Definition of Compound Sentences
A compound sentence is a type of sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses.
What’s an Example of a Compound Sentence?
Some compound sentence examples would be the following:
June went to the skating rink, but it was closed for renovations.
I was exhausted from basketball practice, so I took a nap.
Brooke harvested corn from the garden, and Ricardo ate it for dinner.
Why You Should Use Compound Sentences in Your Writing
Writing with compound sentences can be very useful in terms of providing your reader with variety, clarity, and impact.
Variety: Incorporating compound sentences in your writing adds variety. They separate monotonous, simple sentences and will keep your reader engaged. For instance:
She enjoys hiking, but she loves climbing.
The sun was shining, yet a cool breeze swept through the trees.
Clarity: Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses, and by linking these closely related clauses, they establish a clear and unified statement. For example:
I have a dog, and his name is Barney.
I cannot attend the party, but I can still celebrate with you in spirit.
Impact: Compound sentences can emphasize contrasting or complementary ideas which provide impact in your writing. They allow you to highlight important points:
Not only did Wilbur win the race, but he also set a new school record.
He studied incredibly hard, yet his grades never improved.
Be sure to use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to connect your compound sentences, or use a semicolon to connect them.
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