Can I start a sentence with "And" or "But"?

Yes. Starting a sentence with "And," "But," or "Because" is grammatically correct. The old "rule" against it was a teaching strategy, not a real grammar rule. Professional writers do it regularly for emphasis and flow.

What is a comma splice and how do I fix it?

A comma splice is joining two independent clauses with just a comma: "I'm tired, I'll go to bed." Fix it by: (1) adding a FANBOYS conjunction: "I'm tired, so I'll go to bed," (2) using a semicolon: "I'm tired; I'll go to bed," or (3) making two sentences.

What is the difference between "yet" and "but"?

Both show contrast, but "yet" implies surprise or an unexpected result: "He was exhausted, yet he finished the marathon." "But" is a simpler contrast: "I like tea, but not coffee." In most cases, they are interchangeable, though "yet" sounds more formal.

How Conjunctions Connect Things

Conjunctions are essential because they link Nouns, Verbs, and entire ideas together.

Word Origins & Etymology

Conjunction comes from Latin 'conjunctio' (a joining together), from 'conjungere' (con- 'together' + jungere 'to join'). Conjunctions are the 'glue' words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.

English has three types: coordinating (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), subordinating (because, although, if, when, while), and correlative (both...and, either...or, neither...nor).

🔗 The Connection

The FANBOYS acronym for the seven coordinating conjunctions is one of the most successful grammar mnemonics ever created.

Real-World Examples

See how these words work in genuine contexts — from business emails to academic papers.

📏 Coordinating:

I like coffee, but she prefers tea.

But = coordinating (FANBOYS), joins equal clauses
📏 Subordinating:

Although it was raining, we went hiking.

Although = subordinating, makes one clause dependent
📏 Correlative:

Either submit the form online or mail it by Friday.

Either...or = correlative pair
💼 Business:

The product is innovative and cost-effective.

And = joins equal elements
❌ Starting Sentences:

And that's exactly why we need to act now.

Starting sentences with 'and' or 'but' is grammatically fine — it's a style choice, not an error.
💡 FANBOYS:

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So — the 7 coordinating conjunctions.

Memorize FANBOYS and you've mastered coordinating conjunctions

Why Do People Confuse Them?

The biggest misconception is that you can't start a sentence with 'and,' 'but,' or 'because.' This 'rule' was never a real grammar rule — it was a teaching strategy to prevent young students from writing fragments. Professional writers start sentences with conjunctions regularly. The real challenge is using subordinating conjunctions correctly to avoid sentence fragments.

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