Video: Compound Sentence | Definition, Structure & Examples

Definition of Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is a sentence that has two or more independent clauses joined together by either a comma, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction. Independent clauses are clauses that have a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. The sentence, "This house is too expensive, and that house is too small." is a compound sentence.

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

FANBOYS is a mnemonic that stands for "for," "and," "nor," "but," "or," "yet," and "so." The most common of these coordinators are "and," "but," and "or." An example of a compound sentence using coordinating conjunctions is "I think you'd enjoy the party, but I don't mind if you stay home."

Using Semicolons

Semicolons (;) create an abrupt pause in a compound sentence. Here is an example: "He said he didn't mind if I stayed home; it soon became clear he wasn't being honest."

Types of Sentences

Aside from compound sentences, the other three sentence types are as follows:

• Simple sentences are independent clauses with a single subject and a verb. For example, "Katniss can survive in the forest."
• Complex sentences have dependent clauses and independent clauses within their structure. An example is, "When equipped with her bow and arrows, Katniss can survive in the forest."
• Compound-complex sentences have two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. An example is, "When carrying her bow and arrow, Katniss can survive in the forest, and she is a capable archer."

Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when independent clauses are joined together with incorrect connectors. There are two ways in which run-on sentences may present themselves:

• A fused sentence happens when independent clauses are joined together without any kind of connector. For example, "Katniss can survive in the forest she needs her bow and arrow."
• A comma splice occurs when independent clauses are connected only by a comma and without a coordinating conjunction. Taking the previous example, it would look like this: "Katniss can survive in the forest, she needs her bow and arrow."

These run-on sentences can be corrected by adding the correct coordinating conjunction, which will show the relationship between the two independent clauses more clearly.