Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Which list contains all seven of the words known as the FANBOYS coordinating conjunctions?

• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

• because, although, while, since, if, when, until

• over, under, beside, through, with, from, into

• however, therefore, moreover, also, then, thus, finally

Answer explanation

The acronym FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, which are the seven coordinating conjunctions. The other options list subordinating conjunctions, prepositions, or conjunctive adverbs.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Complete the sentence: I was really tired, _____ I still finished my homework.

• so

• but

• or

• for

Answer explanation

The word 'but' is used here to show a contrast between being tired and still finishing the homework. 'So' would incorrectly imply that being tired caused the homework to be finished.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Complete the sentence: You can have an apple, _____ you can have a banana for your snack.

• nor

• yet

• or

• so

Answer explanation

The word 'or' correctly shows that there is a choice between two options: an apple and a banana. The other conjunctions do not indicate a choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Which sentence is a compound sentence, meaning it joins two complete thoughts (independent clauses)?

• My dog and cat are best friends.

• I wanted to play outside, but it was raining.

• She ran fast and won the race.

• We can go to the movies or the mall.

Answer explanation

This sentence contains two independent clauses: 'I wanted to play outside' and 'it was raining,' joined by a comma and the conjunction 'but'. The other sentences have compound subjects or predicates, not two independent clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

True or False: You must always put a comma before the word 'and' in every sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A comma is only needed before 'and' when it connects two independent clauses (complete sentences). A comma is not used when 'and' connects two words or phrases, like in 'I ate pizza and a salad.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Which sentence shows the correct punctuation for a compound sentence?

• I like to read but my brother likes to watch TV.

• I like to read, but my brother likes to watch TV.

• I like to read, but, my brother likes to watch TV.

• I like to read but, my brother likes to watch TV.

Answer explanation

When a coordinating conjunction (like 'but') joins two independent clauses, a comma should be placed before the conjunction. The other options are missing the comma or have it in the wrong place.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Complete the sentence: She did not want to clean her room, _____ would she help with the dishes.

• or

• but

• so

• nor

Answer explanation

The word 'nor' is used to continue a negative thought. Since the first clause is negative ('did not want'), 'nor' is the correct choice to add another negative idea.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Which sentence correctly joins two verbs (a compound predicate) without an unnecessary comma?

• The puppy wagged its tail, and barked happily.

• The puppy wagged its tail and barked happily.

• The puppy, wagged its tail and barked happily.

• The puppy wagged its tail and, barked happily.

Answer explanation

A comma is not needed before 'and' because it connects two verbs ('wagged' and 'barked') that share the same subject ('The puppy'). This is a compound predicate, not two independent clauses.

Which is the BEST way to combine these two sentences into one compound sentence? 'I studied for the test. I was still nervous.'

• I studied for the test, so I was still nervous.

• I studied for the test, for I was still nervous.

• I studied for the test, yet I was still nervous.

• I studied for the test, or I was still nervous.

Answer explanation

The word 'yet' shows an unexpected contrast, which fits the logic that even after studying, the feeling of nervousness remained. 'So' would incorrectly suggest studying caused the nervousness.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Complete the sentence: We must leave now, _____ we will miss the beginning of the movie.

• or

• but

• yet

• nor

Answer explanation

The word 'or' correctly shows a consequence. In this case, the consequence of not leaving now is missing the movie. It presents the two outcomes.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E