Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. This post explores what these conjunctions are, including compound predicates and independent clauses. It also addresses whether sentences can start with coordinating conjunctions.
What are Coordinating Conjunctions?
FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. Each letter represents a coordinating conjunction. These words help connect clauses or phrases in a sentence.
Compound Predicate and an Independent Clause
The two common uses of coordinating conjunctions are to join two verbs to make a compound predicate, and independent clauses to make a sentence. Below are the two scenarios:
Independent Clause
Independent clauses have both a verb and a subject; therefore, they can make meaning on their own. For example:
- He was afraid of getting home late. He managed to make a call.
The above are two independent clauses and to combine them you can use a comma or a semicolon plus coordinating conjunction as illustrated below:
- He was afraid of getting home late, so he decided to make a call.
Even though the two independent clauses are linked, each keeps its verb and subject. Joining them without a comma or conjunction will result in a run-on sentence (or fused sentence).
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate is a situation whereby one subject is shared by more than one verb in a sentence. The sentence below has a compound predicate.
- He wondered when she would get home and decided to call.
The sentence does not appear to have much difference from the independent clauses but it’s good to note that “she” is a subject that is being shared by two verbs, that is, “decided” and “wondered” since she did both. In the sentence above, there is no comma before “and” and consequently no independent clause because the whole sentence has only one subject.
Can Sentences Start with Coordinating Conjunction?
Coordinating conjunction can technically appear at the beginning of the sentence. When this happens, it breaks the monotony of the sentences and puts more emphasis on them.
The issue of using coordinating conjunctions at the beginning of the sentences is in constant disagreement. There are many in favor of it and also a large number against it. According to author David Crystal, many English teachers banned this style of writing to their students in the 19th century because the students overused it. Alternatively, they should have warned them. Therefore, generations of children were and are advised even to date to avoid using coordinate conjunctions at the beginning of the sentences.
Moreover, there has never been authority behind this kind of condemnation. And it is not among the rules laid down by the grammarians. It should be used but sparingly to avoid confusing the flow and clarity of your writing. When starting a sentence with coordinating conjunction, think critically on its effect on your piece and its usefulness.
Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions
- We listened eagerly, for he brought news of our families.
- She didn’t speak to anyone, and nobody spoke to her.
- I don’t expect children to be rude, nor do I expect to be disobeyed.
- They rushed to the hospital, but they were too late.
- I will go shopping, or I will go camping.
- Kelly was a convicted criminal, yet many people admired him.
- I was feeling hungry, so I made myself a sandwich.