Josh Liljenquist

Writing reference

Compound Sentence Examples

See how two independent clauses form a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

By

What makes a sentence compound?

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses. With a coordinating conjunction, place a comma before the conjunction. A semicolon can join closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

24 original compound sentence examples

  1. The rain stopped, and the grounds crew removed the tarp. Join: and.
  2. Maya wanted tea, but the kettle was empty. Join: but.
  3. We can take the train, or we can share a ride. Join: or.
  4. The road was icy, so the school opened late. Join: so.
  5. I called twice, yet no one answered. Join: yet.
  6. The clinic was closed, for it was a public holiday. Join: for.
  7. He did not rush, nor did he ignore the deadline. Join: nor.
  8. The draft was concise; the appendix held the supporting detail. Join: semicolon.
  9. The battery was full, but the flashlight would not turn on. Join: but.
  10. The orchestra tuned, and the audience settled into silence. Join: and.
  11. You can submit the form online, or you can mail a printed copy. Join: or.
  12. The first sample was contaminated, so the technician repeated the test. Join: so.
  13. The room looked small, yet it held every guest comfortably. Join: yet.
  14. The recipe seemed simple; the timing required close attention. Join: semicolon.
  15. Jules packed a lunch, for the trail had no services. Join: for.
  16. The server did not crash, nor did it lose any queued jobs. Join: nor.
  17. The wind shifted, and smoke moved away from the campsite. Join: and.
  18. I liked the color, but the fabric felt too heavy. Join: but.
  19. Leave before six, or expect traffic near the bridge. Join: or.
  20. The printer jammed, so we sent the packet digitally. Join: so.
  21. The evidence was incomplete, yet the pattern deserved further study. Join: yet.
  22. The doors opened; the line moved quickly. Join: semicolon.
  23. Rina checked the totals, and Omar reviewed the source dates. Join: and.
  24. The cabin had no signal, but the emergency radio worked. Join: but.

Avoid the comma splice

A comma alone cannot normally join two independent clauses. Add a coordinating conjunction, use a semicolon, or separate the clauses into two sentences.

Related resources