  In this study of the modified $f(Q)$ theory of gravity in the spatially flat
Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) spacetime, we explore all the
affine connections compatible with the symmetric teleparallel structure; three
classes of such connections exist, each involving an unknown time-varying
parameter $\gamma(t)$. Assuming ordinary barotropic fluid as the matter source,
we first derive the Friedmann-like pressure and energy equations. Next we
impose constraints on the parameters of two separate $f(Q)$ models,
$f(Q)=Q+\beta Q^2$ and $f(Q)=Q+\beta\sqrt{-Q}$ from the traditional energy
conditions. Observational values of some prominent cosmological parameters are
used for this purpose, yielding an effective equation of state
$\omega^{eff}=-0.82$.
