Lesson 3: Mastering Compound Sentences

Review
Remember, a compound sentence joins two independent clauses (complete thoughts) that hold
equal weight. We use:

 Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

 Semicolons (;)
 Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs (e.g., however, therefore) + Comma

Let's quickly review the ground rules for punctuation in compound sentences:

1. Comma + FANBOYS: Use a comma before the FANBOYS conjunction.

o Example: I love to swim, but the water is too cold today.
2. Semicolon Alone: Use a semicolon to connect closely related independent
clauses without a conjunction.
o Example: The train arrived early; we were surprised.
3. Semicolon + Conjunctive Adverb + Comma: Use this combo to show a clear transition
between related ideas.
o Example: He studied hard for the exam**; therefore,** he felt confident.

Aside from this, compound sentences can also have MORE than 2 independent clauses. Create
this type of sentence!

He was busy, so he hid from the manager, for he thought that was reasonable.

He knew it was late, yet he slept in, for he thought that it would serve as an excuse to not go
to work.

He didn’t want to be a bother; he drove the bike to school, and he studied in the library.

Advanced punctuation
As you master the art of compound sentences, it's crucial to avoid common punctuation mistakes
that can make your writing unclear or grammatically incorrect. Let's dissect these pitfalls and
learn how to sidestep them:

1. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when you try to merge two independent clauses (complete sentences)
using only a comma. This creates a confusing "run-on" effect.
  Why it's wrong: A comma alone isn't strong enough to hold two independent clauses
together.
 How to spot it: Read your sentence aloud. If it feels like one thought is running into the
next without a pause, you might have a comma splice.

Example:

 Incorrect: The music was too loud, I couldn't hear my friend.

 Correct: The music was too loud, so I couldn't hear my friend. (FANBOYS)
 Correct: The music was too loud; I couldn't hear my friend. (Semicolon)

1. Run-on Sentences

Run-on sentences are like sentences without brakes – they combine two or more independent
clauses with no punctuation or conjunction to separate them.

 Why it's wrong: It overwhelms the reader and makes it hard to follow the flow of ideas.
o e.g. I hate my cat even though I don’t have a cat and cats are actually fluffy and
cute despite being grosteque at times. (wrong)
 How to spot it: Long sentences that feel breathless or lack clear pauses are often run-ons.

Example:

 Incorrect: The dog chased the ball through the park it was a beautiful day the sun was
shining.
 Correct: The dog chased the ball through the park. It was a beautiful day, and the sun
was shining. (Two sentences)
 Correct: The dog chased the ball through the park; it was a beautiful day with the sun
shining. (Semicolon)

1. Overusing Conjunctions (not really a mistake but you don’t want to do this)

While FANBOYS are essential for building compound sentences, using too many in a row can
make your writing sound monotonous and predictable.

 Why it matters: Varied sentence structure is key to engaging writing.

 How to fix it: Consider these alternatives:
o Break it up: Create two separate sentences instead of a long compound one.
o Use a semicolon: If the ideas are closely related, a semicolon can provide a
sophisticated link.
o Embrace complexity: Introduce complex sentences using subordinating
conjunctions (because, although, since) to add variety and show more nuanced
relationships between ideas.

Example:
  Overused: I went to the store, and I bought some milk, and then I went to the bakery,
and I got a loaf of bread, but they were out of my favorite kind.
 Improved: I went to the store and bought some milk. Afterward, I stopped by the bakery
for a loaf of bread, but they were out of my favorite kind. (Shorter sentences, different
conjunction)

Activity:

 Fix this sentence that overuses conjunctions to something more varied: I went to the
store, and I bought some milk, and then I went to the bakery, and I got a loaf of
bread, but they were out of my favorite kind.
 Fix this run on sentence: I hate my cat even though I don’t have a cat and cats are
actually fluffy and cute despite being grosteque at times.

