English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Use coordinating conjunctions
Use coordinating conjunctions
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a coordinating conjunction is.
Identify all seven coordinating conjunctions using the acronym FANBOYS.
Combine two simple sentences into one compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction.
Select the appropriate coordinating conjunction to show the relationship between two ideas (e.g., 'and' for adding, 'but' for contrasting).
Correctly place a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two complete sentences.
Revise their own writing to include compound sentences for better flow and variety.
Do your sentences ever feel short and lonely? 🧍♂️ Let's learn how to use special 'joining words' to connect them and make them friends! 🤝
In this lesson, you will learn about seven special words called...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Coordinating ConjunctionA word that connects words, phrases, or sentences that are of equal importance.The word 'and' in the sentence 'I like to read, and I like to draw.'
FANBOYSAn easy-to-remember acronym for the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.To remember the seven words, just think of the name FANBOYS!
Simple SentenceA complete thought that has one subject and one verb. It can stand on its own.The dog barked.
Compound SentenceA sentence made of two simple sentences joined together by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.The dog barked, so the cat ran away.
CommaA punctuation mark (,) that signals a pause. It's used before a coordinating conjunction when joining two complete sentences.We can go to the par...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The FANBOYS Acronym
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
This is a memory trick to help you remember all seven coordinating conjunctions. Each letter in FANBOYS stands for one of the conjunctions.
The Comma Rule for Compound Sentences
Simple Sentence + , + FANBOYS + Simple Sentence
When you join two complete simple sentences, you must put a comma before the coordinating conjunction. This is the most important rule for creating compound sentences.
The 'Meaning' Rule
Choose the conjunction that shows the correct relationship between ideas.
Don't just pick any FANBOYS word! Use 'and' to add an idea, 'but' or 'yet' to show a contrast, 'or' to show a choice, and 'so' to show a result.
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'The detective searched the room. He looked under the bed and in the closet. He found nothing. He was about to give up, ___ he noticed a loose floorboard.' Which conjunction best connects the last two ideas to build suspense?
A.but
B.so
C.or
D.for
Challenging
In the sentence 'The old tree was a wise giant, for it had stood in that spot for a hundred years,' what is the primary function of the conjunction 'for'?
A.To add another characteristic of the tree
B.To provide evidence or a reason for the figurative language
C.To show the result of the tree being old
D.To offer an alternative description of the tree
Challenging
Which sentence CANNOT be logically completed by joining the two ideas with 'and'?
A.The sun is shining, ___ the birds are singing.
B.He put on his shoes, ___ he tied the laces.
C.She won the race, ___ she came in last place.
D.My favorite colors are blue, ___ my brother's favorite is green.
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