Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions

and Semicolons

Two COMPLETE SENTENCES (independent clauses) joined together with a

COORDINATING CONJUNCTION is called a COMPOUND SENTENCE.

Examples of Independent Clauses:

I like to read.
Terri should go home now.
Clay designs video games.

m
Independent Clause + Comma + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent

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Clause

co
eH w
o.
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Example: I spent all my savings, so I cannot go to Spain this summer.
ou urc
In the previous example, so is the coordinating conjunction (or FANBOY). The coordinating
conjunction establishes a relationship between the two clauses. In this case, the conjunction so
o

shows that a second sentence is a result of the first.

aC s
vi y re

You will want to memorize the seven coordinating conjunctions and their meanings. To make
this easier, remember the acronym FANBOYS. Each letter stands for a different conjunction.
Here is a list of the fanboys and the relationship that each establishes between two sentences.
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ar stu
is
Th
sh

FANBOYS

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 ❖ Directions: Each sentence is followed by a coordinating conjunction. Add an
independent clause that would make sense using the information you have just read.

1. Samuel seldom thinks for himself, so he just agrees with others opinions.
2. I don’t believe everything I read, for I am a sceptic.
3. My mother follows her horoscope, but it is not always accurate.
4. The media often exaggerates events, and it spreads false information.
5. The teacher is not always right, nor are they always wrong.
6. I didn’t like the first class, yet I still listened and paid attention.
7. I can believe everything I hear, or I am very gullible.
8. I used to think all lawyers were greedy, but the one on my case was generous.

Semicolons

m
er as
co
Two COMPLETE SENTENCES (independent clauses) joined together with a SEMICOLON

eH w
is called a COMPOUND SENTENCE.

o.
rs e
ou urc
Independent Clause + Semicolon(;) + Independent Clause
o
aC s

This method may seem like an easy way to combine two sentences; it is. In fact, you can use a
vi y re

semicolon the way you would use a period. They only difference is that with a semicolon, there
should be an obvious connection between the two sentences. In this method, you do not have a
coordinating conjunction to establish the relationship between the two ideas; the connection must
ed d

be so clear that it does not need to be stated.

ar stu

Unclear Connection: Ms. Brown is an awesome teacher; I’m going to the movies
is

this evening.
Th

Clear Connection: Ms. Brown is an awesome teacher; she has recommended a

movie to us.
sh

❖ Directions: Read the following sentences about critical thinking. The sentences are
fused together; they are missing semicolons. Insert a semicolon where needed to create
correct compound sentences.

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 Example: I am not always open to new information; I find it hard to admit that I might be
wrong.

1. I don’t think my father will ever become a critical thinker; he is resistant to change.
2. Do not let gossip pollute your workplace; stand up to those who spread rumors.
3. Even the newspaper is biased; I will pay attention to the way they present the facts.
4. My friends from high school label everybody; I am tired of their prejudice.
5. I will raise my kids to be critical thinkers;it won’t be easy.
6. I wrote a letter to The Sentinel; I was angry at the way they stereotyped my race.

❖ Directions: Add a semicolon and a clearly connected independent clause to create a

sentence of your own.

m
er as
co
Example: Mary was excited about seeing N*Sync in concert; she listened to their newest album

eH w
for 3 weeks straight.

o.
rs e
1. My parents follow basketball closely; they’ve always loved the sport.
ou urc
2. Susan does everything her boyfriend tells her; she is spineless.
3. I don’t want to judge her; she hasn’t done anything wrong.
4. I used to think that my parents knew everything; they aren’t as smart as I thought.
o

5. I want to believe that our leaders are moral; they don’t do much to prove they are.
aC s

6. Not everything you read on the Internet is true; it is mostly subjective.

vi y re

7. That’s your point of view; mine is different.

ed d
ar stu
is
Th
sh

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