Compound Sentence

Definition with Examples

Compound sentences are the sentences in which, two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon or a transitional expression. Independent clauses are simple sentences having a subject and verb. In compound sentences two independent but closely related clauses are joined by the methods mentioned.

To better understand the subject; first go through the following independent clauses.

* Barbara is driving. She cannot receive your call.

We will now figure out the ways for combining these two independent clauses to make a compound sentence. As we all know that both the independent clauses are talking about Barbara; therefore they are closely related to each other.

Now, if we think carefully, we will figure out that the sentences can be joined together in the following methods-

1) Barbara is driving, so she cannot receive your call.

2) Barbara is driving; she cannot receive your call.

3) Barbara is driving; therefore, she cannot receive your call.

From the above sentences we can infer that two independent clauses can be joined by – 1) joining by a comma (,) and a coordinating conjunction 2) Joining by a semicolon (;)   3) Using semicolon with a Transitional Expression.

Methods of Joining Independent Clauses to make compound Sentences

We will go through all the three methods of joining independent clauses, for making compound Sentences; with help of suitable examples and structural formula.

1) Using a Comma (,) and a Coordinating Conjunction

The Structural Formula for joining two independent clauses by using a comma (,) and Coordinating Conjunction is given below-

• Independent Clause 1 + Comma (,) + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause2 = Compound Sentences

Therefore, two independent clauses can be joined by a comma, followed by a Coordinating Conjunction. English Grammar has seven coordinating Conjunctions – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You can remember these coordinating conjunctions by the word- FANBOYS – F (for) A (and) N (nor) B (but) O (or) Y (yet) S (so).

We will now go through a few examples, where we will join two independent clauses by the given method.

• She is going to New York. She is feeling lonely.
• He is getting late. He is driving slow.
• Amelia doesn’t has a car. Her father doesn’t has a car.
• Olivia wants to meet her parents. She has no time.
• He is going to college. He is losing his attendance.
• They have money. They are not content.
• She was getting late. She was driving fast.
• Harry ordered a burger. He was hungry.
• Jacob tried his best. He couldn’t make it.
• William was not feeling well. He was taken to the hospital.

Now we will join the independent clauses in the sentences given by a comma and appropriate Coordinating Conjunction; taking help from the Structural Formula and FANBOYS-

• She is going to New York, for she is feeling lonely.
• He is getting late, and he is driving slow.
• Amelia doesn’t has a car, nor does her father.
• Olivia wants to meet her parents, but she has no time.
• He is going to school or he is losing his attendance.
• They have money, yet they are not content.
• She was getting late, so she was driving fast.
• Harry ordered a burger for he was hungry.
• Jacob tried his best, yet he couldn’t make it.
• William was not feeling well, so he was taken to hospital.

Practice on your own, making some Compound Sentences by joining two Independent clauses by the method as explained.

2) Using a Semicolon (;)

The two independent clauses can be joined by placing a Semicolon (;) between them. The structural representation/formula is given below-

• Independent Clause 1 + Semicolon (;) + Independent Clause 2 = Compound Sentence

While joining the two independent clauses by a semicolon (;), keep in mind that the word after the semicolon should start with small letters. No semicolon to be used while joining two separate compound sentences and even the sentences joined should be related to each other. Go through the below sentences-

• She cooked the dinner. Harry looked after the guests.
• The water is boiling. Water is hot enough for tea.
• He was walking fast. He was getting late.
• Amelia looked nervous. Amelia was going for the interview.
• They were shouting. They were cheering their team.
• The dog is furious. It is also old.
• Jacob accelerated too hard. He lost control of the car.
• I went to the college. I forgot to go to the library.
• Thank you for your concern. We appreciate your concern.
• Please go through the info book. It has everything in it.

