Explanations:Coordinating conjunctions are a fundamental part of English grammar used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. The acronym FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) is a mnemonic device to help remember these conjunctions. Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose in connecting ideas within a sentence.
In the context of the sentence "My brother likes football _____ hockey," the goal is to connect two similar ideas without implying any contrast or choice. The brother likes both football and hockey, and the sentence aims to list these sports as his preferences. Therefore, the appropriate coordinating conjunction to use is "And."
Let's examine the role of each coordinating conjunction in more detail:
For: This conjunction is used to introduce a reason or explanation. For example, "I went to the store, for I needed groceries." In this case, "for" is not suitable because the sentence does not provide a reason for liking football and hockey.
And: This conjunction is used to add information or to list items. It is the correct choice in this sentence because it connects the two sports that the brother likes without implying any contrast or choice. For example, "My brother likes football and hockey" clearly lists both sports as his preferences.
Nor: This conjunction is used to add a negative idea to another negative idea. For example, "He neither likes football nor hockey." Since the sentence is positive and does not involve negation, "nor" is not appropriate here.
But: This conjunction is used to introduce a contrasting idea. For example, "My brother likes football, but he dislikes hockey." Since the brother likes both sports, there is no need for a contrasting conjunction.
Or: This conjunction is used to present a choice between two or more options. For example, "My brother likes football or hockey." This would imply that he likes one or the other, not both, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence.
Yet: This conjunction is used to introduce a contrasting idea, similar to "but." For example, "My brother likes football, yet he dislikes hockey." Since the brother likes both sports, "yet" is not appropriate here.
So: This conjunction is used to introduce a result or consequence. For example, "My brother likes football, so he plays it often." Since the sentence does not involve a result or consequence, "so" is not suitable.
By understanding the specific roles of each coordinating conjunction, you can choose the correct one to connect ideas in a sentence accurately. In this case, "And" is the appropriate choice to list the sports that the brother likes without implying any contrast or choice.