Compound Sentences ~ A Glance at Grammar

Definition A Compound Sentence is a sentence that joins two independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Formula Compound Sentence = Independent Clause + Independent Clause

What? An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone. It is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

Fixing Choppy Sentences Ex) The cat was happy. Ex) He slept underneath the bed. Compound= The cat was happy, and he slept underneath the bed.

Combining Clauses There are two ways to combine independent causes to make a compound sentence: Comma + Coordinating Conjunction Semicolon

Comma + Coordinating Conjunction A coordinating conjunction is also known as a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

For And Nor But Or Yet So

Comma + CC/FANBOYS Ex) The teens walked to the park, but it was closed. Ex) The gentleman did not know where the sound came from, so he hid behind the tree.

Combining Clauses There are two ways to combine independent causes to make a compound sentence: Comma + Coordinating Conjunction Semicolon

Semicolon You can also use a semicolon to create a compound sentence since the two statements are equal. Ex) The teacher applauded the class; the kids beamed with pride. Ex) The dog ate; the cat slept.

Now, it is your turn!

Warm-Up The rain fell for hours and ruined the picnic. Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound. If compound, mark why. The rain fell for hours and ruined the picnic. I left, but Marcy stayed. Polar bears feed on seals; seals feed on fish.

Warm-Up Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound. If compound, mark why. Female penguins usually stay at sea, but they return when their eggs hatch. The sloth eats and sleep while hanging upside down. The pouch under a pelican’s bill is huge, holding up to 25 pounds of fish.

Warm-Up Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound. If compound, mark why. Kiwi birds have nostrils on their beaks; they can smell earthworms. Sharks have to keep moving constantly, or they suffocate. Most rabbits drown in water,but the marsh rabbit can swim.

Warm-Up Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound. If compound, mark why. The gulls circle the fishing boat; they are hoping for a quick meal. At the Bay View nursing home, Mr. Tompkins waits for his children to visit. Tyrell can play several instruments, but the trombone is his favorite.

Warm-Up Directions- Create a compound sentence by joining the two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon. I’m driving to the office in an hour. I’ll pick up the supplies on the way. Up went the lottery jackpot. Down went our hopes of winning. We surveyed the dirty cabin. We each shrugged silently.