Grammar: Commas and Conjunctions
B1 Punctuation: Joining Sentences with FANBOYS
The Power of Joining Sentences
In English writing, we often join two complete sentences (called independent clauses) to make our writing more fluid and interesting. To do this correctly, we need two key ingredients: a special joining word and a comma.
The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
An easy way to remember the seven joining words is with the name FANBOYS.
| For | shows a reason (similar to 'because') |
| And | adds a similar idea |
| Nor | adds a negative alternative |
| But | shows a contrast |
| Or | shows a choice or alternative |
| Yet | shows a contrast (similar to 'but') |
| So | shows a result or consequence |
The Punctuation Rule 📝
This is one of the most important rules in English punctuation. When you join two independent clauses with a FANBOYS conjunction, you must put a comma before the conjunction.
Examples in Action
- I visited the temples in the morning, and I relaxed in the afternoon.
- The tour was fascinating, but it was also very tiring.
- We can hire a tuk-tuk for the day, or we can rent bicycles.
- It started to rain heavily, so we went back to the hotel.
Common Mistake to Avoid ⚠️
Do not use a comma if what comes after the conjunction is not a complete sentence.
- Correct: He visited the temple and took many photos.
("took many photos" is not a complete sentence, so no comma is needed.) - Incorrect: He visited the temple, and took many photos.
Practice Your Punctuation 🎯
Exercise: Add the Comma (If Needed)
Add a comma to these sentences only where it is necessary.
- She wanted to see the sunrise but she woke up too late.
→ She wanted to see the sunrise, but she woke up too late. - I am very hungry so I am going to find a restaurant.
→ I am very hungry, so I am going to find a restaurant. - He speaks Khmer and English fluently.
→ Correct as is. (Not two complete sentences) - Should we visit the museum or should we go shopping?
→ Should we visit the museum, or should we go shopping?
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Join the Sentences
Combine the two simple sentences into one compound sentence. Use the most logical FANBOYS conjunction and the correct punctuation.
Example: It was hot. We went swimming. → It was hot, so we went swimming.
- He likes Cambodian food. He doesn't like spicy food.
→ He likes Cambodian food, but he doesn't like spicy food. - We can hire a tour guide. We can explore the temples by ourselves.
→ We can hire a tour guide, or we can explore the temples by ourselves.
Key Vocabulary
- Independent Clause A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can be a complete sentence by itself.
- Coordinating Conjunction A word that joins two elements of equal grammatical rank, like two independent clauses.