Grammar and word types

FANBOYS conjunctions and connectors

This list centers on the FANBOYS coordinating conjunctions, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, along with other common connecting words that link ideas in sentences. It is built for students learning to join clauses correctly, writers looking to vary their sentence connectors, and anyone studying grammar for a test.

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FANBOYS conjunctions and connectors

Word	Meaning	In a sentence
forpreposition	Used to indicate the purpose, destination, recipient, or duration of something.	She bought a thoughtful gift for her brother's birthday next week.
andconjunction	Used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that share the same grammatical role.	We packed sandwiches, fruit, and water for the long hike.
norconjunction	Used to introduce a second negative statement or option, typically after "neither" or another negative.	She neither called nor texted to explain her absence.
butconjunction	Used to introduce something that contrasts with, or qualifies, what has just been said.	I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much work to finish.
orconjunction	Used to connect two or more alternatives or possibilities.	You can choose tea or coffee with your breakfast.
yetconjunction	Used to introduce a contrasting statement; nevertheless or but in spite of that.	The trail was steep and rocky, yet the hikers reached the summit before noon.
soconjunction	Used to introduce a result or consequence that follows logically from what was just said.	It started raining hard, so we decided to cancel the picnic.
althoughconjunction	Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies another part of the sentence.	Although it was raining heavily, the children still wanted to play outside.
becauseconjunction	Used to introduce the reason or cause for something.	She stayed home because she had a terrible headache all afternoon.
sincepreposition	From a specified past time or event up until the present moment.	He has worked at the local hospital as a nurse since 2015.
unlessconjunction	Except if; used to introduce the one condition that would prevent something from happening.	We will have the picnic outdoors tomorrow unless it rains heavily.
whileconjunction	During the time that; at the same time as.	She read a book while waiting for the bus to arrive.
whereasconjunction	Used to introduce a contrast or comparison between two facts or statements.	Some students prefer studying alone, whereas others learn better in groups.
howeveradverb	Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what was said before.	The plan sounded simple; however, it proved difficult to carry out.
thereforeadverb	For that reason; as a consequence of what has just been stated.	The bridge is closed for repairs; therefore, drivers must take the detour route.
moreoveradverb	In addition to what has already been said; furthermore.	The plan is expensive; moreover, it would take years to complete.
meanwhileadverb	During the same period of time as something else, or in contrast to it.	The chef prepared dessert; meanwhile, the guests enjoyed appetizers out on the patio.
neverthelessadverb	In spite of what has just been said or done; even so.	The weather was terrible; nevertheless, they continued the hike to the summit.
furthermoreadverb	In addition to what has already been said; moreover.	The report was late; furthermore, it contained several serious factual errors.
consequentlyadverb	As a result of a previous action or situation; therefore.	The bridge was closed for repairs; consequently, traffic was rerouted through downtown.
additionallyadverb	Used to introduce a further point or piece of information; also, moreover.	The apartment has two bedrooms; additionally, it includes a private parking space.
besidespreposition	In addition to, or apart from, something already mentioned.	Besides math, she is also studying chemistry and biology this semester.
otherwiseadverb	Used to introduce what would happen or be true under different circumstances than those just stated.	Take an umbrella along, otherwise you'll get soaked walking home from work.
thusadverb	As a result of this; therefore.	The bridge was closed for repairs, thus adding twenty minutes to the commute.
henceadverb	For this reason; therefore, used to introduce a logical result or consequence.	The bridge is closed for repairs; hence, traffic must take the longer detour.
accordinglyadverb	In a manner that fits or follows logically from what has just been stated or decided.	The forecast predicted heavy rain, so the organizers rescheduled the event accordingly.
pluspreposition	In addition to; used to show that something is added to another amount or item.	The total cost was two hundred dollars plus tax and a small delivery fee.
stilladjective	Not moving; free from motion, sound, or disturbance.	The lake was completely still at dawn, without a single ripple.
thenadverb	At that time in the past or future, or next in a sequence of events.	We visited Rome first and then spent a week in Florence.
whetherconjunction	Used to introduce a choice or question between two or more possibilities.	She couldn't decide whether to take the job or continue her studies.

What FANBOYS stands for

FANBOYS is a memory trick for the seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Each one joins two independent clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences, and a comma usually comes before the conjunction when it connects two full clauses. Knowing all seven helps a writer avoid comma splices and choppy, disconnected sentences.

Other words that connect ideas

Beyond FANBOYS, words like however, therefore, and moreover connect ideas across sentences rather than joining two clauses into one. Subordinating words such as although, because, and unless work differently again, making one clause dependent on another. Learning all three groups together gives a fuller picture of how English links related thoughts.

Frequently asked questions

What does FANBOYS stand for?

FANBOYS stands for the seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

When do you use a comma with FANBOYS words?

A comma usually goes before a FANBOYS word when it joins two independent clauses that could each stand alone as a sentence.