A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses, each of which could be
A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses, each of which could be a complete sentence in itself. Compound sentences can be constructed using either coordinating conjunctions or conjunctive adverbs.
Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions
The table below lists all the coordinating conjunctions in English. The handy mnemonic, FANBOYS, will help you to remember and distinguish coordinating conjunctions in English.
| List of Coordinate Conjunctions | |
|---|---|
| for | reason or cause |
| and | addition |
| nor | negative option |
| but | contrast |
| or | choice or option |
| yet | contrast or surprising result |
| so | result |
Carefully review the sample sentences below. Notice that each clause is independent and can, therefore, stand on its own.
Also notice that a comma (,) precedes each coordinate conjunction.
Examples of Compound Sentences Using Coordinate Conjunctions
The government really must invest in infrastructure spending, for many of the city’s roads are in dangerous disrepair.
Several of our trucks now operate on electricity, and we are hoping to power our ships with hydrogen fuel by 2024.
He never attends meetings, nor does he participate in team projects.
Our manager considered operating the factory using geothermal technology, but the implementation costs were too high.
Coordinated Sentences: Punctuation
Place a comma before the coordinate conjunction if the information in each clause is a complete thought (an independent clause). However, an ellipsed sentence does not require a comma. Ellipsed sentence is the term used to describe two independent clauses that are combined and shortened.
Examples of Ellipsed Compound Sentences
Mary wrote the report, and John proofread it. (Use a comma because each clause is independent.)
Mary wrote and proofread the report. (Omit the comma because “and proofread the report” is not an independent clause. Note that Mary is the subject of both “wrote and proofread”.)
Coordinated Sentences: Comments on “for” and “nor”
Both sentences below are rather formal. They are grammatically correct. They could, nonetheless, be recrafted to produce a more conversational tone.
Examples of Recrafted Formal Sentences
Original Sentence: The government really must invest in infrastructure spending, for many of the city’s roads are in dangerous disrepair.
Recrafted: The government really must invest in infrastructure spending because (or since) many of the city’s roads are in dangerous disrepair.
Original Sentence: He never attends meetings, nor does he participate in team projects.
Recrafted: He never attends meetings and doesn’t participate in team projects.
Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs
Compound sentences can be created by using conjunctive adverbs. Review the table below to ensure that you understand what each word(s) mean.
| Addition | Alternative | Contrast | Time | Example or Emphasis | Result or Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| additionally | instead | however | eve