A simple compound sentence consists of two independent clauses (simple sentences)

linked by a coordinator (coordinating conjunctions: FANBOYS – see right).

Before starting to write paragraphs, stories or essays, it is important to get the basics
right. Look at the examples, and then write some simple compound sentences yourself.
• My father is a doctor and my mother is a teacher.
• I love dogs, but I don’t like cats.
• We could go swimming tomorrow or we could just stay at home.
• My son’s spoken English is great yet his spelling is terrible.
• I had double glazing installed so I’ll be able to save on my electricity bill.

What can you see in the pictures? Describe using simple compound sentences.
1. John and Mary are friends so they often play together.

1. 2. John likes playing football and Mary likes swimming.

3. John is quite lazy, but he is very smart.
4. Mary loves pink yet she doesn’t like wearing a dress.

5. John’s father is a lawyer and his mother is a nurse.

6. They went to the cinema yesterday but they didn’t like the film. .

2. 1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

3. 1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

4. Now use your imagination and write some more simple compound sentences.