Use

We use a coordinating conjunction when we want to place equal emphasis on the independent clauses we are connecting (doing this creates a compound sentence).

Example:

John sings well, but his dancing is terrible.

Explanation:

But is the coordinating conjunction that joins the two ideas together in one sentence.

How to build

There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. They always come between the elements they are joining. When joining two independent clauses, a comma comes before the coordinating conjunction.

• Kate can’t whistle, nor can she sing.

• Mike likes apples, but I do not like them.

• Tom worked all night, yet he still had so much work to do.

More Examples

• I am saving my money carefully, for I plan to retire early.

• Luke bought a new bike, and my brother sold his old one.

• Ann likes to be healthy, so she eats fruit every day.