Compound Sentences

By Ms. Rattinger
What is a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence is a sentence with
two independent clauses that are joined
together by a coordinating conjunction or a
semi-colon.

This is a semi-colon
What is a Clause?
A clause is a sentence that can stand on its
own, in other words it is a simple
sentence. Some examples of clauses are:

The paint was brown.
I was feeling bad.
We saw a pig.

Then What is a Coordinating
Conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction is a word that
connects two clauses together. Think of
the coordinating conjunction as the
couplers between two train cars. It holds
the clauses together, like couplers hold the
train together.

couplers
Coordination Conjunctions
Its easy to remember coordinating
conjunctions. Just think FANBOYS!

For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Examples of Compound Sentences
with Coordinating Conjunctions
1. We wanted to see Harry Potter, but we ended
up seeing another movie.

2. I love to surf, and I also love to swim.

3. I can be a ninja for Halloween, or I can be a cop.

What do you notice always comes before a
coordinating conjunction in a sentence?

Did You Say a Comma?
Well, thats right! A comma must always
come before a coordinating conjunction in
a sentence.

This separates one clause from another.

Find the
Independent
Clauses

Can you tell which parts are independent
clauses in the following sentences?
1. Ms. Alexander is going to have a snack,
and then she is going to grade papers.
2. Mrs. Santucci teaches Science, but Ms.
Gulotta teaches Social Studies.
3. Garrett can do his homework now, or he
can do it later.
Check
1. Mrs. Alexander is going to have a snack,
and then she is going to grade papers.
2. Mrs. Santucci teaches Science, but Ms.
Gulotta teaches Social Studies.
3. Garrett can do his homework now, or he
can do it later.

Coordinating conjunctions