Now, we will join the above sentences by using semicolon (;) at appropriate places between the two independent clauses as given below-

• She cooked the dinner; Harry looked after the guests. (since Harry is a Name; it starts with a capital letter)
• The water is boiling; it is hot enough for tea.
• He was walking fast; he was getting late.
• Amelia looked nervous; she was going for the interview.
• They were shouting; they were cheering their team.
• The dog is furious; it is also old.
• Jacob accelerated too hard; he lost control of the car.
• I went to the college; I forgot to go to the library.
• Thank you for your concern; we appreciate it.
• Please go through the info book; it has everything in it.

3) Using a Semicolon (;) with a Transitional Expression

Another method of forming a compound Sentence is by joining two independent clauses by a semicolon (;) followed by a Transitional Expression as shown in the Structural Formula below-

Independent Clause 1 + Semicolon (;) + Transitional Expression + Comma (,) + Independent Clause 2 = Compound Sentences

A transitional expression helps in determining the relation between two independent clauses; which are being joined. Most commonly used transitional expressions are – however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, further, indeed, neither, either, also, as a matter of fact, furthermore, besides, in addition to, in fact, actually, let alone, too, additionally, alternately, on the contrary, not to mention. Below we will go through separate set of independent clauses and will join them by a Transitional Expression; to form a Compound Sentence.

• He missed the bus. He was late for the meeting.
• He is late for the wedding. He will reach on time.
• Jacob was driving an old car. Its engine got seized.
• It started raining at the wedding. We had fun.
• The channel forecast a thunder storm. It was raining the next day.
• He is not interested in the marriage. He is not interested in the reception.
• He was hungry. He had no money.
• She is right. She was the only one present at the spot.
• I hate to call him. I hate to hear his voice.
• Evidences are against him. Be claims that he is innocent.
• He is a man with influence. He has a political lineage.

Now, we will join the above sentences using appropriate Transitional Expressions and properly placing the Semicolon (;) and Comma (,) as shown in the formula-

• He missed the bus; therefore, he was late for the meeting.
• He is late for the wedding; however, he will reach on time.
• Jacob was driving an old car; moreover, its engine got seized.
• It started raining at the wedding; nevertheless, we had fun.
• The channel forecast a thunderstorm; indeed, it was raining the next day.
• He is not interested in the marriage; furthermore, he is not interested in the reception.
• He was hungry; also, he had no money.
• She is right; in fact, she was the only one present at the spot.
• I hate to call him; actually, I hate to hear his voice.
• Evidences are against him; on the contrary, he claims that he is innocent.
• He is a man with influence; not to mention, he has a political lineage.

Try forming more Compound Sentences by using Transitional Expressions; on your own.

Exercises With Answers

Correct/Incorrect Worksheet/Exercises/Activities On Compound Sentences with Answers:

State whether the following compound statements are correct or incorrect, based on the coordinating conjunctions or transitional interjections, semicolon (;). Check your progress with the answers provided in the end.

1) He was getting late he; hurried to office.

2) He is sick; therefore, he didn’t attend the meeting.

3) She had to go to her home town so she left a little early.

4) He is a good student; therefore, he was also active in sports.

5) She loved children; however, she had no time to play with them.

6) She cooked dinner. He did the dishes.

7) The tea is hot and its also raining outside.

8) She was happy; therefore, she was singing.

9) She stayed alone for she never felt lonely.

10) He was nervous; therefore, he was not allowed to give the speech.

Answers-

1)incorrect, 2)correct, 3)incorrect, 4)correct, 5)correct, 6)incorrect, 7)incorrect, 8)correct, 9)incorrect, 10)correct

1) He was getting late, so he hurried to office.

3) She had to go to her hometown, so she left a little early.

6) She cooked dinner; he did the dishes.

7) The tea is hot, and it is also raining outside.

9) She stayed alone; yet, she never felt alone.

Fill In The Blanks Exercises With Answers

Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use coordinating conjunctions as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use transitional expressions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).Cross check your answer with the answers given in the end of the exercise.

1) I requested him many time, _________ he did not relent.

2) He is working hard, ___________ he is making a progress.

3) John is not going to the party, ________ he wants to go.

4) Julie wants to eat out, _________ she is low on budget.

