Let’s learn about compound sentence structure.
We’ve been taught since pre-school that the basic parts of a sentence are its subject and verb. Taking that to heart, let’s delve into the different kinds of structure – the simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Why do you need to learn these? Because the plain existence of a subject and a verb in a sentence isn’t enough to fuel a message. Using varying kinds of sentences makes your writing – and speaking – more intelligent and compelling.
What is a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses but no subordinate clause. These independent clauses are usually joined by coordinating conjunctions which we discussed earlier. Remember the mnemonic device FANBOYS? They’re the most commonly used coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so – spot them in the examples below. Remember to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.
- Becky baked too many cookies, yet she did not give me any. [two independent clauses joined by the conjunction yet]
- Chris writes love letters to Marissa every day, but she never reads them. [two independent clauses joined by the conjunction but]
- The wind howls, the trees dance, and the darkness wraps the night. [three independent clauses, the last two joined by the conjunction and]
NOTE: Do not confuse a compound sentence with simple sentence having a compound subject or compound verb. Remember that a compound sentence needs at least two independent clauses regardless if they have a compound subject or compound verb.
Related Reading: Simple Sentence – Sentence Structure
Simple Sentence: Music and movies make the world a better place and give us a reason to live. [simple sentence with compound subject: music and movies and compound verb: make and give]
Compound Sentence: Music and movies make the world a better place, for they help us see life from different perspectives. [two independent clauses joined by the conjunction for]
Exercise:
Identify the independent clauses in the compound sentences below. Make a list of the subject and verb of each independent clause in the sentence. Write the subject first then the verb. Bolden the conjunction used.
EXAMPLE 1. The farmers feed the country, yet they remain the poorest of the poor.
ANSWER 1. The farmers feed the country, yet they remain the poorest of the poor.
- The farmers, feed
- They, remain
Practice:
- A butterfly flew in through the window and Mom believes it’s the spirit of her deceased father visiting.
- Paul came from a family of singers, but he hates his voice.
- Midnight silence creeps in, the lights flicker, the windows creak, and a lady in white glares at him.
- While basking in the sunset, Matt looked at Ana, for he’s always believed she’s more beautiful than any view in front of him, then he pulls out a ring from his pocket to propose.
Answers:
- A butterfly flew in through the window and Mom believes it’s the spirit of her deceased father visiting.
- A butterfly, flew
- Mom, believed
- Paul came from a family of singers, but he hates his voice.
- Paul, came
- He, hates
- Midnight silence creeps in, the lights flicker, the windows creak, and a lady in white glares at him.
- Midnight silence, creeps in
- The lights, flicker
- The windows, creak
- A lady in white, glares
- While basking in the sunset, Matt looked at Ana in the eyes, for he’s always believed she’s more beautiful than any view in front of him, then he pulled out a ring from his shirt and finally proposed.
- Matt, looked
- He, has always believed
- He, pulled out, proposed
Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about compound sentence structure.
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