English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Identify coordinating conjunctions
Identify coordinating conjunctions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the term 'coordinating conjunction'.
List the seven coordinating conjunctions using the FANBOYS acronym.
Identify the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.
Identify the coordinating conjunction joining words or phrases.
Explain the job of a coordinating conjunction in a sentence.
Correctly locate the comma placed before a coordinating conjunction that joins two complete sentences.
Do you like to build with LEGOs or draw pictures? 🎨 That little word 'or' is a super-powered connector that joins your ideas together!
In this lesson, you will learn about special connecting words called coordinating conjunctions. We will discover what they are, how to find them in sentences, and why they are so important for making your w...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ConjunctionA word that acts like glue to connect other words, phrases, or sentences.In 'salt and pepper', the word 'and' is the conjunction.
Coordinating ConjunctionA special type of conjunction that connects two ideas or things that are equally important.In 'I can read or I can write', the word 'or' is the coordinating conjunction.
Independent ClauseA group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete thought or sentence.'The sun is shining.' is an independent clause.
Compound SentenceA sentence made of two independent clauses joined together by a coordinating conjunction.'The sun is shining, so we will go to the park.'
FANBOYSAn easy acronym to help you remember the seven coordi...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The FANBOYS Acronym
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
This is the complete list of the seven coordinating conjunctions. Use this acronym as a checklist to see if a word you find is a coordinating conjunction. If it's not in FANBOYS, it's not a coordinating conjunction.
The Comma Rule
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
When a coordinating conjunction connects two complete sentences (independent clauses), you must put a comma before the conjunction. This comma signals a short pause between the two ideas.
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Challenging
Read the paragraph: 'The sun set, and the stars appeared. The air grew chilly, so we built a campfire. We did not want to go inside, nor did we feel tired.' Which coordinating conjunctions are used in the paragraph?
A.and, so, but
B.and, so, nor
C.and, or, yet
D.so, nor, for
Challenging
Which sentence contains a word from FANBOYS that is NOT acting as a coordinating conjunction?
A.I was tired, so I went to bed.
B.He is but a boy.
C.She didn't want to leave, nor was she ready.
D.He ran and jumped.
Challenging
The sentence 'The brave and clever fox outsmarted the farmer' is NOT a compound sentence because the word 'and':
A.Connects two independent clauses
B.Connects a noun and a verb
C.Connects two adjectives describing the same noun
D.Is used incorrectly in the sentence
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