Demonstrate command and use of compound sentences TERM 3
A compound sentence connects two independent clauses, usually with a coordinating conjunction like, and, or, but. They combine two or more self-sufficient and related sentences into a single, unified one.
A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined with a conjunction.
- Nancy was out of oil, so she went to the grocery store.
- I want to shed weight, yet I eat butter every day.
- Prince is very smart, and he knows it.
- They wanted to go to Paris, but I wanted to see Rome.
- They spoke to him in English, but he responded in Hindi
- I saw David yesterday but he did not see me.
- She is popular, yet she is very modest.
- I spent all my savings, so I cannot go to Germany this spring.
- We went to the shopping mall; however, we only went window shopping.
- The men sang and the women danced.
A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses that have related ideas. The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon, as you can see in the compound sentence examples below.
Many compound sentences are made using coordinating conjunctions. To remember all the coordinating conjunctions, use the mnemonic FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). In this case, the sentence must contain a comma before the conjunction for correct punctuation. For example:
- She did not cheat on the test, for it was the wrong thing to do.
- I really need to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.
- I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.
- He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
- They got there early, and they got really good seats.
- They had no ice cream left at home, nor did they have money to go to the store.
- Everyone was busy, so I went to the movie alone.
- I thought the promotion was mine, but my attendance wasn’t good enough.
- Should we start class now, or wait for everyone to get here?
- It was getting dark, and we weren’t near the cabin yet.
- Cats are good pets, for they are clean and are not noisy.
- We have never been to Asia, nor have we visited Africa.
- He didn’t want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway.
Examples of compound sentences with semicolons include:
- The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
- Joe made the sugar cookies; Susan decorated them.
- The waves were crashing on the shore; it was a lovely sight.
- Check back tomorrow; I will see if the book has arrived.
- I am happy to take your donation; any amount will be greatly appreciated.
- Malls are great places to shop; I can find everything I need under one roof.
- Italy is my favorite country; I plan to spend two weeks there next year.
- He turned in the research paper on Friday; he would have not passed the class otherwise.
- She bought a cheeseburger for her friend; she forgot the fries.
- He loved the dog; he gave it many treats.
Examples of compound sentences with semicolons include:
- The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
- Joe made the sugar cookies; Susan decorated them.
- The waves were crashing on the shore; it was a lovely sight.
- Check back tomorrow; I will see if the book has arrived.
- I am happy to take your donation; any amount will be greatly appreciated.
- Malls are great places to shop; I can find everything I need under one roof.
- Italy is my favorite country; I plan to spend two weeks there next year.
- He turned in the research paper on Friday; he would have not passed the class otherwise.
- She bought a cheeseburger for her friend; she forgot the fries.
- He loved the dog; he gave it many treats.
Each half of a compound sentence must stand on its own as a complete sentence. That means each half needs a subject and a verb. For example:
I want the sporty red car, but I will lease the practical blue one.
In the sentence above, the subjects are italicized and the verbs are in bold. The first half is a complete sentence because it contains the subject “I” and the verb “want.” The second half that comes after the comma and coordinating conjunction (but) is also a complete sentence, with the subject “I” and the verb “will lease.”
PLEASE NOTE: DON’T FORGET TO PUNCTUATE