Compound sentences
- Anna Ridge
- Dec 3, 2025
- 1 min read
“A compound sentence is made when two or more complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined with a coordinating conjunction. They are equal partners holding hands with words like and, but, or, so…”
Remember, independent clauses are complete sentences that can stand alone.
The most common coordinating conjunctions taught are the FANBOYS:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
I like this cartoon -- Schoolhouse Rock-- from back in the day, explaining the conjunctions to a catchy tune:
Example sentences used in the classroom
The rain fell heavily, so we stayed inside.
I wanted to play soccer, but it started to thunder.
She can come with us, or she can stay home.
The horse galloped across the field, and the rider waved happily.
Later extensions (upper elementary)
Compound sentences with more than two independent clauses (using commas and conjunctions).
Introduction of the semicolon as another way to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction (e.g., “The sun set; the stars appeared.”).
Comparison with complex sentences (which use subordinating conjunctions.
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