What does the acronym FANBOYS stand for?

• A. First, And, Not, But, Or, Yet, So.
• B. For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• C. For, And, Not, But, Or, Yet, Since.
• D. Therefore, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Answer: (B)

Coordinating conjunctions connect equal parts of a sentence, like two independent clauses or items in a list. The five-letter acronym FANBOYS helps you remember the seven that do this: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. The correct option lists exactly these seven words in that familiar set, which is why it’s the right choice. You can see how they work in sentences like “I wanted to go, but it rained” or “You can have tea or coffee.”

The other options introduce words that aren’t part of the standard list. First is not a coordinating conjunction, Not isn’t used to join independent clauses, Since is a subordinating conjunction, and Therefore is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating one. Because of these mismatches, they don’t fit the familiar FANBOYS set.