Quiz and homework

Quiz material

1. Which of these statements BEST describes the purpose of a compound sentence? a) To

state a single, simple thought. b) To express strong emotions or surprise. c) To combine
two or more related ideas of equal importance. (Correct) d) To create a sense of mystery
or suspense in writing.
2. Which of the following is a CORRECTLY structured compound sentence? a) The sun is
shining. The birds are singing. b) Because I love pizza, I ordered a large pepperoni. c) He
went to the store, he bought some milk. d) The weather was perfect, so we decided to
have a picnic. (Correct)
3. Which two sentences can be combined to create a compound sentence using the
conjunction "yet"? a) She loves to dance. She doesn’t like performing on stage. (Correct)
b) The train arrived on time. We were running late. c) He studied hard for the exam. He
passed with flying colors. d) The cake was delicious. Everyone asked for seconds.
4. Why is using a variety of sentence structures important in writing? a) It helps to avoid
repetition and monotony. (Correct) b) It confuses the reader and makes the text more
challenging. c) It allows the writer to use more complicated vocabulary. d) It makes all
the sentences sound the same.
5. Which of these sentences is NOT a compound sentence? a) The team practiced hard, but
they lost the game. b) Even though it was raining, we went for a walk. (Correct) c) He
loves to read, and she prefers to watch movies. d) The thunder roared, and the lightning
flashed across the sky.
6. Identify ALL of the punctuation marks that can CORRECTLY connect two independent
clauses to form a compound sentence: a) Period (.) b) Comma (,) (Correct) c) Semicolon
(;) (Correct) d) Question mark (?) e) Colon (:)
7. In which sentence is the semicolon (;) used CORRECTLY? a) The storm was intense;
with heavy rain and strong winds. b) She loves to read historical fiction; her favorite
author is Philippa Gregory. (Correct) c) I need to go to the grocery store; because I’m out
of milk. d) He's a talented musician; and a gifted athlete.
 8. What is the KEY difference between a comma splice and a run-on sentence? a) A comma
splice uses a comma incorrectly; a run-on uses no punctuation. (Correct) b) A comma
splice is grammatically correct; a run-on is not. c) A comma splice is a very short
sentence; a run-on is very long. d) There is no difference; they are both correct ways to
join sentences.
9. Choose TWO ways to CORRECTLY fix this comma splice: "The cat sat on the mat, it
licked its paws." a) The cat sat on the mat, and it licked its paws. (Correct) b) The cat sat
on the mat; it licked its paws. (Correct) c) The cat sat on the mat because it licked its
paws. d) The cat sat on the mat, it licking its paws.
10. Which of the following sentences avoids the overuse of conjunctions? a) I went to the
park, and I played basketball, and then I went home, and I had dinner. b) I went to the
park to play basketball. Afterward, I went home and had dinner. (Correct) c) I went to the
park, and then I played basketball, and then I ate dinner. d) I went to the park, and I
played basketball, and I had dinner.
11. Indentify the error and give a correction: "The music was so loud we couldn't hear
ourselves speak we decided to go outside for a while it was quieter there."
12. Indentify the error and give a correction: "He studied hard for the test he thought he was
prepared he was nervous on test day he wanted to do well."
13. Indentify the error and give a correction: "The garden was in full bloom there were
colorful flowers everywhere bees buzzed from blossom to blossom the air was filled with
a sweet fragrance."

Read the following sentences carefully. Identify if the sentence is a CORRECT compound
sentence, a COMMA SPLICE, or a RUN-ON sentence.

1. The dog barked excitedly, he wagged his tail.

2. We went to the beach, it was a beautiful day.
3. She loves to paint, and he enjoys sculpting.
4. The concert was canceled we were so disappointed.
5. I studied for hours, however, I still didn't do well on the test.

Correct the following comma splices and run-on sentences using the methods you've learned
(FANBOYS, semicolons, or separate sentences). Choose the method that sounds best to you.

1. We went to the movies afterward we got some ice cream.

2. He wanted to buy a new car he couldn't afford it.
3. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp, it's definitely autumn.
4. She loves to travel she's been to many different countries.
5. The dog chased the cat through the house they knocked over a lamp.

Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) on one of the following topics:

 Your favorite hobby

 A memorable vacation
 Your dream job
Instructions:

 Use at least THREE different compound sentences in your paragraph.

 Make sure your sentences are correctly punctuated.
 Be creative and have fun!