We saw in sentence structure that a compound sentence is two (or more) independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon. So a compound sentence is like two or more simple sentences added together. A compound sentence does not contain any dependent clauses. Show
Joining Compound Sentences with Coordinating ConjunctionsUsually, we join independent clauses with one of the seven coordinating conjunctions. The term coordinating conjunction sounds complicated, but in fact there are only seven of them and they are all short, one-syllable words: For—And—Nor—But—Or—Yet—So — remember them with the mnemonic FANBOYS. The most common of these coordinating conjunctions are and, but and or, in that order. Note that a comma (,) must come before the coordinating conjunction except when the clauses are short (in which case the comma is optional). andThe and conjunction is the most common conjunction. It has several uses.
butWe use the but conjunction to introduce a clause that contrasts with the preceding clause, for example: Mary ran fast, but she couldn't catch John. orWe use the or conjunction to join two alternative clauses, for example: Will Mary go, or will John go? norWe use the nor conjunction to join two alternative clauses when the first clause uses a negative such as neither or never. In this case both clauses are untrue or do not happen, for example: Mary never wrote the letter, nor did she call him. (Note the inversion of subject and auxiliary: did she.) forWe use the for conjunction (meaning something like because) to join two clauses when the second clause is the reason for the first clause, for example: He felt cold, for it was snowing. yetThe yet conjunction is similar to but. It means something like but at the same time; but nevertheless; but in spite of this. As with but, there is a contrast between the clauses, for example: I have known him for a long time, yet I have never understood him. soThe so conjunction means something like therefore; and for this reason. We use so to join two clauses when the first clause is the reason for the second clause, for example: He was feeling sick, so he went to the doctor. Note that when using a coordinating conjunction, you can (if you wish) remove any subject word and modal auxiliary from the second clause. (This is not possible with subordinating conjunctions.) Joining Compound Sentences with SemicolonsOccasionally, we join independent clauses with a semicolon (;).
Joining Compound Sentences with Conjunctive AdverbsWe can also join independent clause with words and phrases like moreover, however, at least (conjunctive adverbs). In this case, the conjunctive adverb must be preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,). Look at these examples:
The table shows all seven coordinating conjunctions, and a few conjunctive adverbs as examples. Do not try to join independent clauses with a comma alone—that's impossible! Compound Sentence ExamplesNow look at some more examples showing compound sentences and coordinating conjunctions or semicolons in context. Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions
Compound Sentences with Semicolons
Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs
Compound Sentences in Famous QuotationsHere are some examples of compound sentences in quotes from famous people and sources.
Compound Sentences in SayingsThese compound sentence examples come from everyday sayings and proverbs in the English language.
Contributor: Josef Essberger EnglishClub : Learn English : Grammar : Sentence Structure : Compound SentencesWhich statement is an example of a simple sentence?A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
Which statement is an example of a compound sentence?A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so) and a comma or by a semicolon alone. Example: The pirate captain lost her treasure map, but she still found the buried treasure.
Which statement is an example of a complex sentence?A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause with one or more subordinate clauses. We use complex sentences when we want to provide more information to support our point. For example, 'Salihah didn't get a treat after dinner, because she didn't do her homework on time'.
How do you make a simple sentence?How to Identify a Simple Sentence. Identify the subject and the predicate. A simple sentence must have at least one subject (someone or something performing an action) and a predicate (a verb or verbal phrase describing that action).. Look for a conjunction. ... . Note any mid-sentence punctuation. ... . Check for a complete thought.. |