Compound sentences are like building blocks for more complex ideas. They connect two independent thoughts using coordinating conjunctions or punctuation. This skill helps you express relationships between ideas clearly and concisely.

Mastering compound sentences opens up new ways to communicate. You'll learn to use FANBOYS conjunctions, semicolons, and even conjunctive adverbs to link ideas. These tools add variety and sophistication to your writing.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Understanding Coordinating Conjunctions and Their Usage

• Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance
• FANBOYS mnemonic device helps remember the seven coordinating conjunctions:
  • For introduces a reason or purpose (I brought an umbrella, for it might rain)
  • And adds information or ideas (She likes coffee and tea)
  • Nor connects two negative ideas (He doesn't like swimming, nor does he enjoy hiking)
  • But introduces a contrast or exception (The movie was long but entertaining)
  • Or presents alternatives or choices (Would you prefer pizza or pasta?)
  • Yet introduces a contrast or unexpected result (The sun was shining, yet it was cold)
  • So indicates a result or consequence (It was raining, so we stayed indoors)
• Coordinating conjunctions maintain balance between sentence elements
• Using coordinating conjunctions correctly enhances sentence flow and clarity

Common Errors and Proper Usage

• Comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma
  • Incorrect: The sun was setting, the temperature dropped quickly
  • Correct: The sun was setting, and the temperature dropped quickly
• Avoid overusing coordinating conjunctions to prevent run-on sentences
• Use commas before coordinating conjunctions when joining independent clauses
  • Correct: I enjoy reading books, and I often visit the library
• Coordinating conjunctions can start sentences for emphasis
  • But use this technique sparingly to maintain formal writing style

Punctuation in Compound Sentences

Using Semicolons Effectively

• Semicolons join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction
• Semicolons create a stronger connection between ideas than periods
• Use semicolons to separate items in a complex list (The conference had attendees from Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy)
• Semicolons can replace coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences
  • With conjunction: The movie was long, but it was entertaining
  • With semicolon: The movie was long; it was entertaining
• Avoid overusing semicolons as they can make writing feel choppy

Identifying and Correcting Comma Splices

• Comma splices occur when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma
• Comma splices create grammatically incorrect sentences
• Methods to fix comma splices:
  1. Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma (I love coffee, and I drink it every morning)
  2. Replace the comma with a semicolon (I love coffee; I drink it every morning)
  3. Separate the clauses into two sentences (I love coffee. I drink it every morning)
  4. Use a subordinating conjunction to create a complex sentence (Because I love coffee, I drink it every morning)
• Recognizing and correcting comma splices improves writing clarity and professionalism

Advanced Compound Sentences

Incorporating Conjunctive Adverbs

• Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses and show relationships between ideas
• Common conjunctive adverbs include however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, and consequently
• Use a semicolon before and a comma after a conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses
  • The project was challenging; however, the team persevered
• Conjunctive adverbs can move within the second clause for variety
  • The project was challenging; the team, however, persevered
• Conjunctive adverbs add sophistication and precision to compound sentences

Constructing Compound-Complex Sentences

• Compound-complex sentences combine at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses
• These sentences express complex ideas and relationships between multiple thoughts
• Structure of a compound-complex sentence:
  • Independent clause + coordinating conjunction + independent clause + dependent clause
  • When I arrived home, I made dinner, and my roommate washed the dishes while watching TV
• Compound-complex sentences require careful punctuation to maintain clarity
• Use compound-complex sentences to show cause-effect relationships or to provide additional context
• Balancing compound-complex sentences with simpler structures creates varied and engaging writing