等位接続詞と従位接続詞 FANBOYS & WABBITS Comma rules
Fanboys and Wabbits
The FANBOYS and the WABBITS are all conjunctions or joining words to connect
ideas in a sentence. FANBOYS are coordinating conjunctions (等位接続詞) that
connect equally important ideas. The prefix “co” in coordinating conjunctions
suggests that the two parts are equally important just like the co-captains of a team
are. Wabbits are subordinating conjunctions (従位接続詞) that connect two ideas of
unequal importance. The prefix “sub” in subordinating conjunctions suggests that
one idea is below another in importance, just like a subway is below the surface.
The fanboys operate under two basic rules:
(1) when the FANBOYS connect two ideas that could each be a sentence on its own,
then we put a comma in front of the FANBOYS, and
(2) when the FANBOYS do not connect two ideas that could each be a sentence, then
we do not put a comma in front of the FANBOYS.
The WABBITS also operate under two rules, but the two rules are quite different from
the above. (1) When the WABBITS begin a sentence, then a comma is placed in the
middle of the sentence, and (2) when the WABBITS are in the middle of the sentence,
then a comma is not placed in front of the WABBITS.
The FANBOYS ‒ “Joining” words 等位接続詞 ～のために,と,も,しかし,また
は,それでも,だから。
The FANBOYS are these seven words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Using them in a
sentence can connect independent clauses that could each be a sentence on its own.
With FANBOYS, the writer can show readers how the ideas in the two clauses relate to
one another.
For: Fumi prefers to drive in the country, for there is often less traffic.
And: Aki eats hamburgers, and she also enjoys green tea lattes.
Nor: Niko doesn’t like red shoes, nor does she like violet blouses.
But: Botan ran to the bookstore, but it had closed at nine o’clock.
Or: Osamu eats lunch on campus, or he will skip eating to study.
等位接続詞と従位接続詞 FANBOYS & WABBITS Comma rules
Yet: Yuki knows class starts at nine, yet he frequently arrives late.
So: Sora hates to be late for class, so she always leaves home at eight.
Note well! A comma always comes before the FANBOYS when they introduce an
independent clause or a complete thought. However, if the FANBOYS in a sentence do
not connect two complete ideas, then we do not use a comma in front of them.
For: Fuji works at the information desk for の為に the language practice.
And: Arata knows the way to the library and to the coffee shop.
Nor: Nori likes neither chemistry nor
も
English.
But: Bunjiro is new to the school but is not a first year.
Or: Ogata is determined to either be a teacher or a nurse.
Yet: Yoshi has been here for four years yet still is not done.
So: Saki has tried three different majors so far
The WABBITS 従位接続詞 いつ、どこ、ながら、後で、のに、前に、
なぜなら、もし、にもかかわらず、以来。
The WABBITS include when, where, while, after, although, before, because, if,
though, and since. These are a sample of subordinate conjunctions that help you add
more information to a sentence. For additional words, consult a grammar book. Using
WABBITS in a sentence can help the writer to connect a less important, dependent
idea to a more important, independent or main idea.
When: When I wake up, I like to drink tea.
After: After arriving at school, the challenge is finding an empty shoe box.
Because: Because it snowed last night, classes will begin an hour late.
等位接続詞と従位接続詞 FANBOYS & WABBITS Comma rules
Before: Before answering the question, let me check my dictionary.
If: If it rains much longer, she will have to move out of the basement.
Though: Though she is new here, she has already made many friends.
Since: Since arriving in Nagoya, he has learned to speak Japanese.
Note well: When WABBITS begin a sentence, a comma always is placed in the middle
of the sentence just before the main or independent idea. However, if the WABBITS is
in the middle of the sentence, then the comma is not used.
When: I like to drink tea when I wake up.
After: The challenge is finding an empty shoe box after arriving at school.
Because: Classes will begin an hour late because it snowed last night.
Before: Let me check my dictionary before answering the question.
If: She will have to move out of the basement if it rains much longer.
Though: She has already made many friends though she is new here. Since: He
has learned to speak Japanese since arriving in Nagoya.