Conjunctions: FANBOYS, types and examples

I wanted to play, but I was hungry. I ate bamboo and then I played. That "but" and that "and" are conjunctions: the words that join ideas.

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases or clauses. Here are the three types, with easy examples.

Play Letter River Play Stop!

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

• For: I ate, for I was hungry.
• And: I ate and slept.
• Nor: I did not eat, nor did I sleep.
• But: I studied, but I failed.
• Or: Play or study.
• Yet: It was late, yet I kept playing.
• So: I trained, so I won.

Subordinating conjunctions

They join a clause that depends on the main one.

• Because, since, as (reason)
• Although, though, even though (contrast)
• If, unless (condition)
• When, while, before, after, until (time)
• So that (purpose)

Correlative conjunctions

• Either... or
• Neither... nor
• Both... and
• Not only... but also
• Whether... or

Practice by playing

In Letter River, you read a clue and drag across the letters on the board to spell the answer, light vocabulary practice.

PolarzinhoI played Letter River because I had time. I won, although the otter was better. Two conjunctions and one moral defeat.

And in Stop!, it is quick: write, or lose your turn.

PolarzinhoIn Stop! I wanted to win, but my friends wrote faster.

FAQ

What does FANBOYS stand for?

For, and, nor, but, or, yet and so: the seven coordinating conjunctions.

Can you start a sentence with "but" or "and"?

Yes. It is fine in everyday and creative writing, though some formal styles avoid it.

Is "because" a coordinating conjunction?

No. It is a subordinating conjunction.

Your turn

Name the type: "I studied, but I failed", "If it rains, I stay" and "Either play or study".

Play Letter River Play Stop!