coordinating conjunction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very HighNeutral to Formal (when the term itself is used); the conjunctions it describes are used universally across all registers.
Quick answer
What does “coordinating conjunction” mean?
A conjunction that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal syntactic importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conjunction that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal syntactic importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or'.
A member of a closed class of grammatical items (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that link linguistic units of equivalent status, creating compound structures. They express relations like addition, contrast, choice, consequence, or reason.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the definition, set, or use of coordinating conjunctions themselves. The mnemonic 'FANBOYS' is more common in American pedagogical contexts.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
The term is equally frequent in grammatical discussion in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “coordinating conjunction” in a Sentence
[Clause 1] + coordinating conjunction + [Clause 2][Word] + coordinating conjunction + [Word][Phrase] + coordinating conjunction + [Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coordinating conjunction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tutor will be coordinating the grammar lecture.
- We are coordinating the study of different conjunction types.
American English
- The professor coordinated the lesson on parts of speech.
- They are coordinating a workshop on sentence structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manuals and reports to create clear, compound lists and statements (e.g., 'The strategy failed, yet we learned valuable lessons.').
Academic
A fundamental term in linguistics and grammar textbooks; the conjunctions themselves are used extensively in academic writing to structure complex arguments.
Everyday
The concept is taught in school; the conjunctions are used constantly in daily speech and writing.
Technical
A precise term in syntactic theory, describing a specific node in phrase structure trees (e.g., ConjP).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coordinating conjunction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coordinating conjunction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coordinating conjunction”
- Using a comma alone to join two independent clauses (comma splice).
- Confusing 'so' (coordinating) with 'so that' (subordinating).
- Placing a comma after the coordinating conjunction when it starts a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are seven primary coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the mnemonic FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical rank. Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if) introduce a dependent clause, making it subordinate to the main clause.
A comma is typically used before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses. It is usually omitted when joining just two words or short phrases.
Yes, starting a sentence with 'And', 'But', or 'Or' is grammatically acceptable and often used for stylistic effect in modern English, though it was traditionally discouraged.
A conjunction that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal syntactic importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or'.
Coordinating conjunction is usually neutral to formal (when the term itself is used); the conjunctions it describes are used universally across all registers. in register.
Coordinating conjunction: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˌɔː.dɪ.neɪ.tɪŋ kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˌɔːr.dən.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE (it connects two equal lands); GLUE (it binds equal parts); PLUS SIGN (it adds equivalents).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a coordinating conjunction?