Compound Sentences

We saw in sentence structure that a compound sentence is two (or more)

independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon. So a
compound sentence is like two or more simple sentences added together. A
compound sentence does not contain any dependent clauses.

 I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
 Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went
to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
 Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came
last.

Joining Compound Sentences with Coordinating

Conjunctions
Usually, we join independent clauses with one of the seven coordinating
conjunctions.

The term coordinating conjunction sounds complicated, but in fact there are
only seven of them and they are all short, one-syllable words: For—And—
Nor—But—Or—Yet—So — remember them with the mnemonic FANBOYS.

The most common of these coordinating conjunctions are and, but and or, in
that order. Note that a comma (,) must come before the coordinating
conjunction except when the clauses are short (in which case the comma is
optional).
And

The and conjunction is the most common conjunction. It has several uses.

 We use and to join two clauses that have equal value, for
example: London is in England, and Rome is in Italy.
 We use and to join two clauses when the second clause happens after
the first clause, for example: There was a big bang and the lights went
out.
 We use and to join two clauses when the second clause is a result of
the first clause, for example: He went to bed early, and the next day he
felt better.

but
We use the but conjunction to introduce a clause that contrasts with the
preceding clause, for example: Mary ran fast, but she couldn't catch John.

or
We use the or conjunction to join two alternative clauses, for example: Will
Mary go, or will John go?

nor
We use the nor conjunction to join two alternative clauses when the first
clause uses a negative such as neither or never. In this case both clauses are
untrue or do not happen, for example: Mary never wrote the letter, nor did she
call him. (Note the inversion of subject and auxiliary: did she.)

for
We use the for conjunction (meaning something like because) to join two
clauses when the second clause is the reason for the first clause, for
example: He felt cold, for it was snowing.
yet
The yet conjunction is similar to but. It means something like but at the same
time; but nevertheless; but in spite of this. As with but, there is a contrast
between the clauses, for example: I have known him for a long time, yet I
have never understood him.

so
The so conjunction means something like therefore; and for this reason. We
use so to join two clauses when the first clause is the reason for the second
clause, for example: He was feeling sick, so he went to the doctor.

Note that when using a coordinating conjunction, you can (if you wish) remove
any subject word and modal auxiliary from the second clause. (This is not
possible with subordinating conjunctions.)
 He's already had three beers, and now he wants another one.
o He's already had three beers and now wants another one.
 You can take a train, or you can take a bus.
o You can take a train or take a bus.

Joining Compound Sentences with Semicolons

Occasionally, we join independent clauses with a semicolon (;).

 He studied very little; he failed his exams.

 The sky is cloudy; it's going to rain.
 Ram cut the grass; Ati trimmed the hedge; Tara watched.

Joining Compound Sentences with Conjunctive

Adverbs
We can also join independent clause with words and phrases like moreover,
however, at least (conjunctive adverbs). In this case, the conjunctive adverb
must be preceded by a semicolon (;) and followed by a comma (,).
Look at these examples:

 John loves Mary; however, Mary doesn't love John.

 Salad is not expensive; moreover, it's very healthy.

 What he did was incredible; in fact, I can hardly believe it.

How to join independent clauses

comma + coordinating Independent , for independent

conjunction clause , and clause.
, nor
, but
, or
, yet
, so

semicolon ;

semicolon + ; moreover,
conjunctive adverb + ; however,
 comma ; indeed,
; therefore,
; at least,

The table shows all seven coordinating conjunctions, and a few conjunctive
adverbs as examples.

Do not try to join independent clauses with a comma alone—that's impossible!

 John drank coffee. Mary drank tea.
 John drank coffee, Mary drank tea.
 John drank coffee, and Mary drank tea.
 John drank coffee, but Mary drank tea.
 John drank coffee; Mary drank tea.

Compound Sentence Examples

Now look at some more examples showing compound sentences and
coordinating conjunctions or semicolons in context.

Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions

 The cinema was sold out, so we watched a movie on TV.
 I'll have a week in Rome, or I'll go to Paris for three days.
 I really need a holiday, but I don't have the money, and I don't have the
time.
 He's crazy! He doesn't like the car, yet he bought it anyway.
 It's gone 10pm, and he still hasn't arrived.
 Our car broke down, so we took a taxi.
 Our plane left Bangkok on schedule, and we arrived in London early.
 I cannot criticize him, for he is my brother.
 There are no eggs in the fridge, nor is there any bread in the cupboard.
 I would have passed the exam, but I didn't study enough.
 Should they take the test now, or should they wait until next month?
 I have never visited Moscow, nor have I been to St Petersburg.
  The pain was really bad, yet he refused to see a doctor.

Compound Sentences with Semicolons

 The Angel Falls waterfall in Venezuela plunges 907 metres; it looks
spectacular.
 The entire town was flooded; people used boats.
 We always shop at the supermarket; it's got everything in one place.
 Call us next week; it should be in then.
 You can pay online; we accept all major credit cards.
 I only write non-fiction; I've never tried fiction.

Compound Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs

 Frantic is my favourite film; however, I've only seen it once.
 He turned himself in to the police; otherwise, they would have arrested
him.
 He's got a really good job; at least, that's what he says.
 He claimed he was working last night; however, nobody saw him at the
 office.

Compound Sentences in Famous Quotations

Here are some examples of compound sentences in quotes from famous
people and sources.

 "Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn." Laurence Binyon
  "To be uncertain is uncomfortable; but to be certain is ridiculous."
Goethe
 "For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt though return." Bible
 "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Oscar Wilde
 "The girl was beheaded, chopped into pieces and placed in a trunk, but
was not interfered with." British newspaper report
 "I am just going outside and may be some time." Captain Lawrence
Oates
 "I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven." Niccolo Machiavelli
 "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord
Acton
 "Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the
other." Erma Bombeck

Compound Sentences in Sayings

These compound sentence examples come from everyday sayings and
proverbs in the English language.

 Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.

 There's one law for the rich, and another for the poor.
 A man is as old as he feels, and a woman is as old as she looks.
 Money is a good servant, but a bad master.
 Talk of the Devil, and he is bound to appear.
 There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
 You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.