Which word is not a FANBOYS coordinating conjunction?

• A. While
• B. Or
• C. So
• D. And

Answer: (A)

Recognizing coordinating conjunctions versus other types is what this item tests. Coordinating conjunctions (the FANBOYS set) link two equal elements—usually two independent clauses or items in a list. The words in that set are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. While is not part of that group; it functions as a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause (as in “While I was reading, the phone rang”). It doesn’t connect two independent clauses on its own, so it isn’t a FANBOYS conjunction. The other options—or, so, and—are all coordinating conjunctions and can join equal parts, which is why they fit the pattern.