Lesson 2.4: Compound Sentences - Joining Simple Sentences

Compound Sentences: Two Sentences in One!

A compound sentence is like taking two simple sentences and joining them together! It's made up of two or more independent clauses connected in specific ways. Each independent clause in a compound sentence could stand alone as a sentence, but we join them to show a relationship between the ideas.

Key Characteristics of a Compound Sentence:

Two or More Independent Clauses: This is the most important part. It has at least two parts, and each part is an independent clause (subject + predicate + complete thought).
Clauses are Equally Important: In a compound sentence, both clauses are usually of equal importance. Neither clause is dependent on the other.
Joined by Specific Methods: Independent clauses in compound sentences are connected by:
- Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet), often with a comma before the conjunction.
- Semicolons (;), which join closely related independent clauses.
- Conjunctive Adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, etc.), with a semicolon before and a comma after the adverb.

Let's look at each way to join independent clauses into compound sentences:

1. Joining with Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet)

This is the most common way to make compound sentences. We use the FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) coordinating conjunctions to connect two independent clauses, and we usually put a comma before the conjunction.

Formula: Independent Clause, + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause

Examples of Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions:

"I wanted to go to the beach, but it was raining."
- Clause 1: "I wanted to go to the beach" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "it was raining" (Independent)
- Joined by: "but" (coordinating conjunction)
"She is a talented singer, and she also plays the piano."
- Clause 1: "She is a talented singer" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "she also plays the piano" (Independent)
- Joined by: "and" (coordinating conjunction)
"We can eat pizza tonight, or we can cook dinner at home."
- Clause 1: "We can eat pizza tonight" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "we can cook dinner at home" (Independent)
- Joined by: "or" (coordinating conjunction)
"He was tired, so he went to bed early."
- Clause 1: "He was tired" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "he went to bed early" (Independent)
- Joined by: "so" (coordinating conjunction)

2. Joining with Semicolons (;)

You can also join two closely related independent clauses with just a semicolon (;). This works best when the clauses are very closely connected in meaning, and you want to show a close relationship without using a conjunction.

Formula: Independent Clause ; Independent Clause

Examples of Compound Sentences with Semicolons:

"The weather was beautiful; we decided to go for a walk."
- Clause 1: "The weather was beautiful" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "we decided to go for a walk" (Independent)
- Joined by: ";" (semicolon - showing close relationship: beautiful weather *led to* walk decision)
"She studied hard; she got a good grade on the exam."
- Clause 1: "She studied hard" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "she got a good grade on the exam" (Independent)
- Joined by: ";" (semicolon - showing cause and effect: studying *resulted in* good grade)
"Time is precious; don't waste it."
- Clause 1: "Time is precious" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "don't waste it" (Imperative independent clause - command)
- Joined by: ";" (semicolon - showing related ideas: value of time *and* advice about it)

3. Joining with Conjunctive Adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, etc.)

Conjunctive adverbs are words that act like conjunctions but are grammatically adverbs. When you use a conjunctive adverb to join independent clauses, you need a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after the adverb.

Formula: Independent Clause ; + Conjunctive Adverb, + Independent Clause

Common Conjunctive Adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, otherwise, in addition, for example, in fact.

Examples of Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs:

"She was tired; however, she finished the race."
- Clause 1: "She was tired" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "she finished the race" (Independent)
- Joined by: "; however," (showing contrast with conjunctive adverb "however")
"The experiment failed; therefore, we need to try again."
- Clause 1: "The experiment failed" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "we need to try again" (Independent)
- Joined by: "; therefore," (showing result with conjunctive adverb "therefore")
"He is a talented musician; moreover, he is a great writer."
- Clause 1: "He is a talented musician" (Independent)
- Clause 2: "he is a great writer" (Independent)
- Joined by: "; moreover," (adding information with conjunctive adverb "moreover")

Why Use Compound Sentences? Adding Complexity and Flow!

Compound sentences are useful for:

Connecting related ideas smoothly.
Avoiding short, choppy sentences.
Showing relationships between ideas more explicitly (contrast, cause/effect, addition, choice).

Key takeaway: Compound sentences are built by joining two or more independent clauses. You can use coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), semicolons, or conjunctive adverbs to create compound sentences. Using compound sentences effectively will make your writing more sophisticated and help you connect your ideas in a clearer and more varied way! Next, we'll explore Complex Sentences - adding dependent clauses!