Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined together.

Independent Clauses

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence:

• I like coffee.
• She prefers tea.

Joining with Coordinating Conjunctions

Use FANBOYS to connect independent clauses:

Examples

For (reason):

• I’m tired, for I worked all night.

And (addition):

• I like coffee, and she likes tea.

Nor (negative addition):

• I don’t drink coffee, nor do I drink tea.

But (contrast):

• I like coffee, but she prefers tea.

Or (alternative):

• We can go to the cinema, or we can stay home.

Yet (surprising contrast):

• He is rich, yet he is unhappy.

So (result):

• It was raining, so we stayed inside.

Punctuation Rule

Comma before the conjunction when joining two independent clauses:

• I wanted to go, but it was too late. ✓
• I wanted to go but it was too late. ✗

No comma with compound elements (not full clauses):

• I like coffee and tea. ✓ (compound object)
• She sings and dances. ✓ (compound verb)

Joining with Semicolons

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses:

• I like coffee**;** she prefers tea.
• It was cold**;** we wore our coats.

With Conjunctive Adverbs

Pattern: clause**;** adverb**,** clause

• I was tired**;** however**,** I finished the work.
• She studied hard**;** therefore**,** she passed.

Common Mistakes

Run-on Sentences

Two clauses with no connection:

• I like coffee she likes tea. ✗
• I like coffee**,** and she likes tea. ✓
• I like coffee**;** she likes tea. ✓

Comma Splices

Only a comma, no conjunction:

• I like coffee, she likes tea. ✗
• I like coffee**,** but she likes tea. ✓

Quiz