II. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is made up of at least two independent clauses joined by a semicolon or by a comma and a coordinating word (words such as and, but, or, so, for, nor, and yet).

  • Coordination of sentences is done in one of the following ways:

1. Comma with a coordinating word:

, and , but , or , so , for , nor , yet

e.g. The dancer felt dizzy, so she didn't go on stage.

2. Semicolon: ;

2.1 Independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon alone if they are closely related in meaning or show a pointed contrast.

e.g. Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something (Plato).

2.2 A conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase is optional after a semicolon.

; also, ; however, ; in addition, ; furthermore, ; first, ; indeed, ; instead, ; on the other hand, ; then, ; therefore,

e.g. Commuters complain about the lack of mass transit in the city; however, they are unwilling to pay for it.

Task 2 : Compound Sentences

Analyze the following sentences using the marking system described in Task 1. In addition, put a * to the left of the coordinating words that join independent clauses.

Example
  1. Many students took this course, but few have completed it.
    Many [S students] [V took] this course, * but [S few] [V have completed] it.
  2. Will I pass the course, or will I have to take it again?
    [V Will [S I] pass] the course, * or [V will [S I] have to] take it again?

    Note: make sure you insert ONE space after *.

1. My cold grew worse, and I decided to call the doctor.

2. Am I going crazy, or do I just need good night's sleep?

3. The miniskirt has once again become popular; longer styles have also remained fashionable.

4. We want the migrant workers to have a good and secure life, but we don't want our food bills to rise as a result.

5. According to recent research, sightings from certain stones can predict the movements of the sun and the moon and can predict eclipses; however, we can only theorize about the original purpose of Stonehenge.

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