Conjunctions
What is a conjunction?
• Words that connect other words or groups of
words in a sentence are called conjunctions.
• Conjunctions can connect two subjects, two
predicates, or two sentences.
– Gulls and puffins are sea birds.
– They swim and dive well.
– Gulls soar, and puffins swim gracefully.
Conjunctions continued
• Conjunctions can also connect other words in
a sentence.
– Sam walked quickly but quietly.
– He looked on the cliff and near the shore.
– He did not see any puffins or gulls.
Coordinating Conjunctions
• You can remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. in order to
identify the conjunctions in a sentence.
– F = For
– A = And
– N = Nor
– B = But
– O = Or
– Y = Yet
– S = So
• Be careful not to mistake a preposition for a
conjunction!
Coordinating Conjunctions (Hints)
• You can remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. in order to
identify the conjunctions in a sentence.
– F = For (formal speaking and can be substituted with
because)
– A = And
– N = Nor
– B = But
– O = Or
– Y = Yet (formal speaking and can be substituted with
but)
– S = So
• Be careful not to mistake a preposition for a conjunction!
Common Conjunctions
Conjunction
Use
Example
And
Joins together
An addition
Shows contrast
Swans and
penguins swim.
Swans live on
ponds, but
penguins do not.
Shows positive
choice
Penguins slide or
waddle
But
Or
Common Conjunctions
Conjunction
Use
Example
For
To show reason
Nor
Shows negative
choice
I wore my blue dress
for everyone was
dressing up
Neither penguins
nor ostriches can fly.
Yet
Shows contrast
So
Shows results
Brian hurried, yet
time was running
out.
I wanted to stay
home, so I told my
mom I was sick.
Identify the conjunction in each of
these sentences.
1. Parrots live in wild places or in zoos.
2. Their beaks and feet are good for
climbing.
3. Tame parrots are friendly and loyal to
their owners.
4. Most parrots live in jungles, but some
live in grasslands.
5. They eat seeds and drink at water holes.