5) You are in to the game, ________ you are out of it.

6) He was scared, _________ he acted bravely.

7) Barbie was angry, _________ nobody spoke to her.

8) He had many options, _________ he chose to stay with you.

9) She is writing a letter, _________ she is going to regret it later.

10) He was sad, ________ he lost his purse.

11) They were talking, _______ no teacher was present.

12) He tried really hard, ________ failed to achieve.

13) You are driving fast, _________ we will be late for the meeting.

14) He is going through a tough time, __________ he is calm and composed.

15) You did him a favor, _________ he is returning it by helping you.

16) She is calling you continuously, ________ you are not receiving her call.

17) Teachers should always talk to a sad child, _________ he might need help.

18) He is not going to the party, _________ he will let you go.

19) Julie was sad, ___________ she presented a happy face.

20) They were composed, _________ they were calm.

Answers- 1)but, 2)and, 3)nor, 4)but, 5)or, 6)yet, 7)so, 8)yet, 9)or, 10)for, 11)as, 12)but, 13)or, 14)yet, 15)so, 16)for, 17)for, 18)nor, 19)yet, 20)yet

MCQ Exercises With Answers

Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.

1) I was ready to go, _________ the train got delayed.

1. a) for
2. b) but
3. c) and

2) He is leaving early, _________ he is feeling sick.

1. a) nor
2. b) yet
3. c) for

3) They are going on tour, __________ they aren’t happy.

1. a) so
2. b) yet
3. c) or

4) Julie is working hard, _______ her grades are improving.

1. a) and
2. b) but
3. c) yet

5) I didn’t want to be late, _________ I started before time.

1. a) for
2. b) so
3. c) yet

6) I want a large burger,_________ without cheese.

1. a) yet
2. b) nor
3. c) but

7) You are calling me, _________ I will go alone.

1. a) so
2. b) or
3. c) for

8) John is not attending the classes, _________ he turns up for the exams.

1. a) or
2. b) for
3. c) nor

9) Neil is a little nervous, __________ he will perform well.

1. a) for
2. b) but
3. c) so

10) He boarded a fast train, _________ he was late for the meeting.

1. a) but
2. b) so
3. c) yet

11) I took the bag out, _________ there was no money in it.

1. a) yet
2. b) for
3. c) so

12) The lecture may be long, ________ we may feel bored.

1. a) for
2. b) and
3. c) yet

13) You have to move fast, ________ you might miss the last bus.

1. a) and
2. b) for
3. c) or

14) They are not going to college, _________ they want to go.

1. a) nor
2. b) for
3. c) or

15) I like to play chess, _______ I have no time.

1. a) yet
2. b) but
3. c) for

16) We didn’t understand the concept, ________ we understood the design.

1. a) for
2. b) or
3. c) nor

17) He was angry, ________ he was cheated.

1. a) nor
2. b) for
3. c) yet

18) He is older, ________ he is healthy.

1. a) yet
2. b) for
3. c) or

19) He ate fast, ________ he was in a hurry.

1. a) or
2. b) yet
3. c) for

20) Julie will not cook the meal, ________ she is interested in cooking.

1. a) but
2. b) nor
3. c) for

Answers- 1)b, 2)c, 3)b, 4)a, 5)b, 6)c, 7)b, 8)c, 9)b, 10)c, 11)a, 12)b, 13)c, 14)a, 15)b, 16)c, 17)b, 18)a, 19)c, 20)b

Some more Fill in the Blanks Exercises With Answers

Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use only ‘transitional expressions’ as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use coordinating conjunctions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only transitional expressions. Cross check your answer with the answers given in the end of the exercise.

1) He was getting late; ___________, he managed to be on time.

2) John is rude; ___________, nobody talks to him.

3) Some children didn’t get the sweets; __________, they enjoyed a lot.

4) They don’t want to study; _________, they want to go to college.

5) She is serious about studies; ________, she is taking extra classes.

6) He is no smarter than you; _________, he is more expressive.

