Definition

Noun: A compound sentence is a sentence structure composed of two or more independent clauses. These clauses are of equal importance and are typically joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet) or by a semicolon (;). Each independent clause in a compound sentence could stand alone as a simple sentence.

Examples

• (Two independent clauses: "I wanted to go for a walk" and "it started to rain," joined by the coordinating conjunction .)
• (Two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction .)
• (Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.)

Usage

• Joining Clauses: Use a compound sentence to connect two related ideas of equal weight. The choice of conjunction affects the relationship between the ideas (e.g., addition with , contrast with , choice with , cause and effect with or ).
• Punctuation: When using a coordinating conjunction, a comma is usually placed before it. When joining clauses with a semicolon, no conjunction is needed.
  • Correct: He was tired, yet he continued working.
  • Correct: He was tired; he continued working.

Advanced Usage

• Compound-Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
  • Example: Although I was tired (dependent clause), I went to the party (independent clause), and I had a great time (independent clause).
• Stylistic Effect: Using compound sentences can make writing more fluid and sophisticated by showing the relationship between ideas, as opposed to presenting them in a series of short, simple sentences.

Variants and Related Words

• Simple Sentence: A sentence consisting of only one independent clause (e.g., ).
• Complex Sentence: A sentence consisting of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (e.g., ).
• Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can function as a standalone sentence.
• Coordinating Conjunction: A word (FANBOYS: ) used to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Synonyms

• Coordinate sentence (a less common, more technical term).

Related Phrases

• To combine/join sentences: The act of creating a compound sentence from two or more simple sentences.
  • Example: You can join these two sentences with 'and' to form a compound sentence.

Noun

1. a sentence composed of at least two coordinate independent clauses