FANBOYS Commas: More Than Just a Pause

FANBOYS is a famous punctuation band of seven coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so) that often cause comma confusion and are commonly flagged by editors as a frequent mistake.

FANBOYS Commas Aren’t Ordinary Pause Commas

Writers often sprinkle commas before and or but without really knowing why. Sometimes the comma is correct. Other times, it’s totally unnecessary. The difference comes down to how the sentence is built.

The FANBOYS commas are used when a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, so basically, two complete thoughts that can stand on their own as sentences. When both sides can survive alone, the comma steps in to keep things clear and balanced.

When writers ignore this rule, sentences can feel choppy! But when they follow it, the writing flows naturally and reads cleanly without calling attention to the punctuation itself.

When do you use these commas?

If both parts of the sentence can stand alone, you need a comma before the FANBOYS conjunction.

Take these examples:

She finished the chapter, for she wanted to meet the deadline.

She finished the chapter, and she sent it to her editor.

She didn’t revise the draft, nor did she ask for feedback.

She finished the chapter, but she wasn’t satisfied with it.

She can revise the chapter today, or she can submit it tomorrow.

She was exhausted, yet she kept writing.

She finished the chapter, so she rewarded herself with a break.

Both sides work as complete sentences, so the comma is doing important work here. It signals a clear connection between two full ideas.

This is where FANBOYS commas shine. They help your sentences breathe and prevent run-ons without breaking your rhythm.

FANBOYS Without a Comma

Not every and or but needs a comma. If the second part of the sentence can’t stand on its own, the comma stays out.

For example:

She finished the chapter for extra motivation.

She finished the chapter and sent it to her editor.

She didn’t revise the draft nor ask for feedback.

She finished the chapter but wasn’t satisfied with it.

She can revise the chapter today or submit it tomorrow.

She was exhausted yet kept writing.

She finished the chapter so rewarded herself with a break.

Here, the subject (she) doesn’t repeat, and the second part isn’t a complete sentence by itself. Adding a comma would actually be incorrect.

This is one of the most common comma mistakes writers make, but once you know what to look for, it’s easy to catch.

Writing with the FANBOYS Comma

When you’re writing, try to remember these rules:

• Check both sides of a FANBOYS conjunction.

• Ask yourself: Can each side stand alone as a sentence?

• If yes → add the comma.

• If no → leave it out.

That simple check can instantly clean up your sentences and make your writing feel more polished.

Understanding the FANBOYS comma will fix punctuation and improve clarity across your entire piece.

If you have finished your story and the FANBOYS commas still confuse you, no worries! We’re here to help. Send your manuscript to themanuscripteditor.com for a complimentary 800-word sample edit now.