Compound Sentences

~ A Glance at Grammar

Definition
A

Compound Sentence is a sentence

that joins two independent clauses
together with a coordinating
conjunction or semicolon.

Formula
Compound

Sentence =

Independent Clause + Independent

Clause

What?
An

independent clause is a clause that

can stand alone. It is a group of
words that contains a subject and
verb and expresses a complete
thought.
An independent clause is a sentence.

Fixing Choppy Sentences

Ex)

The cat was happy.

Ex) He slept underneath the bed.
Compound=

The cat was happy, and he

slept underneath the bed.

Combining Clauses
There

are two ways to combine

independent causes to make a
compound sentence:

Comma + Coordinating Conjunction

Semicolon

Comma + Coordinating
Conjunction

A coordinating conjunction is also

known as a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

For

And
Nor
But
Or

Yet
So

Comma + CC/FANBOYS
Ex)

The teens walked to the park,

but it was closed.
Ex) The gentleman did not know
where the sound came from, so he hid
behind the tree.

Combining Clauses
There

are two ways to combine

independent causes to make a
compound sentence:

Comma + Coordinating Conjunction

Semicolon

Semicolon
You can also use a semicolon to
create a compound sentence since the
two statements are equal.
Ex) The teacher applauded the
class; the kids beamed with pride.
Ex) The dog ate; the cat slept.

Now,

it is
your turn!

Warm-Up

Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound.

If compound, mark why.

The rain fell for hours and ruined the

picnic.

I left, but Marcy stayed.

Polar bears feed on seals; seals feed on

fish.

Warm-Up

Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound.

If compound, mark why.

Female penguins usually stay at sea, but they

return when their eggs hatch.

The sloth eats and sleep while hanging

upside down.

The pouch under a pelicans bill is huge,

holding up to 25 pounds of fish.

Warm-Up

Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound.

If compound, mark why.

Kiwi birds have nostrils on their beaks; they

can smell earthworms.

Sharks have to keep moving constantly, or

they suffocate.

Most rabbits drown in water,but the marsh

rabbit can swim.

Warm-Up

Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound.

If compound, mark why.

The gulls circle the fishing boat; they are

hoping for a quick meal.

At the Bay View nursing home, Mr. Tompkins

waits for his children to visit.

Tyrell can play several instruments, but the

trombone is his favorite.

Warm-Up

Directions- Create a compound sentence by joining the two

independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction or a
semicolon.

Im driving to the office in an hour. Ill pick up

the supplies on the way.

Up went the lottery jackpot. Down went our

hopes of winning.

We surveyed the dirty cabin. We each

shrugged silently.