What does the acronym FANBOYS stand for?

• A. FANBOYS
• B. Coordinating conjunctions
• C. Subordinating conjunctions
• D. Correlative conjunctions

Answer: (C)

FANBOYS is a mnemonic for seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These words connect equal parts of a sentence, typically linking two independent clauses or items in a list. They show relationships like addition, contrast, choice, or cause when the connected parts have similar importance. This is different from subordinating conjunctions (like because, although, since, when), which introduce dependent clauses, and from correlative conjunctions (such as either … or, neither … nor, both … and), which come in paired structures. Because FANBOYS names the group of coordinating conjunctions, the correct identification is coordinating conjunctions.