Which word class connects words and phrases and is often associated with the acronym FANBOYS?

Which word class connects words and phrases and is often associated with the acronym FANBOYS?

• A. Conjunctions
• B. Prepositions
• C. Adverbs
• D. Interjections

Answer: (A)

Conjunctions are the word class that connects words and phrases. FANBOYS is the memory aid for the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These words link elements of equal importance—like two words (bread and butter), two phrases (in the morning and before lunch), or two independent clauses (I went to the store, and I bought milk). That linking function is what the acronym points to. Other options don’t fit this connective role in the same way. Prepositions show relationships between a noun and another element (like in the box or on the table) but aren’t the general tool for joining equal elements. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and can connect ideas in broader ways, but they aren’t the standard connectors described by FANBOYS. Interjections express emotion and stand apart from the sentence structure, not linking words or phrases. So, the best answer is the class that specifically names those linking words: conjunctions, with FANBOYS highlighting the coordinating ones.

Conjunctions are the word class that connects words and phrases. FANBOYS is the memory aid for the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These words link elements of equal importance—like two words (bread and butter), two phrases (in the morning and before lunch), or two independent clauses (I went to the store, and I bought milk). That linking function is what the acronym points to.

Other options don’t fit this connective role in the same way. Prepositions show relationships between a noun and another element (like in the box or on the table) but aren’t the general tool for joining equal elements. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and can connect ideas in broader ways, but they aren’t the standard connectors described by FANBOYS. Interjections express emotion and stand apart from the sentence structure, not linking words or phrases.

So, the best answer is the class that specifically names those linking words: conjunctions, with FANBOYS highlighting the coordinating ones.