Introduction
Coordinating conjunctions join two equal grammatical units - words, phrases, or independent clauses. The two most common are and (addition) and but (contrast).
element+coordinating conjunction+equal element
- My new neighbour is smart and kind.
- I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
- He can come on Monday or Wednesday.
- It was hard work, yet we enjoyed it.
And, But, Or, So, Yet
Each one signals a different link between the two parts:
| Conjunction | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | addition | I bought bread and milk. |
| but | contrast | She's talented but lazy. |
| or | choice / alternative | Do you prefer tea or coffee? |
| so | result / consequence | It rained, so we stayed in. |
| yet | contrast (surprising) | He's rich, yet unhappy. |
| nor | negative addition | I don't smoke, nor do I drink. |
| for | reason (formal) | He was cold, for it was winter. |
Comma Rules with Coordinating Conjunctions
Whether to use a comma depends on what is being joined.
| What is joined? | Comma? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two independent clauses | Yes | I was tired, but I kept going. |
| Two words or short phrases | No | bread and butter |
| Three or more items (list) | Oxford comma optional | I like tea, coffee, and juice. |
Practice
It rained, ___ we stayed in. (result)
He's rich, ___ unhappy. (surprising contrast)
Which sentence needs a comma before the conjunction?
I don't smoke, ___ do I drink.
She is smart ___ kind. (addition)
I wanted to go, ___ I was too tired.
He can come on Monday ___ Wednesday - but only one of those days.
He was cold, ___ it was winter. (formal reason)
bread ___ butter
Which sentence needs the Oxford comma to avoid ambiguity?
I like tea, coffee___ and juice. (using the Oxford comma)
It was hard work, ___ we enjoyed it. (surprising contrast)
Which word is NOT a coordinating conjunction?
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