Anyone trying to learn the English language knows how difficult it can be to write proper sentences. While it’s always good to stay on the safe side by composing simple sentences, there’s no denying how compound sentences tend to be more interesting and engaging to the average reader. It can turn a simple narrative into something rich and colorful. But forming compound sentences can be quite tricky, so it’s important for one to be familiar with the basic components of a compound sentence as well as the proper way to connect clauses.
A compound sentence is typically composed of at least two independent clauses that are linked by a comma (,), a semicolon (;), a dash (—) or a conjunction. These independent clauses refer to a type of clause that consists of a subject and a verb and conveys a complete thought. Think of it as a set of twins who are each their own person, yet stay connected by the same biological component. A compound sentence may be about one subject that discusses two different things, two different subjects that are doing the same thing or two different subjects doing two different things.
Based on the example above, two ideas that share a common relationship with each other are linked together with the help of a conjunction. However, take note that the linking word affects the relationship of the given ideas. For instance, using “and” would mean the second clause contains the same type of idea as the first, while “but” would be the equivalent to its opposite idea. But coordinating conjunctions do more than just join independent clauses together, as they also add a smooth flow to your writing. This shows the relationship between the two clauses, making it easier for the reader to understand the overall message.
Listed below are the seven coordinators existing in the English language:
When two independent clauses are connected by any one of the coordinators mentioned, it then forms a compound sentence. In most cases, a comma is required before the coordinator. A semicolon may also be used in place of the coordinator to add a different kind of effect to your statement. Without the use of the right punctuation and/or linking word, then you may be committing an error in the form of a run-on sentence. It’s also important to remember that a compound sentence must only consist of two or more independent clauses and not a dependent clause, otherwise it would be considered as a complex sentence.
Constructing a compound sentence verbally can be a lot easier than in print. But if you want to avoid multiple pauses in your narrative, then uniting related ideas into one powerful sentence can help you do so. Keep in mind that compound sentences are only meant to combine related information, otherwise this may cause confusion and misunderstanding with your audience.
The following are examples of compound sentences joined by a conjunction and a semicolon:
Learning the basics of proper sentence construction, along with its different types, allows you to enhance your communication skills in the simplest way possible. Not only do compound sentences make it easier to convey a clear thought, but it also allows us to summarize the things we write or say. The shorter the sentences are, then the easier it is for information to be received and relayed.