There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language, and they are easily remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:
Coordinating conjunctions signify the relationship between two independent clauses (IC), allowing the writer to specify meaning. In other words, when we construct a compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction, we ask our readers to understand that the two ideas logically relate to each other in the way in which we specify: |
Logic | Coordinating Conjunctions |
Addition | |
Opposition, Contrast, Concession | |
Cause | |
Result or Effect | |
Choice, Option, Alternative | |
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In addition to signifying a specific relationship between ideas, the compound structure also tells the reader that the ideas in these clauses are valued equally: one idea is no more important than the other. I may choose to indicate contrast between ideas by using the coordinating conjunction "but," wanting my reader to see the difference(s) between my ideas, yet I am also indicating to my reader that each independent clause should be equally valued.
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