• Definition

A compound sentence joins two or more independent clauses with a

coordinator such as for, and, or, but, or a semi-colon.

Independent clauses are two phrases that can stand alone as a

complete thought. They're not dependent upon one another to express
a complete thought, but they tie together similar ideas.
• Independent Clause
• An independent clause contains three things:

• A subject (something or someone that the sentence is about)

• An action (a verb - something that is being done)

• A complete thought (there are no questions as to meaning at the end

of the sentence)
• Coordinator
A coordinator expresses a relationship between two like words, phrases or clauses. Without coordinators, the
reader is left to guess the relationship between two the related parts from the context.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English Language, which are used to link the independent
clauses:
• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So
You can use the acronym FANBOYS to help you remember the seven coordinating conjunctions. When you have
two independent clauses joined by one of these coordinators, usually a comma is required, before the
coordinator.
• FOR — REASON
Fans love to watch Anna, for she dances beautifully.

• AND — ADDITION
Anna performs with a fan, and people enjoy watching her.
Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity,
and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. (This example has
three independent clauses.)
• NOR (NOT OR) / DISJUNCTION
She hasn't taken dance lessons, nor does she need to.

• BUT — CONTRAST
Her technique is unconventional But The effect is striking.

• OR — OPTION / ALTERNATIVE / DISJUNCTION

She can fill an audience with joy Or She can bring people to tears.
• YET — CONCESSION / NON CAUSE-EFFECT
Other dancers try to imitate her style Yet They have not succeeded.

• SO — RESULT / CAUSE-EFFECT
She is talented So She will attract fans for many years to come.
• A conjunction with a comma (e.g., ", and")
I like tea, and he likes coffee.
Read more about when to use commas before conjunctions.

• A semicolon
I like hot chocolate; it sends me to sleep.
Read more about using semicolons.
• A colon
I know one thing: I love that girl.
(This is rare because the words after a colon are not often an
independent clause.)
Read more about using colons.

• A dash
I know you're here — I can smell your perfume.
Read more about using dashes instead of semicolons and colons.
• A conjunction with a semicolon (e.g., "; and")
After the lights went out, I could hear you whispering; and I know you
were talking about me.
(This is rare because it's an outdated style.)