COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS: The And/But Rule
(exercises below)

There are seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, so, or, for, nor, and  yet; these words are usually used to connect ideas within your sentences.  If you use a coordinating conjunction, you will need to decide whether you need a comma, but there is a fairly simple rule that can help you punctuate correctly.  

Look at the following sentence and decide whether or not you need a comma:

Jerome wanted tickets to the Counting Crows but he did not want to have to pay over $40.

This sentence does need a comma because there are two independent clauses (separate sentences) on either side of the conjunction:

Jerome wanted tickets to the Counting Crows,  but he did not want to have to pay over $40.

The AND/BUT RULE is simple. Look to the right of your conjunction, and determine whether or not you have an independent clause. Read it out loud: could it stand alone as a separate sentence?  If so, you need to have a comma before your conjunction:

All students have to take English 111 and 112 to 
graduate, and they also will have to take a literature course.

Susan needed to go shopping for a birthday gift, but it was too late to go to the mall.

Computers can help you do research but not if you aren't willing to spend the time. 

A good manager pays attention to his/her employees and tries to create a positive atmosphere.

(In these last two sentences, you don't need commas because you do not have a separate sentence after the conjunction.  Remember, if you are uncertain, try reading the sentence out loud!).

COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS   EXERCISE

1. Most of the models shown in contemporary women’s magazines are extremely thin, but we can’t blame the media for the increase in eating disorders.

2. Before you hand in a final draft of your essay, you should print out a draft, and edit from hard copy rather than on the computer screen. 

3. Michael Jordan retired from basketball but he continues to do a lot of charity work.

4. It’s amazing how many accidents are caused by people driving while using cell phones yet we do not pass legislation restricting their use.

5. Stephen King’s most recent book Riding the Bullet was published only on the internet, so many people did not have access to it.

6. Insurance rates tend to be higher for young men, but this is based on the statistical evidence which suggests that they have more accidents.

7. We are going to Susan's house for dinner tonight but not if it snows.

8. Credit cards can be wonderful in emergencies but they can be dangerous for people who buy things on impulse. 

GET THE ANSWERS TO THE COORDINATING CONJUNCTION EXERCISE!