Building Compound Sentences
Revising Choppy Simple Sentences
Writing is my favorite class. It is easy and fun.
Critical Thinking class isn’t hard. It can be
enjoyable. We do not get to do grammar exercises
there. I love to practice grammar. I just learned to
write compound sentences. Here they are!
Writing is my favorite class; it is easy and
fun. Critical Thinking class isn’t hard, and it
can be enjoyable, but we do not get to do
grammar exercises there. I love to practice
grammar; in fact, I just learned to write
compound sentences, so here they are!
Three Ways to Make Compound Sentences
o Join two sentences with a comma and a
coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): for,
and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
o Join two complete sentences with a
semicolon.
o Join two complete sentences with a
semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or
transitional expression.
To get rid of short, choppy sentences,
call in the FANBOYS!
Punctuation with FANBOYS
o Put commas before FANBOYS, not after.
o Use a comma when there is a complete
sentence on both sides of the FANBOYS.
I love writing essays, and I love studying
grammar.
Punctuation with FANBOYS
o Don’t use a comma before a FANBOYS word
if only a piece of a complete sentence appears
on either side
o I love writing essays and studying grammar.
unless the items being joined by the
FANBOYS word are part of a series of three
or more items.
o I love writing essays, studying grammar , and
revising my work.
Punctuation with Semicolons
;
o Semicolons act like periods; they bring a
sentence to a stop.
o Semicolons don’t act like commas.
Semicolons are much stronger than
commas. They can keep two whole
sentences apart!
Conjunctive Adverbs
o A conjunctive adverb is a word that
connects two parts of a compound sentence
together while also modifying the part of the
sentence where it is found.
o I wanted to cash my check;
unfortunately, the bank was closed
for the day.
o Some common examples include also,
however, instead, meanwhile, and
nevertheless, and there are many others.
Transitional Expressions
o Transitional expressions are phrases that
show relationships between the parts of a
compound sentence.
o I could use a job; on the other hand, I
like having free time.
o Some common examples include of
course, in conclusion, as a result, and in
fact. There are many others.
Use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or
transitional expression.
o When you’re joining two complete sentences this
way, be sure to put a semicolon BEFORE the
joining word and a comma AFTER.
o We were able to meet the proposal’s
deadline; however, we had to deliver it by
hand.
o I know my grammar perfectly; therefore, I
never worry about my essay grades.
So now you know all you need to know
about making compound sentences!
o To join two complete sentences, use a
comma plus one of the FANBOYS: For,
And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
o To join two complete sentences, use a
semicolon all by itself.
o To join two complete sentences, use a
semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or
transitional expression.
To review compound sentences, see
Chapter 10.