Compound Sentences: 5 Things You Must Know About Them

Discover the 5 crucial elements of compound sentences in this complete guide. Learn to connect ideas effectively and enhance your writing with compound sentences now.

Margaret Atwood

Published on: 12-11-2024

Reviewed by: Margaret Atwood

Simple coordination and word combination will help you form complete sentences.

Is it interesting to compel different ideas in one clear sentence? Or problematic for you?

No doubt! Sometimes it’s quite difficult to write more than one idea in a sentence but after a complete knowledge it seems interesting.

In this article we get to know all the answers of our questions. The main points in this article are:

What are compound sentences?
What is the correct sentence structure of compound sentences?
Appropriate usage of compound sentences.
Main elements of these sentences.
Additional examples with detailed structure.

What are compound sentences?

Compound sentences are the combination of two or more independent clauses to create complex ideas.

The structures of compound sentences create a smooth connection between two related thoughts. But it is quite similar to a structure of a simple sentence.

These sentences also enhance the flow and quality of the writing while providing a deeper context for the reader.

The combination of ideas creates a relationship between the clauses and makes compound sentences.

Examples of compound sentences include:

I wanted to go for dinner, but it started raining.
She loves gardening, and he enjoys watching movies.
You are feeling well or you need more time to recover.

In these examples, but, and, or are the conjunctions that make a connection between two sentences.

Sentence structure of compound sentences

The sentence structure of a compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or a semicolon.

Just like the structuring a sentence in basic form, the compound sentences also have a specific structure:

Independent clause + connective (comma and a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon) + independent clause

Let’s have an example: The rain fell heavily, but the hikers continued their journey.

In this example, we have two independent clauses:

These clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction "but," and creates a compound sentence.

Compound sentences enable writers to express complex ideas concisely. To solve these complexities, there is an amazing tool sentence rewriter that makes your sentence more engaging and accurate.

This tool rewrites the sentences appropriately and corrects the mistakes. It provides you with various options to modify your sentences and increase the credibility of the work.

Sentence rewriter offers you multiple alternatives for difficult words to increase the readability of the sentences.

Why are compound sentences used?

Compound sentences work well in all languages. These sentences add variety and make your information more relatable yet complex for the readers to understand.

Some sentences like, compound complex sentences seems bit difficult to write, but here is a solution to write everything more simply.

Below are some of the main benefits of using compound sentences:

Combines related ideas effectively
Improves flow and rhythm of writing
Shows relationships between thoughts
Adds variety to sentence structure
Expresses complex information concisely
Enhances clarity and sophistication of prose
Allows for contrasts and comparisons within a single sentence
Develops and improves writing style

Elements of compound sentences

The elements of compound sentences are:

Independent clauses join at least two complete thoughts in a single sentence that has a subject and a predicate in it.
Coordinating conjunctions are the words that connect the independent clauses. The most common are FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
Punctuation is typically a comma before the coordinating conjunction or a semicolon between independent clauses without a conjunction.
Conjunctive adverbs are the words like "however," "therefore," or "moreover" that are used to join independent clauses, usually with a semicolon before and a comma after.
Parallel structure in the compound sentences maintain similar grammatical structures in each clause for balance and clarity.

These elements work together to create complex sentences that express relationships between ideas.

Let’s make it clear with an example:

“I wanted to go shopping, but it was too hot outside.”

This compound sentence consists of two independent clauses: "I wanted to go shopping" and "it was too hot outside." The clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction but.

Elements of compound sentences allow writers to convey more complicated thoughts and relationships between two ideas in one sentence.

Common mistakes to avoid in compound sentences

Here's a list of frequent mistakes to watch out for when working with compound sentences:

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma

Incorrect: "It was snowing, we stayed inside."
Correct: "It was snowing, so we stayed inside."

Omitting the comma before a coordinating conjunction

Incorrect: "The sun was setting and the birds were chirping."
Correct: "The sun was setting, and the birds were chirping."

Adding too many clauses together

Avoid: "I woke up, I ate breakfast, I went to work, and I came home."

Using inconsistent structures in clauses

Incorrect: "She likes swimming and rides bikes."
Correct: "She likes swimming and riding bikes."

Using semicolons with coordinating conjunctions

Incorrect: "The movie was long; but it was interesting."
Correct: "The movie was long, but it was interesting."

Joining unrelated thoughts inappropriately

Avoid: "I love sushi, and my car is orange."

3 main types of compound sentences

Among the different types of sentences, compound sentences are further divided into 3 main types, such as:

1. Compound sentences with a coordinating conjunction

In this type of sentences, you have to join two independent clauses with the coordinating conjunction "and" to show a connection between ideas.

Let’s understand it with an example: “She loves sewing clothes, and he enjoys pool parties.”

Moreover, adjusting the verb and using adverbs correctly can make your sentences clearer and easier to understand.

2. Compound sentences without a conjunction

“I wanted to play outside; then, a thunderstorm started.” These types of sentences are compound sentences without a conjunction.

In this, we use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that indicate a close relationship between the ideas.

3. Compound sentences with a conjunctive adverb

These sentences use a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb "however" to join two independent clauses and to highlight contrast.

Let’s have an example:

“I wanted to go to the yacht; however, it started snowing.”

Conclusion

Writing compound sentences enhances your writing skills. By understanding their structure, elements and avoiding common mistakes, you create clear, smooth, and engaging sentences more efficiently.

Practice using compound sentences in your writing and you will notice a significant improvement in the overall quality of your work.

Learn this guide thoroughly; it will greatly benefit your future learning. Do practice hard to improve your expertise. Don’t wait, act now!

Frequently asked questions

Do I start a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction?

It is not good to start a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction. It typically connects two independent clauses within the same sentence.

What is the difference between a compound sentence and a complex sentence?

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction whereas a complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

How do I form a compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction?

To form a compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction, join two independent clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.