Compound Sentences: How to Use Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by either a linking word, such as a conjunction, or a semicolon. Put simply, a compound sentence links together two simple sentences, which are sentences with one independent clause. In the English language, compound sentences and complex sentences are two common types of sentence structures, but there are two crucial differences between them: 1. __Compound sentence__: A compound sentence is a sentence comprising two or more independent clauses. The independent clauses in a compound sentence connect with coordinating conjunctions, like “for” and “yet,” or conjunctive adverbs, such as “however” and “nevertheless.” 2. __Complex sentence__: A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause, also known as the main clause, and one or more dependent clauses, known as subordinate clauses. The independent and dependent clauses in a complex sentence join with subordinating conjunctions like “after,” “because,” “than,” “where,” “while,” “if,” and “unless.” 3. __Compound-complex sentence__: The compound-complex sentence structure contains two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Compound sentences include independent clauses and coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or conjunctive adverbs: 1. __Independent clauses__: A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate, and it expresses a complete thought. By itself, an independent clause could be a complete sentence. 2. __Conjunction__: The independent clauses of a compound sentence are usually joined together by coordinating conjunctions. The seven conjunctions are: "for," "and," "nor," "but," "or," "yet," and "so"—which you can remember via the acronym “FANBOYS.” A comma usually comes before the coordinating conjunction unless the clauses are short. 3. __Semicolon__: You can also join independent clauses with a semicolon. 4. __Conjunctive adverbs__: The independent clauses can be joined by a conjunctive adverb like “moreover,” “however,” and “meanwhile.” A semicolon precedes the conjunctive adverb, and a comma follows. There are three ways to combine two independent clauses to create compound sentences with new meaning. Consider these examples of compound sentences: 1. __There is traffic on the freeway, so I am going to be late__. This sentence combines the two independent clauses “There is traffic on the freeway” and “I am going to be late” with the coordinating conjunction “so.” 2. __I love ice cream; my boyfriend prefers cake__. This compound sentence joins two independent thoughts with a semicolon. 3. __I hurt my ankle; therefore, I did not go on the hike__. In this example, a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb “therefore” connect two independent clauses. Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Salman Rushdie, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more. Compound sentences combine multiple independent clauses, typically by using a linking word. Learn the three ways to join two independent clauses to create a compound sentence.