Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank in a sentence. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and they can be easily remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:
* For (reason or purpose)
* And (addition)
* Nor (negative addition)
* But (contrast or exception)
* Or (choice or alternative)
* Yet (contrast or concession)
* So (result or consequence)
Here are some examples of how coordinating conjunctions are used in sentences:
* Words: The cat sat on the mat and purred contentedly.
* Phrases: She went to the store but couldn't find what she was looking for.
* Clauses: I want to go to the party, but I have a lot of work to do.
Coordinating conjunctions can also be used to create compound sentences, which are sentences that have two or more independent clauses. For example:
* The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
In this sentence, "The sun was shining" and "the birds were singing" are both independent clauses, and they are joined together by the coordinating conjunction "and".
When using a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses, it is generally recommended to place a comma before the conjunction. However, this rule can be flexible depending on the length and complexity of the clauses.
Coordinating conjunctions are an essential part of English grammar, and they can be used to create a variety of sentence structures. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can improve your writing and communication skills.
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