Coordinators

Coordinators (and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet*) connect elements of equal importance.

    S + V , but S + V

    S + V and V

    S or S + V

    N and N

    Adj. and Adj.

    Phrase and Phrase

    Can be used in a series: A, B, C, or D

    		 (A comma is normally used)

    (No comma is necessary)

Examples:

    He drinks coffee, but she drinks tea.

    		 (S + V , coordinator S +V)

    Gary lives in Ohio, and Deana lives in Michigan.
    She loves to dance, so she bought a studio.
    You could buy a car, or you could put the money in the bank.

    When there is a new subject and verb, a comma is used before (not after) the coordinator.

    I hate to sing but, I love to dance. (Incorrect)
    I hate to sing, but I love to dance. (Correct)

    John and George both play football.
    Paul listens to music and reads books.
    John, Paul, George, and Harry are classmates.

    		 (two subjects)
    (two verbs)
    (series)

     

* For is also commonly used as a preposition. Yet can sometimes be used as an adverb.