FIFTH MEETING:

COMPOUND SENTENCE
Basic Writing
WHAT IS A COMPOUND SENTENCE?

A compound sentence combines two or more independent

clauses by using a conjunction.
A compound sentence allows us to share a lot of information
by combining two or more related thoughts into one sentence.
 COMPOUND SENTENCE CHARACTERISTICS.

 Compound sentences combine two clauses into

one sentence. (Clauses are each a potential
sentence with a subject and predicate.).
 However, compound sentences use a conjunction
(or sometimes a semicolon) to join two or
more equal, independent clauses.
 [NOR: removes alternative;
1 [AND:adds information] 2 [FOR:means because] 3 YET: stronger contrast; BUT:
contrast ]

 English is an international
language.
 English is learnt as a foreign
language in Indonesia.
 English is an international
language and is learnt as a
foreign language in Indonesia.
 Sarah cried.
 Sarah lost her purse.
 Sarah cried for she lost
her purse.
§ Andi is not smart. Andi is not diligent.
§ Andi is not smart nor diligent.
§ Andi is not smart. Andi is a fast learner.
§ Andi is not smart, yet a fast learner.
§ Andi is not smart. Andi is diligent.
§ Andi is not smart but diligent.

4 [OR:offers a choice] 5 [SO:means as a result]

§ I can go by bus. § Learning English is not easy.

§ I can go by online § I learn English everyday.
Coordinate transportation.
§ I can go by bus or by online
§ Learning English is not easy, so I learn
it everyday.
Conjunctio transportation.

ns
The Formula

There are three ways of joining independent

clauses into a compound sentence:
• with a coordinating conjunction (one of
the fanboys);
• with a semicolon; or
• with a semicolon and a transitional expression.
A Comma & a
Coordinating
Conjunction
For : She is going to New York, for she is feeling lonely.
And : The afternoon had been long, and hours had gone by since lunch.
Nor : There was no house nearby, nor did they have any food with them.
But : Olivia wants to meet her parents, but she has no time.
Or : Should they set off for home now, or should they decide to work a little longer?
Yet : There was still work to do, yet they needed to rest and eat.
So : They were starving and exhausted, so they went home.

Note that the comma in the above sentences comes before the conjunction, not after it.
A Semicolon

This method works readily with some of the examples:

• The two stopped to eat; the work had made them hungry.
• The afternoon had been long; hours had gone by since lunch.
However, it would be awkward to use a semicolon by itself to form
some compound sentences. The sentence below, for example, is
confusing:
• Incorrect: There was still work to do; they needed to rest and eat.
These two clauses express contrasting ideas. We need a contrast word
to make the connection clear. In this case, you might use the contrast
conjunctions but or yet with a comma.
A Semicolon with a
Transitional
Expression
A transitional expression is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between
two ideas. A semicolon with a transitional expression often makes a smoother connection
than a semicolon alone.
There are many transitional expressions showing different kinds of relationships. Here are a
few common examples:
• to add a similar idea: also, in addition, moreover
• to show contrast: however, in contrast, on the other hand
• to indicate a result: therefore, as a result, consequently
• to introduce an example: for example, for instance
• to list points in order: first, second, third; next; then
Note that a comma is used after the transitional expression.
• The work had made them hungry; therefore, they stopped to eat.
• The job was not done; on the other hand, they needed to rest and eat.
Fill the blank with Coordinating Conjunctions:

1. Our car broke down, ………… we took a taxi.

2. I cannot criticize him, ………… he is my brother.
3. There are no eggs in the fridge, ………… is there any bread in the cupboard.
4. I'll have a week in Rome, ………… I'll go to Paris for three days.
5. Mike drove to the park, ………… I walked to the beach.
6. I would have passed the exam, ………… I didn't study enough.
7. It's gone 10pm, ………… he still hasn't arrived.
8. The pain was really bad, ………… he refused to see a doctor.
9. Should they take the test now, ………… should they wait until next month?
10. Alex likes to fish, ………… he is going fishing on Friday
 1

Choose one of two

pictures, then create
your own sentences to
make a paragraph.
Don’t forget to follow
the PWIM instructions.
 2

Choose one of two

pictures, then create
your own sentences to
make a paragraph.
Don’t forget to follow
the PWIM instructions.