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Compound Sentences Exercise

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Review: A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses (equal sentences) joined by a
coordinating conjunction. An independent clause makes sense by itself because it has a subject
and a verb. That is, it could be a sentence all by itself. The coordinating conjunctions used to join
the two independent clauses are the “FAN BOYS”: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. What's
important is for you to find the two important thoughts in a compound sentence.

Directions: Print a copy of this exercise. Underline the two independent clauses in each of these
compound sentences. Circle or box the coordinating conjunction that joins them.

Explanation: Each underlined part could be a sentence by itself. The coordinating


conjunction so is used to join them into a single sentence.

1. The dangers of smoking are well known, yet many people continue to smoke anyway.

2. It's important to put your goals in writing, but you must also be committed to achieving them.

3. An assignment notebook helps you stay organized, so you should consider using one.

4. You will be able to see better if you sit at the front of the classroom, and you will also be able
to hear better.

5. He must have lost his key, for he knocked on the door for us to let him in.

Directions: Use a coordinating conjunction to join each pair of the independent clauses into a
compound sentence.

Example:

The dictionary contains definitions of words.


It also contains a great deal of other information.

The dictionary contains definitions of words, and it also contains a great deal of other
information.

The dictionary contains definitions of words, but it also contains a great deal of other information

1. Spelling is hard for many people. There are techniques for improving spelling.

2. Tony is an excellent student. He received a scholarship.

3. The library is a quiet place to study. Many students prefer to study at home.

4. Some rivers are endangered. Many people are working to protect them.
5. Wear your seatbelt. You might be injured.

Ccan make writing rich andcolorful

make writing rich and colorful. While beginning writers generally learn to first write simple
sentences, compound sentences provide more detail and make paragraphs more interesting
and engaging. When forming compound sentences, it is important to understand the
components of a compound sentence and to use the proper punctuation to join clauses.
Read more at http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/compound-
sentences.html#hIUIYj1zt0Yz1RmH.99

Defining a Compound Sentence


A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined together with a coordinator
such as for, and or but. It is distinct from a complex sentence, which is an independent clause that is
joined with a dependent clause.

Independent Clause
An independent clause is a clause that contains three things:
1. A subject (something or someone that the sentence is about)
2. An action (a verb - something that is being done)
3. A complete thought (there are no questions as to meaning at the end of the sentence)
Coordinator
There are seven coordinators in the English Language:
 For
 And
 Nor
 But
 Or
 Yet
 So
You can use the acronym FANBOYS to help you remember the seven coordinators.
When you have two independent clauses joined by one of these coordinators, that is a compound
sentence. Usually a comma is required, before the coordinator.
Examples of Compound Sentences
 Alex likes to fish, and he is going fishing on Friday. Alex likes to fish is an independent clause.
"Alex" is the subject, "likes" is the action, and a complete thought is expressed.
He is going fishing on Friday is an independent clause. "He" is the subject, "is going" is the action,
and a complete thought is expressed.
The coordinator "and" is used, and a comma is correctly used before the "and."

 Becky wishes she could be younger, for everyone else in the program is half her age. Becky wishes
she could be younger is an independent clause. "Becky" is the subject, "wishes" is the action, and a
complete thought is expressed.
Everyone else in the program is half her age is an independent clause. "Everyone else
in the program" is the subject, "is" is the action, and a complete thought is expressed.
"For" is the coordinator, and a comma is correctly used before the "for."
 She is going to the store, or she is going to the mall.
She is going to the store is an independent clause. "She" is the subject. "Is going" is the action, and a
complete thought is expressed.
She is going to the mall is an independent clause. "She" is the subject. "is going" is the
action, and a complete thought is expressed.
"Or" is the coordinator, and a comma is correctly used before the "or."
 I am very smart, yet I do not enjoy school. I am very smart is an independent clause. "I" is the
subject, "am" is the action, and a complete thought is expressed.
I do not enjoy school is an independent clause. "I" is the subject. "enjoy" is the action. A complete
thought is expressed.
The coordinator "yet" is used, and correctly preceeded by a comma.

Compound vs. Complex Sentences


Only independent clauses joined by one of the above coordinators are compound sentences. When an
independent clause and a dependent clause are joined, a complex sentence is formed, which is
distinct from a compound sentence.
 When I visit my mother, I eat cookies.
This is NOT a compound sentence because "When I visit my mother" is not an
independent clause and a coordinator is not used.
 I like to fish because fishing is fun.
Although "I like to fish" is an independent clause and "fishing is fun" is an independent
clause, this is still not a compound sentence. It is a complex sentence, since none of the
seven coordinators are used here.

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