7) I wouldn’t look directly to a lion; _________, the one in captivity.

8) The party was not for him alone; ________, it was for both of us.

9) He is the right man for the job; ________, he has all the required experience.

10) He loves coffee; ___________, he hates milk.

11) He is going on a long vacation; _____________, with his close friends.

12) He was badly hurt; _________, he recovered fast.

13) They scolded him for his choice; ___________, he was a little sad.

14) I was already late; __________, the train got delayed too.

15) We were already behind schedule; ________, it was getting dark outside.

16) The manager indicated a security beef up; ________ there was a guard at the entrance.

17) John needs to study all subjects; ___________, the subjects he is weak in.

18) He studies well; ____________, he scores well.

19) She likes children; ___________, she loves them.

20) Everybody listens to him; _________, he is respected by everyone.

Answers- 1) however, 2) Therefore, 3) Nevertheless, 4) Neither, 5) in fact, 6) besides, 7) Let alone, 8) Actually, 9) Additionally, 10) On the contrary, 11) Not to mention, 12) However, 13) Therefore, 14) Moreover, 15) Further, 16) Indeed, 17) let alone, 18) Therefore, 19) In fact, 20) Besides

MCQ Exercises With Answers

Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.

1) Jack has much on hands experience; __________, he was not into the panel.

1. a) therefore
2. b) moreover
3. c) however

2) Students were not allowed to dance; __________, they enjoyed a lot.

1. a) nevertheless
2. b) actually
3. c) further

3) Oliver is studying very hard; ___________, he is trying his best.

1. a) therefore
2. b) in fact
3. c) alternately

4) He is not having dinner; ____________, he is staying any longer.

1. a) moreover
2. b) in fact
3. c) neither

5) It is recommended that you consult a doctor; __________, I insist that you do it fast.

1. a) further
2. b) either
3. c) neither

6) Oliver is happy today; ________, it’s his birthday today.

1. a) in addition to
2. b) besides
3. c) actually

7) He will not even consider it; ____________, giving his approval.

1. a) besides
2. b) let alone
3. c) in addition to

8) We started with few employees; __________, many more joined in.

1. a) besides
2. b) actually
3. c) additionally

9) He does a tough job throughout the week; __________, he enjoys the weekends.

1. a) alternately
2. b) actually
3. c) additionally

10) He is not very intelligent; _________, he is known for his intelligence.

1. a) let alone
2. b) on the contrary
3. c) not to mention

11) I didn’t call him; _________, he is out on vacation.

1. a) actually
2. b) additionally
3. c) besides

12) He is planning something big for the party; ________, he wants to make it a memorable event.

1. a) therefore
2. b) actually
3. c) besides

13) Thomas excelled in term examination; ___________, he was felicitated.

1. a) besides
2. b) moreover
3. c) therefore

14) Everybody wants to succeed; ____________, not everyone puts in the required effort.

1. a) further
2. b) however
3. c) besides

15) Students should not bring phone to school; ____________, its not allowed.

1. a) in fact
2. b) in addition to
3. c) moreover

16) He has a passion for success; ____________, he craves for it.

1. a) in addition to
2. b) in fact
3. c) therefore

17) He fed the poor free of cost; _________, a noble act of kindness.

1. a) moreover
2. b) nevertheless
3. c) indeed

18) He is definitely going to call her; ____________, he is going to meet her.

1. a) actually
2. b) either
3. c) neither

19) Charlie must be driving back to home; __________, he is not receiving your call.

1. a) neither
2. b) also
3. c) therefore

20) George was getting late; ___________, he patiently listened to the students.

1. a) moreover
2. b) besides
3. c) nevertheless

Answers- 1)c, 2)a, 3)b, 4)c, 5)a, 6)b, 7)b, 8)c, 9)a, 10)b, 11)c, 12)b, 13)c, 14)b, 15)c, 16)b, 17)c, 18)b, 19)c, 20)c

Related Topics:

Sentence
Simple Sentence
Complex Sentence
Compound-Complex Sentence