Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a phrase we use in English when connecting two clauses to create a complex sentence.
What is a compound sentence?
To answer ‘what is a compound sentence’, we can examine how to construct one. A compound sentence comprises two independent clauses (clauses that make sense on their own), and a coordinating conjunction will connect these clauses.
Most of the time, a compound sentence is used to join two related sentences together into a single idea. Using a compound sentence can help the writer to bring complex ideas together and make your writing smoother.
How do you make a compound sentence?
Now that we have established a compound sentence, we can look at how to make one when writing. Firstly, we need two independent clauses. For example:
- I baked cookies.
- I baked cupcakes.
These two clauses make perfect sense on their own. Although the ideas presented in them are also related to each other (they are both about baking). We can connect them using a coordinating conjunction to make a compound sentence. For example:
- I baked cookies, and I baked cupcakes.
You may have noticed that when you read these two examples, the second example (the compound sentence) flows more smoothly, as you don’t pause for the full stop! That’s how compound sentences can help writing at a faster pace.
Examples of Compound Sentences
As we have covered, we require a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses and create a compound sentence. Let’s look at a few examples of compound sentences using different coordinating conjunctions.
- I’m going to the shop, for I have run out of milk.
- I like swimming, and I enjoy running.
- I have never been to France, nor have I been to Australia.
- She doesn’t like apples, but she loves bananas.
- Eat up your dinner, or you won’t have any pudding.
- He has a dog, yet he wants a cat too.
- It’s my friend’s birthday soon, so I’ll get them a present.
Conjunctions in compound sentences
Conjunctions are one of the essential parts of compound sentences. They’re needed to bring the independent clauses together and glue compound sentences. So, a solid understanding of conjunctions in compound sentences is definitely in order!
What are conjunctions?
Conjunctions are connecting words that bring together two or more clauses. They often show the relation between the two clauses of ideas, for example, showing one to be a result of the other or despising the other. They’re a fundamental building brick in any language. Without them, we would only talk in lots of short sentences, which would sound silly!
Examples of conjunctions in compound sentences
Next time you build a compound sentence, check out some of the conjunctions you could use to insert them.
And
Therefore
however
but
yet
although
Despite
For
either/or
neither/nor
in case
due to
by the time
in as much
until
since
because
supposing
provided that
When
furthermore
accordingly
meanwhile
subsequently
As you can see, the different conjunctions point to other links between the two clauses. The conjunction in a compound sentence is a simple and vital way to add meaning to your speech or writing.
Common Compound Sentence Mistakes
The most common mistake children (and adults!) make when writing compound sentences is accidentally creating a comma splice.
A comma splice is when two independent clauses are connected with a comma independently rather than coordinating conjunction.
Here’s an example of a comma splice:
- I went to the park today; it was loads of fun
The comma between the two clauses should be changed to a coordinating conjunction or a full stop to split them into two sentences.
- I went to the park today, and it was loads of fun.
- I went to the park today. It was loads of fun.
To avoid making comma splices, think about whether you could replace the comma with a complete stop and have the two sentences make sense. If so, something needs to change!
