Compound sentence
Encyclopedia
A compound sentence
is composed of at least two independent clause
s. It does not require a dependent clause
. The clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction
(with or without a comma
), a correlative conjunction (with or without a comma), a semicolon
that functions as a conjunction, or a conjunctive adverb
preceded by a semicolon. A conjunction can be used to make a compound sentence. The use of a comma to separate two independent clauses is called a comma splice
and is generally considered an error (when used in the English language).
Sentence (linguistics)
In the field of linguistics, a sentence is an expression in natural language, and often defined to indicate a grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that generally bear minimal syntactic relation to the words that precede or follow it...
is composed of at least two independent clause
Independent clause
An independent clause is a clause that can stand by itself, also known as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate; it makes sense by itself....
s. It does not require a dependent clause
Dependent clause
In linguistics, a dependent clause is a clause that augments an independent clause with additional information, but which cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses modify the independent clause of a sentence or serve as a component of it...
. The clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction
Grammatical conjunction
In grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrases or clauses together. A discourse connective is a conjunction joining sentences. This definition may overlap with that of other parts of speech, so what constitutes a "conjunction" must be defined for each...
(with or without a comma
Comma (punctuation)
The comma is a punctuation mark. It has the same shape as an apostrophe or single closing quotation mark in many typefaces, but it differs from them in being placed on the baseline of the text. Some typefaces render it as a small line, slightly curved or straight but inclined from the vertical, or...
), a correlative conjunction (with or without a comma), a semicolon
Semicolon
The semicolon is a punctuation mark with several uses. The Italian printer Aldus Manutius the Elder established the practice of using the semicolon to separate words of opposed meaning and to indicate interdependent statements. "The first printed semicolon was the work of ... Aldus Manutius"...
that functions as a conjunction, or a conjunctive adverb
Conjunctive adverb
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that connects two clauses. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect, sequence, contrast, comparison, or other relationships.- Common conjunctive adverbs :*accordingly*additionally*also*anyway*again*as a result...
preceded by a semicolon. A conjunction can be used to make a compound sentence. The use of a comma to separate two independent clauses is called a comma splice
Comma splice
A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses. For example:Although acceptable in some languages and compulsory in others, comma splices are usually considered style errors in English.- Prescriptive view :...
and is generally considered an error (when used in the English language).
Examples
- My friend invited me to a tea party, but my parents didn't let me go.
- Do you want to stay here, or would you like to go shopping with me?
- I have a lot of work to finish, so I will be up all night.