FANBOYS Facts
What do the letters in FANBOYS stand for?
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Combine: “I was tired.” “I stayed up late.”
I was tired, but I stayed up late.
Fix this: “I like dogs I don’t like cats.”
I like dogs, but I don’t like cats.
I like pizza, and my sister likes pasta.
Correct! S&V on both sides of conjunction
Choose the best conjunction: “I wanted to go outside, ___ it was snowing.”
But
Which word in FANBOYS shows contrast or a difference?
But or Yet
Combine: “It was raining.” “We went for a walk.”
It was raining, yet we went for a walk.
Fix this: "She wanted to go she didn't have a ride
She wanted to go, but she didn't have a ride.
She is smart, and works hard every day.
Incorrect! No comma needed - no subject after 'and'
Choose the best conjunction: “I was hungry, ___ I made a sandwich.”
so
Which conjunction can mean 'because'
For
Combine: “I love pizza.” “I don’t like mushrooms.”
I love pizza, but I don’t like mushrooms.
Fix this: He forgot his homework, and got a zero.
Remove comma OR add subject after the FANBOY
He was tired, but his coach made him practice anyway.
Correct! S&V on both sides of conjunction
Choose the best conjunction: “We can go to the park, ___ we can stay home.”
or
Which conjunction would you use to show a cause and effect?
So
Combine: “You can have cake.” “You can have ice cream.”
You can have cake, or you can have ice cream.
Fix this: He forgot his homework so he got a zero.
Add comma before the FANBOY 'so'
I went to the park and the weather was nice.
Incorrect! S&V on both sides
Choose the best conjunction: “He didn’t study, ___ he still passed.”
yet
Which FANBOYS conjunction could you use to add extra information to a sentence?
And
Combine: “He studied hard.” “He didn’t pass the test.”
He studied hard, yet/but he didn’t pass the test.
Fix this: We tried to win but lost anyway.
There is no error. No comma needed because no subject after the FANBOY 'but'.
He ran quickly but, he missed the bus.
Incorrect! Comma is in the wrong spot.
Choose the best conjunction: “She was excited, ___ she had never been on a plane before.”
for