Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS (KS2)

Conjunctions are the joining words that hold our sentences together, and coordinating conjunctions are some of the most useful of all. In this guide we will explain what a coordinating conjunction is, share the handy FANBOYS memory trick, and show how Year 6 pupils meet these words in the KS2 SPaG paper. There are clear examples throughout, so children can practise spotting and using them with confidence.

What is a coordinating conjunction?

A coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two parts of a sentence that are equally important. Neither part is more senior than the other, which is where the word "coordinating" comes from: the parts work as a team.

These joining words can link two single words, such as fish and chips, or two longer parts called main clauses. A main clause is simply a group of words that contains a verb and could stand on its own as a complete sentence.

The dog barked and the cat ran away.

Here, "The dog barked" and "the cat ran away" could each be a sentence by themselves. The coordinating conjunction and joins them as equal partners.

If you would like a quick refresher on word types first, our guide to word classes for KS2 is a friendly place to start.

The FANBOYS memory trick

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, and a popular way to remember them is the word FANBOYS. Each letter stands for one conjunction:

You may notice that for and nor sound a little old-fashioned, and that is perfectly normal. Children most often use and, but, or and so in their own writing, which is exactly what examiners expect to see.

Joining two equal main clauses

The real power of coordinating conjunctions is joining two main clauses into one smooth sentence. This helps writing flow instead of sounding like a list of short, choppy sentences.

Look at how these pairs become one:

• Two sentences: I wanted to play. It was bedtime.

• Joined: I wanted to play, but it was bedtime.

• Two sentences: We could take the bus. We could walk to the park.

• Joined: We could take the bus, or we could walk to the park.

Each half still contains its own verb and could survive alone, which is the test for two main clauses. The coordinating conjunction simply links them as equals.

When to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction

This is a rule that often comes up in the SPaG paper, so it is worth getting clear.

• Joining two main clauses: put a comma before the conjunction.
  • The sun came out, and the children cheered.
• Joining two single words or short phrases: you usually do not need a comma.
  • We bought apples and pears.

A simple check is to cover up the conjunction and ask whether both sides could be full sentences on their own. If they could, a comma before the conjunction is correct. For more on this, see our guide to using commas at KS2.

Coordinating vs subordinating conjunctions

Children sometimes mix up the two main types of conjunction, so here is the difference made clear.

• A coordinating conjunction joins two equal parts. Both clauses could stand alone.
  • I was hungry, so I made some toast.
• A subordinating conjunction begins a clause that depends on the rest of the sentence and cannot stand alone. Common examples are because, although, if, when and while.
  • I made some toast because I was hungry.

In the second example, "because I was hungry" is not a complete sentence on its own. It leans on the main clause, which is what "subordinate" means. To explore this further, read our companion guide to subordinating conjunctions.

A quick way to remember it: coordinating conjunctions join equals, while subordinating conjunctions create a main idea and a less important, supporting idea.

How conjunctions are tested in the KS2 SPaG paper

In the Year 6 SPaG test, conjunctions can appear in several ways. Pupils might be asked to:

• choose the coordinating conjunction that best completes a sentence,
• circle or underline the conjunction in a given sentence,
• identify whether a word is being used as a coordinating or subordinating conjunction,
• add the correct punctuation, such as a comma, around a clause.

Because questions can mix grammar and punctuation, it really helps when children can both name a coordinating conjunction and explain the comma rule that goes with it. If you are new to the test itself, our overview of what the SPaG test involves explains the format simply.

Practice sentences and a quick self-check

Have a go at filling the gap with a sensible coordinating conjunction. There can sometimes be more than one good answer.

1. The film was long, ___ it was very exciting.
2. We can have pasta ___ we can have rice.
3. She forgot her coat, ___ she got cold.
4. He did not win, ___ did he give up.

Self-check ideas: in sentence 1, but or yet both work. In sentence 2, or fits best. In sentence 3, so shows the result. In sentence 4, nor matches the negative pattern. Notice how a comma sits before the conjunction whenever two main clauses are joined.

How SATS LION helps

SATS LION turns SPaG practice into a game, so spotting and using coordinating conjunctions feels more like play than revision. Questions follow the England KS2 curriculum and gently revisit tricky ideas, such as the comma rule, until they stick. You can explore how it works and see whether a game-first approach suits your young writer.