Directions: Print a copy of this exercise.

Underline the two independent clauses in each of these

compound sentences. Circle or box the coordinating conjunction that joins them.

Explanation: Each underlined part could be a sentence by itself. The coordinating

conjunction so is used to join them into a single sentence.

1. The dangers of smoking are well known, yet many people continue to smoke anyway.

2. It's important to put your goals in writing, but you must also be committed to achieving them.

3. An assignment notebook helps you stay organized, so you should consider using one.

4. You will be able to see better if you sit at the front of the classroom, and you will also be able to
hear better.

5. He must have lost his key, for he knocked on the door for us to let him in.

Directions: Use a coordinating conjunction to join each pair of the independent clauses into a
compound sentence.

Example:

The dictionary contains definitions of words.

It also contains a great deal of other information.

The dictionary contains definitions of words, and it also contains a great deal of other information.

The dictionary contains definitions of words, but it also contains a great deal of other information

1. Spelling is hard for many people. There are techniques for improving spelling.

2. Tony is an excellent student. He received a scholarship.

3. The library is a quiet place to study. Many students prefer to study at home.

4. Some rivers are endangered. Many people are working to protect them.

5. Wear your seatbelt. You might be injured.

Practice Exercise: Compound Sentences

Combine the following simple sentences to create a compound sentence.

1. Isaac went to California to visit UCLA. Isaac's parents went too.

2. I tried to cross the street. There was too much traffic.
3. The sun was shining. The weather was warm. I went to the beach.
4. Hannah looked for her lost earring. She found it under her bed.
 5. Give me the broken vase. I'll fix it.
6. Yesterday was snowy and very cold. That didn't bother the children. They went
outside to play anyway.
7. Those are both electives. You can take photography. You can take sculpture.
8. We vacationed last year in Virginia Beach. We will go to Orlando this year.
9. Frank took out his fishing pole. He couldn't put bait on the hook. He didn't catch a
fish.
10. I turned on my computer. I could finish my assignment. It needed to be on time.

Practice Exercise: Complex Sentences and Compound-Complex Sentences

Identify the independent and subordinate clauses in the following sentences and determine
whether they are complex or compound-complex.

11. Karla stayed at work because she had a lot to do.

12. If we want to get to the station on time, we should hurry.
13. Although we have driven 20 miles, I have to go back home because I forgot my
wallet.
14. While taking out the garbage, Tiffany tripped on a tree root and she stubbed her toe
badly.
15. When Drake goes to work he has to take the New Jersey Turnpike, even if there is a
lot of traffic.
16. If Jacob decides to go back to school, he will pursue his doctorate in history, although
it will take than three years for him to finish it.
17. After we arrived back home, my throat started to hurt and I became feverish.
18. Although cats are very independent pets, they will approach someone they trust for
affection.
19. Sometimes computers can be obstinate, especially when they won't do what we want
them to.
20. Mr. Ferrara posted the missing signs around the neighborhood, hoping that someone
had seen his little Jack.

Answers

1. Isaac went to California to visit UCLA, and Isaac's parents went too.
2. I tried to cross the street, but there was too much traffic.
3. The sun was shining and the weather was warm, so I went to the beach.
4. Hannah looked for her lost earring; she found it under her bed.
5. Give me the broken vase and I'll fix it.
6. Yesterday was snowy and very cold, but that didn't bother the children; they went
outside play anyway.
7. Those are both electives, so you can take photography or you can take sculpture.
8. We vacationed last year in Virginia Beach, so we will go to Orlando this year.
9. Frank took out his fishing pole, but he couldn't put bait on the hook, so he didn't catch
fish.
10. I turned on my computer so I could finish my assignment, for it needed to be on time.

(Note that in answers 11–20, the independent clauses are boldfaced and the subordinate
clauses are underlined.)
11. Karla stayed at work because she had a lot to do. (complex)
12. If we want to get to the station on time, we should hurry. (complex)
13. Although we have driven 20 miles, I have to go back home because I forgot my
wallet. (complex)
14. While taking out the garbage, Tiffany tripped on a tree root and she stubbed her
toe badly. (compound-complex)
15. When Drake goes to work he has to take the New Jersey Turnpike, even if there is
a lot of traffic. (complex)
16. If Jacob decides to go back to school, he will pursue his doctorate in history,
although it will take more than three years for him to finish it. (complex)
17. After we arrived back home, my throat started to hurt and I became feverish.
(compound-complex)
18. Although cats are very independent pets, they will approach someone they trust for
affection. (complex)
19. Sometimes computers can be obstinate, especially when they won't do what we
want them to. (complex)
20. Mr. Ferrara posted the missing signs around the neighborhood, hoping that
someone had seen his little dog, Jack. (complex)