Coordinating Conjunctions: Example Sentences

Today, we are going to look at coordinating conjunctions and see just how to use them in natural, everyday English. These are common words we use to connect parts of a sentence. They often join two ideas that are equal or similar. When you learn how to use them well, your English becomes smoother and easier to understand. Let’s begin by looking at some example sentences. These will help you understand how coordinating conjunctions work. Read them out loud for better practice.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Please read and repeat the following sentences to help your English grow stronger. These examples show how coordinating conjunctions are used to link words, phrases, or clauses. Saying them aloud will help you get used to how they sound in natural speech.

1. I wanted tea, but they only had coffee.
2. She can sing, and she can dance.
3. He is tired, so he’s going to bed.
4. I don’t like fish, nor do I eat meat.
5. You can have cake, or you can have ice cream.
6. It was sunny, yet the air felt cool.
7. We packed our bags, for the trip starts early.
8. He doesn’t smoke, and he doesn’t drink.
9. The phone rang, but nobody answered.
10. I like tennis, so I play every weekend.

These are basic examples, but they show how coordinating conjunctions help make your ideas more complete.

What are Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two equal parts of a sentence. These parts could be single words, phrases, or full sentences. When you use a coordinating conjunction, both sides of the sentence are balanced. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. A helpful way to remember them is with the word FANBOYS, where each letter stands for one of the seven conjunctions.

How & Why Do We Use Them?

We use coordinating conjunctions to join similar ideas, add contrast, show options, or explain results. This helps your sentence sound clear and natural. Instead of writing two separate sentences, you can connect them with one of these words. It saves time and helps your writing flow better. These conjunctions are useful in both speaking and writing when you want to express a full idea without repeating too much.

For example:
“She was hungry. She made a sandwich.” becomes:
“She was hungry, so she made a sandwich.”

Coordinating Conjunctions: Example Sentences

Here are ten more example sentences using coordinating conjunctions. Read them carefully, and try to say them out loud. Notice how each sentence connects two equal ideas.

11. He wanted to drive, but his car wouldn’t start.
12. We can eat now, or we can wait for John.
13. She likes coffee, and she drinks it every morning.
14. I forgot my coat, yet I didn’t feel cold.
15. They needed help, so we offered to assist.
16. I don’t enjoy spicy food, nor does my sister.
17. The weather is nice, for the sun is shining.
18. I want to go to the park, but I have homework.
19. You can read a book, or you can watch a movie.
20. He speaks softly, yet his words are powerful.

Try to write a few of your own sentences using each of the FANBOYS words. This will help you use them with more confidence.

Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

Let’s look at ten more examples to help you get even more comfortable. These sentences all use coordinating conjunctions to show balance or connection.

30. I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
31. The team played hard, but they still lost.
32. We could stay home, or we could go out.
33. He’s kind, and he’s always ready to help.
34. She didn’t study, yet she passed the exam.
35. You must be quiet, for the baby is sleeping.
36. I don’t eat sugar, nor do I drink soda.
37. They cooked dinner, and they cleaned up afterward.
38. He wanted to help, but he didn’t know how.
39. You can stay here, or you can leave now.

Here are 10 additional sentences to further practice using coordinating conjunctions:

40. She loves reading, yet she doesn’t have much free time.
41. I’m tired, but I still have to finish my homework.
42. The dog is playful, and it loves to fetch the ball.
43. We could go to the park, or we could visit the museum.
44. He was late to the meeting, so he apologized.
45. I enjoy swimming, and my brother enjoys surfing.
46. They wanted to watch the movie, but the tickets were sold out.
47. I need to buy groceries, or we will have nothing to eat.
48. She plays the piano, and she also sings in a choir.
49. I will call you when I get home, or I’ll send you a text.

These additional examples will give you even more practice in using coordinating conjunctions in different contexts. Keep repeating them aloud, and try writing some of your own sentences!

Coordinating conjunctions list

Here is a list of coordinating conjunctions list for your English study! They spell out the well known acronym FANBOYS.

• F – For (reason or cause)
• A – And (addition)
• N – Nor (negative addition)
• B – But (contrast)
• O – Or (choice or alternative)
• Y – Yet (contrast, similar to “but”)
• S – So (result or effect)

Coordinating Conjunctions: Useful for Your English!

Learning how to use coordinating conjunctions is a simple way to make your English clearer and more fluent. These words help connect equal ideas in one smooth sentence. You can show contrast, give reasons, or express conditions. When you use coordinating conjunctions well, you sound more natural and confident. These are words you’ll use every day, so take time to practice and learn them well.