Yet, but, and, or, nor, so, for, etc. are considered the most important coordinating conjunctions in English grammar. As per various online platform, they are also called” FANBOYS”. We can form longer, coherent, impactful, more organized yet simpler form of sentence by connecting equal grammatical units such as words, phrases, and different clauses through coordinating conjunctions. Most notable characteristic of these coordinating conjunctions is that they connect independent clause to form compound and mixed sentences. So, let’s explore the world of must use coordinating conjunctions.
The Conjunction: meaning and types
Words that are used to connect two words, phrases, clauses, and sentences having equal grammatical rank are classified as conjunctions. It is a vital element of parts of speech in English grammar.
The conjunction is a basic element of English grammar. It is hardly possible to construct meaningful and organized sentences without the role of conjunctions. So, in order to ensure to make meaningful polished piece of writing, one should have sufficient knowledge of coordinating conjunctions.
Classification of conjunctions
- The coordinating conjunctions: cumulative, adversative, alternative, and, illative
- The subordinating conjunctions: time, place, manner, conditions, cause, contrast, comparison
- The correlative conjunctions: not only.. But also, neither…nor, both…and, either…or
- These are major types of conjunctions we use while communicating by using English language. They conjunctions have different role and purpose as connectors.
Types of coordinating conjunctions
- Cumulative: and
- Alternative: or, nor
- Adversative: but, yet
- Illative: for, so
How to use coordinating conjunctions
First, coordinating conjunctions connect two equal grammatical units. It means any grammatical units must be balanced by another same rank unit: adjective is connected by other adjective, noun phrase is connected by another noun phrase, and clause by clause, etc.
- The dog leaped, jumped, and ran away quickly.
Second, coordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses. For, depending clauses, subordinating conjunctions are used.
- It was sunny and bright weather in the morning, but suddenly became dark and gloomy in the second half.
In this example, both are independent clauses. It means they can stand alone in terms of meaning.
Third, it is advised to use comma if the conjunction positioned between two connecting clauses. Coordinating conjunctions could be placed either at the beginning or in the middle depending on the condition.
- It was raining heavily, yet people were working in farm.
Understanding the most important coordinating conjunctions
1. And: adding extra information
The most useful and highly used coordinating conjunction is “And”. It is used two words, two, phrases, and two independent clauses.
- The Farmer is sowing and watering his farm thereafter.(Verbs)
- The carpenter is polishing a chair and table.(Noun)
- Students went out to watch famous book fair, and they purchased some valuable books.(independent clauses)
Most of the time, “And” Coordinating conjunction is positioned in between two independent clauses. And, it is separated by comma.
2. But and yet: factual contrast vs surprising contrast
“But” Contrasting coordinating conjunction is used to describe more factual contrast, whereas “yet” Conjunction introduces more surprising contrast.
First, both but and yet are coordinating conjunctions used to describe the contrasting relationship between main clause and independent clause.
- Green energy is more costly than conventional, but it is a clean form of energy.(Positive contrast)
- It is proved that junk food is not healthy, yet younger generation consumes junk food.(negative contrast)
Second, Coordinating conjunction “but” is more milder than “yet” in terms of expressing contrast to the earlier main clause. “But” is used for negative as well as positive contrast. Whereas, “Yet” indicates negative contrast.
Third, In spite of” or “Despite that” is hidden meaning of “but” conjunction. Comparatively, ‘But’ is slightly milder in degree of contrast than ‘Yet’ Conjunction.
- The cause of water scarcity isn’t low rainfall, but it is the poor water management.
- People are facing acute water scarcity, yet they are using it carelessly.
Using “but rather instead of but” Conjunction
Most of the time, we use “but rather instead of but” to highlight the importance of second part of the sentence. In short, to provide better clarification of first statement, it is used to introduce second part.
- Food crisis isn’t a product of food scarcity, but rather mismanagement of available resources.
- Trade war between US and China isn’t due to trade imbalance, but rather it is for global dominance.
- Fossil fuels are proved dangerous for environment, yet it is being used heavily.
3. Or and nor: positive or negative alternative possibilities
First, Alternative coordinating conjunctions: “or and nor” are used along “either and neither” correlative coordinating conjunctions.
Second, “Or” describes positive alternative possibility. On the other hand, “nor” expresses negative alternative possibility.
Third, nor” expresses negative alternative possibility. It is used to connect two negative independent contrasting clauses.
Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb, nor + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb.
- I do not play for money, nor do I play for publicity.
- I do not like fast food, nor do I prefer spicy but simple boiled food.
Fourth, Or” describes positive alternative possibility between two or more alternatives. It connect two choices.
- You can go for picnic, or you can stay at home.
- You can select geography or sociology for main exam.
4. So and for: infer something
First, “so and for” coordinating conjunctions are used to infer something on the basis of earlier claim or statement.
- She is so sharp, so she quickly understand any topic.
Second, It is used to describe inference. Most of the time, illative coordinating conjunctions are positioned in between two independent clauses and separated by comma.
- Third, illative conjunctions are used to form argument and persuasive communication.
- Daily exercising is most important, for it can help us to be fit and healthy.
Once you learn all the most useful coordinating conjunctions properly, you can comfortably construct the compound and mix sentence. Compound sentences are formed by connecting two independent clauses. Mixed sentences are formed by connecting more clauses.
Types of sentences
1.Complex sentence: main clause + depending clauses
2.Compound sentence: main clause + independent clauses
3.Mixed sentence: main clause + independent clauses + depending clauses.