A compound sentence is a phrase that we use in English when we connect two clauses together to create a complex sentence.
What is a compound sentence?
To answer 'what is a compound sentence', we can look at how to construct one. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses (clauses that make sense on their own) and these clauses will be connected by a co-ordinating conjunction.
Most of the time, a compound sentence is used to join two related sentences together into a single idea. Using a compound sentence can help the writer to bring complex ideas together and make your writing smoother.
How do you make a compound sentence?
Now that we have established what a compound sentence is, we can look at how to make one when we are writing. Firstly, we need two independent clauses. For example:
- I baked cookies.
- I baked cupcakes.
These two clauses make perfect sense on their own. Although the ideas presented in them are also related to each other (they are both about baking). We can connect them together using a co-ordinating conjunction to make a compound sentence. For example:
- I baked cookies and I baked cupcakes.
You may have noticed that when you read these two examples, the second example (the compound sentence) flows more smoothly, as you don't pause for the full stop! That's how compound sentences can help writing at a faster pace.
Examples of Compound Sentences
As we have covered, we require a co-ordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses and create the compound sentence. Let's have a look at a few examples of compound sentences using different co-ordinating conjunctions.
- I'm going to the shop, for I have run out of milk.
- I like swimming and I like running.
- I have never been to France, nor have I been to Australia.
- She doesn't like apples, but she loves bananas.
- Eat up your dinner, or you won't have any pudding.
- He has a dog, yet he wants a cat too.
- It's my friend's birthday soon, so I'll get them a present.
Conjunctions in compound sentences
Clearly, conjunctions are one of the most important parts of compound sentences. They're needed to bring the independent clauses together, and are the glue of compound sentences. So, a solid understanding of conjunctions in compound sentences is definitely in order!
What are conjunctions?
Conjunctions are connecting words, which bring together two or more clauses. They often show the relation between the two clauses of ideas, for example showing one to be a result of the other, or in spite of the other. They're a really important building brick in any language. Without them, we would only talk in lots of short sentences, and that would sound really silly!
Examples of conjunctions in compound sentences
Next time you're building a compound sentence, check out some of the conjunctions that you could use to insert in them.
| and | therefore | however | but | yet | although |
| despite | for | either/or | neither/nor | in case | due to |
| by the time | in as much | until | since | because | supposing |
| provided that | when | furthermore | accordingly | meanwhile | subsequently |
As you can see, the different conjunctions point to different links between the two clauses. The conjunction in a compound sentence is a simple and vital way to add meaning to your speech or writing.
Common Compound Sentence Mistakes
The most common mistake that children (and adults!) make when writing compound sentences is accidentally creating a comma splice.
A comma spice is when two independent clauses are connected with a comma on its own, rather than a co-ordinating conjunction.
Here's an example of a comma splice:
- I went to the park today, it was loads of fun
The comma between the two clauses should either be changed to a co-ordinating conjunction or into a full stop to split them into two sentences.
- I went to the park today, and it was loads of fun.
- I went to the park today. It was loads of fun.
To avoid making comma splices, think about whether you could replace the comma with a full stop and have the two sentences make sense on their own. If so, something needs to change!
How are children taught about compound sentences?
To help us remember the most common co-ordinating conjunctions that we can use within our writing, we can use the acronym 'FANBOYS'.
Children may also be taught that the two connecting clauses in a compound clause are of 'equal importance'. This helps them to remember that the two clauses could technically be split into two individual sentences.
The phrase 'multi-clause sentence' may be used in teaching as well. Similar to a sentence with a subordinate clause, a compound sentence contains multiple clauses.
To reinforce learning, children may be given activities where they pull apart and put together compound sentences. This helps them to remember:
- the structure of the sentence
- the components of the sentence
- how they can build these sentences, using two main clauses and a co-ordinating conjunction
Compound Sentence Teaching Resources
Are you looking for teaching resources to support your teaching of compound sentences? Then look no further.
Here are our top resource recommendations for teaching this topic.
Multi-Clause Sentences: What is a Compound Sentence? PowerPoint
This fantastic PowerPoint provides your pupils with a step-by-step guide on how to create a compound sentence. It starts by breaking down sentences into different parts. This lets children see how to construct them for themselves, just like a jigsaw puzzle!
Compound Sentence Jigsaw Worksheets
Children can apply their knowledge with this fun worksheet. Continuing the jigsaw puzzle theme, the worksheet asks children to build a compound sentence by looking at the first clause, and circling an appropriate co-ordinating conjunction. They are challenged to add their own clause to finish the activity.
What is a Compound Sentence? Display Posters
Create a wonderful display in your classroom with these bright and colourful posters. Each one shows an example of a compound sentence with each part of it labelled. This will help your pupils to understand the different parts of the sentence and what they need to include when writing their own compound sentences.
Every single one of these resources has been made, checked, and approved by experienced teachers. So, you can rest assured that the content is accurate. Plus, they're all quick and easy to download.