GCSE
English Language
1.3.3 Compound Sentence
In this lesson, we will explore what a compound sentenceTwo or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon. is, how it is formed, and why it’s useful. These sentences help us combine related ideas of equal importance into one sentence, making our writing more varied and connected.
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a sentence made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction(such as and, but, or, so, yet, nor, or for) or a semicolon(;) Punctuation that can join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; also separates list items that already contain commas. (;). Each clause must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence.
\(\text{Independent Clause} + \text{Coordinating Conjunction} + \text{Independent Clause}\)
or
\(\text{Independent Clause ; Independent Clause}\)
Example
Examples include:
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain. Both parts of the sentence can stand alone and are joined by "but".
- She likes coffee, and he prefers tea. Two complete thoughts joined by "and" — both are independent clauses.
- You can come with us, or you can stay home. Each clause could work as its own sentence, joined here by "or".
Common Mistake
Some students use a comma alone to join two independent clauses — this is called a comma spliceIncorrectly using a comma to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, full stop, or semicolon., and it's incorrect.
- Incorrect: “He was tired, he went to bed.”
- Correct: “He was tired, so he went to bed.” or “He was tired; he went to bed.”
Tip
Use the acronym FANBOYS to remember the coordinating conjunctions used in compound sentences:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
These are the only conjunctions that join independent clauses in compound sentences. If both clauses are closely related and already clear, you can replace the FANBOYS conjunction with a semicolon (;) instead. This only works if the sentence on both sides of the semicolon can stand alone as full sentences. For example:
She was hungry; she made a sandwich.
(You could also write: She was hungry, so she made a sandwich.)
Do not use a semicolon with a FANBOYS conjunction — it’s one or the other, not both.
- Incorrect: She was hungry; so she made a sandwich.
- Correct: She was hungry; she made a sandwich.
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Create a free accountCompound Sentence
- Made up of two or more independent clauses.
- Clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon (;).
- Each clause must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence.