Parts of Speech

3. Coordinating Conjunctions

The English language has seven coordinating conjunctions, and they’re easy to remember if you can just remember FANBOYS

—  For - Explains reason or purpose (just like “because”) I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the ducks on the lake.

And - Adds one thing to another
I go to the park every Sunday to watch the ducks on the lake and the shirtless men playing soccer.

—  Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea
I don’t go for the fresh air nor really for the ducks. Honestly, I just like the soccer

—  But - Shows contrast
The soccer in the park is entertaining in the winter, but it’s better in the heat of summer.

—  Or - Presents an alternative or a choice
The men play on teams: shirts or skins.

—  Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically (similar to “but”)
I always take a book to read, yet I never seem to turn a single page.

—  So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
I’ve started dating one of the soccer players, so now I have an excuse to watch the game each week.