While it is important to write sentences directly to the point, additional details can also be important. Additional details give more depth and meaning to your statements, making people understand you and the thoughts and ideas you want to put across. If writing using simple sentences is too direct, plain, and boring for you, you can always consider writing using compound sentences. With the use of compound sentences, you will not only be able to add more details to your written compositions, you will also be able to give your write ups a colorful turn which, as a result, will engage and encourage your readers to read more of your writings. Learn more about the compound sentences and the methods of writing one with the help of this article. We also provide you with examples to help you create your own.
Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses that are joined together using three methods: a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, and a transitional expression. Do not confuse a compound sentence with a complex sentence because complex sentences are composed of independent clauses joined with a dependent clause while compound sentences are composed of two or more independent clauses that are joined together using coordinating conjunctions. A clause is a group of related words which consists of a subject and a verb. There are two types of independent clauses, namely: the independent clause and the dependent clause. Compound sentences have two independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions or coordinators. An independent clause is a type of clause that can stand by itself and can sometimes be considered as a simple sentence since it has a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought in a more direct manner. You can find compound sentences in speeches, reports, essay writing and even informative speeches. There are a lot of examples you can use compound sentences with.
There are three ways or methods of writing and joining two independent clauses in order to create a compound sentence. Method 1: Use a Comma and a Coordinating Conjunction. Formula: independent clause + comma (,) + coordinating conjunction + independent clause = compound sentence. A comma and a coordinating conjunction can be used to connect independent clauses in forming compound sentences. Make sure that the comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions also called as coordinators, join two independent clauses in order to construct a compound sentence. There are seven coordinators and these are the following: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. The seven coordinators can be memorized by the use of the mnemonic FANBOYS.
Method 2: Use a Semicolon (;) Formula: independent clause + semicolon (;) + independent clause = compound sentence. The purpose of the semicolon is like that of a period. The semicolon puts a stop between two independent clauses but the difference between a semicolon and a period is that the word that starts after the semicolon is not in capital letters. Make sure you do not use a semicolon when you form separate compound sentences. Make sure you use semicolons between two clauses with similar and related ideas so that the connection between two things is clear.
Method 3: Use a Semicolon with a Transitional Expression. Formula: independent clause + semicolon (;) + transitional expression + comma (;) + independent clause = compound sentence. To express or show how two ideas are related to each other, the use of a transitional expression is encouraged. Transitional expressions also help in expressing or showing how one sentence is also related to its preceding statement. It is best to use a transitional expression along with a semicolon in order to make the connection between two clauses smooth and make it easier to be understood. Here are some of the transitional expressions: indeed, further, as well (as this), either, neither, not only (this) but also (that) as well, also, moreover, what is more, as a matter of fact, in all honesty, furthermore, in addition (to this), besides (this), to tell the truth, in fact, actually, to say nothing of, too, let alone, much less, additionally, alternatively, on the other hand, and not to mention (this). To easily show relationships between two group of words with similar ideas, here are some of the ways:
If you want to add another similar thought or idea it is best to use the transitional expressions also, in addition, and moreover. If you want to show how two ideas are contrasting, you use: however, in contrast, and on the other hand. If you want to indicate a result or an effect on a particular cause, using therefore, as a result, and consequently will be the effective transitional expressions to use. If you want to cite examples, the transitional expressions for example, for instance, and a case in point are important so there will be no confusion. If you are to list points in chronological order, using first, second, third; and next; then that is all you have to do so that you will be able to properly indicate the order of things.
Additional notes and reminders: A comma should always be added after the transitional expression. A transitional expression is not either a coordinating or a subordinating conjunction. This also means that it can never join, grammatically, clauses together. This is the reason why transitional expressions and semicolons should always go together when joining two independent clauses. Always use a semicolon or period before the transitional expression and never a comma. If you use a comma, it will result in a run-on sentence. This is a very common error that most of us would commit and that is why you should make sure to keep in mind the formula while writing this method of writing compound sentences which is: independent clause + semicolon (;) + transitional expression + comma (;) + independent clause.
You may have gone through this in class before. Your teacher may have taught you some basic ways to write compound sentences. But these tips are also here to expound what you may have already been taught.
When you plan on writing out compound sentences, remember the format. What is the format you ask? If you start with a past tense of the verb, the second part of your sentence must also be past tense. You cannot write a compound sentence with just one sentence or a different thought.
Writing compound sentences always add the comma to separate both. The purpose for this is to let the reader understand that there are two different sentences that independent clause + comma (,) + coordinating conjunction + independent clause = compound sentence. Formula: independent clause + semicolon (;) + independent clause = compound sentence. independent clause + semi-colon (;) + transitional expression + comma (;) + independent clause = compound sentence.
Avoid writing fragmented sentences when writing out compound sentences. Fragmented sentences do not make any sense and would only make your sentences look lacking. In addition to that, fragments make your sentence as a whole, sound as if you have not prepared on what you want to write. It makes your sentences look chaotic or look unprepared.
Let your students rewrite two simple sentences into a compound sentence. Whether they choose to use a comma, a semi colon, or both. It also depends on which they may use, by, or, and. Give them the opportunity to explore when writing compound sentences.
Essay writing is a good example to use compound sentences. Essay writing helps you formulate your sentences properly, and with that you are able to make better sentences with practice. Think of a topic you want to talk about and write it in the form of an essay. Your compound sentences should also be present. Remember that compound sentences are there to connect two simple sentences that either have the same thought or may differ but they still make sense.
A compound sentence is a kind of sentence that consists of two independent clauses. It is separated with either a comma or a semicolon. A compound sentence is merged to make two simple sentences into one thought.
Here are some examples of compound sentences: “She and my sister Mary are classmates, but they are not friends.” “Ted is painting the room blue, and Rod is painting the ceiling white.” “I’ll take the left road, or you can take it.”
The purpose of a compound sentence is to connect two simple sentences together to make one whole new sentence. It spares you the time and effort to write out simple sentences when you want to write out a whole thought altogether.
With the help of these methods and given examples, we hope that you will already be able to compose your own compound sentences with more understanding of what it is about and more variety this time around.
