Correlative and Subordinating Conjunctions

​Conjunctions

A conjunction is the glue that holds words, phrases and clauses (both dependent and independent) together. A coordinating conjunction is a conjunction that connects words, phrases, and clauses that are coordinate, or equal to each other. There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS.​

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​​​Coordinating Conjunctions Examples:

​FANBOYS - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

​For—means "because":

I want to go there again, for it was a wonderful trip.

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And—means "in addition to":

We are going to a zoo and an aquarium on the same day.

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Nor-means "negative/not"

He likes neither hot dogs nor burgers. ​

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​But—connects two different things that are not in agreement:

I am a night owl, but she is an early bird.

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Or—indicates a choice between two things:

Do you want a red one or a blue one?

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Yet—indicates contrast with something:

He performed very well, yet he didn’t make the final cut.

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So—illustrates a result of the first thing:

This song has been very popular, so I downloaded it.​

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Multiple Choice

Zoe walked toward the school and into the office.

Identify the coordinating conjunction.

• and

• toward

• into

• the

Multiple Choice

The boys arrived to school early, for they woke up a half hour ahead of schedule.

Identify the coordinating conjunction.

• the

• to

• they

• for

Multiple Choice

I wanted a puppy _____ my mom said I can't have one.

Fill in the coordinating conjunction.

• for

• but

• so

• or

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a coordinating conjunction?

• but

• from

• and

• yet

Neither/nor

• He enjoys neither golfing nor fishing.

• Neither you nor I will get off early today.

Not only/but also

• Not only red but also green looks good on you.

• She got the perfect score in not only English but also math.

Both/and

• She won gold medals from both the single and group races.

• Both TV and television are correct words.

Either/or

• I am fine with either Monday or Wednesday.

• You can have either apples or pears.

​Coorelative Conjunctions

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate pair of correlative conjunctions:

Mr. Alt ______ filled his tank with gas ______ checked his oil, so it was predictable that his car would break down.

• Either...Or

• Both...And

• Whether...Or

• Neither...Nor

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate pair of correlative conjunctions:

When choosing a car, I carefully considered ______ cost ______ how long the mileage.

• Either...Or

• Neither...Nor

• Not only... But Also

• Whether...Or

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate pair of correlative conjunctions:

Shawn, ________ do your homework ______ set the table for supper. 

• Either...Or

• Neither...Nor

• Both..And

• Whether...Or