Compound sentences To make a compound sentence, two or more independent clauses are combined, using a coordinating conjunction.

And, but, or, so, for, nor and yet are the seven important coordinating conjunctions. Examples : The topic sentence was good, and the paragraph was successful. (giving additional information) The coffee was called Latin blend, but it was grown in Africa. (showing contrary information)

Examples(Cont.) : The applicant can appear in person, or she can send a picture of herself. (giving an alternative) The dam was in danger, so the flood gates were open. (giving a result) We should not pollute the world , for our next generations could suffer. (giving a reason) The guide was not able to help, nor was she able to find help. (giving another negative) The medical research teams have proven that tobacco smoking is dangerous, yet cigarette consumption is still increasing. (giving contrary information)

EXERCISE 1 : Combine sentences with suitable coordinating conjunctions.

1. The researcher has a new anti-cancer drug. The hospital is trying it. The researcher has a new anti-cancer drug, and the hospital is trying it. 2. Fruits should be kept in a special cool atmosphere. They spoil quickly in a warm room. Fruits should be kept in a special cool atmosphere, for they spoil quickly in a warm room. 3. True friends may not talk together everyday. They are there when needed. True friends may not talk together everyday, but they are there when needed. 4. We couldnt stay outside. The weather was so terrible. The weather was so terrible, so we couldnt stay outside. 5. Vaccines against some modern diseases may not be possible. Doctors will not be able to prevent the diseases soon. Vaccines against some modern diseases may not be possible, nor will the doctors be able to prevent the diseases soon.

Compounding with Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs Some compound sentences in formal written English use a semicolon instead of coordinating conjunctions. For example: Writing a book is a long job; it entails writing and revising and more revising.

The idea in the example given above is clear and simple enough to be understood without joining words. Sometimes, though, special connecting words are used with the semicolon. These connecting words are called conjunctive adverbs.

The lists below give some common conjunctive adverbs and their meanings. Like and , the following conjunctive adverbs give additional information : furthermore moreover besides in addition likewise similarly Like but, the following words introduce the evidence that may seem contrary to the information given in the other sentence: however nevertheless on the other hand on the contrary still Like or, the following words give alternatives : otherwise or else instead Like for, these words connect reasons and results, effects and causes : thus hence therefore accordingly consequently as a consequence as a result

EXERCISE 2 : Combine sentences with semicolons and conjunctive adverbs.

1. Computers seem to understand language. Some can even speak answers. Computers seem to understand language; moreover, some can even speak answers. 2. Plastics have revolutionized industry. They will never become a substitute for real wood. Plastics have revolutionized industry; however, they will never become a substitute for real wood. 3. The chairman decided not to attend the conference himself. He sent his deputy. The chairman decided not to attend the conference himself. Instead, he sent his deputy. 4. The law says that all the wiring work in a new home must be done by qualified electricians. A home owner is not permitted to do anything at all. The law says that all the wiring work in a new home must be done by qualified electricians; therefore, a home owner is not permitted to do anything at all.