Compound Sentences
Joining independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions and semicolons
What are Compound Sentences?
A compound sentence joins two or more independent clauses (each can stand alone as a sentence). They are connected by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon.
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
For (reason)
Explains the reason or cause (formal). Similar meaning to "because".
I stayed indoors, for it was raining.
And (addition)
Adds information. The most common coordinating conjunction.
She reads books, and he watches TV.
But (contrast)
Shows contrast or unexpected result between two clauses.
He is rich, but he is not happy.
He smiled, but his eyes were cold.
From novelOr / Yet / So
Or = alternative; Yet = surprising contrast; So = result/consequence.
You can stay or leave.
She was tired, yet she kept working.
It was late, so we went home.
Semicolon Usage
A semicolon can replace a coordinating conjunction to join two closely related independent clauses. This creates a tighter connection than a period but looser than a conjunction.
The sun is setting; the sky is beautiful.